Moss Law Firm

03/13/2026

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

Buddha

03/11/2026

What Is Arson in SC?

Arson is defined in S.C. Code Section 16-11-110. An offense can be first, second, or third-degree arson. The severity of the offense is determined by the location that is burned and whether anyone was hurt or killed in the fire.
Actions that are considered arson include when a person:
• Causes an explosion;
• Sets fire to;
• Burns;
• Causes to be burned; or
• Aids, counsels or procures a burning.
Can I Be Convicted of Arson if I Set Fire to My Own Property?
It does not matter if the property is your own or someone else’s.

Arson in the First Degree
First-degree arson in SC carries a penalty of no less than 30 years. If a person commits either second or third-degree arson that results in death or serious bodily injury to a person, the charge is “upgraded” to first degree arson.

Arson in the Second Degree
Second-degree arson carries a potential penalty of no less than three years in prison and up to 25 years in prison.
It is considered a second-degree arson if the damaged property is a:
• Dwelling house;
• Church or place of worship;
• Public or private school facility;
• Manufacturing plant or warehouse;
• Building where business is conducted;
• Institutional facility; or
• Any structure designed for human occupancy including local and municipal buildings.

Arson in the Third Degree
Third-degree arson is punishable by up to 15 years. It applies when the damaged property is:
• Any building or structure not covered by first or second-degree arson;
• A railway car;
• A ship, boat, or other watercraft;
• An aircraft;
• An automobile or other motor vehicle; or
• Personal property.

03/03/2026

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

02/25/2026

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

02/13/2026

“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” –

Ray Goforth

02/13/2026

Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses
Chapter 21 - Offenses Involving Motor Vehicle Titles
Section 16-21-60. Use of vehicle without permission.

(A) It is unlawful for a person not entitled to possession of a vehicle to take, use, or drive a vehicle, without the consent of the owner and with intent to deprive him, temporarily or otherwise, of the vehicle or its possession.

A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be imprisoned not more than three years.

(B) But if the deprivation of the owner was for a temporary purpose only, unconnected with the commission of or intent to commit a crime other than the taking of the vehicle, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

02/09/2026

I think that I am a walking testimony to you can have scars. You can go through turbulent times and still have victory in your life.

Natalie Cole

02/03/2026

02/02/2026

In South Carolina, the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) provides that it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed attorney providing legal services, advice, or preparing legal documents for compensation. It is a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine.

01/30/2026

I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.

Michael Jordan

01/27/2026

2024 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses
Chapter 11 - Offenses Against Property
Section 16-11-520. Malicious injury to tree, house, outside fence, or fixture; trespass upon real property.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to wilfully and maliciously cut, mutilate, deface, or otherwise injure a tree, house, outside fence, or fixture of another or commit any other trespass upon real property of another.

(B) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a:

(1) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth ten thousand dollars or more;

(2) felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years, or both, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth more than two thousand dollars but less than ten thousand dollars;

(3) misdemeanor triable in magistrates court or municipal court, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 22-3-540, 22-3-545, 22-3-550, and 14-25-65, if the injury to the property or the property loss is worth two thousand dollars or less. Upon conviction, the person must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.