Stegall Law

09/15/2026

PARTLY AT FAULT? YOU MAY STILL HAVE A CLAIM.

If you were partially responsible for an accident, that does not necessarily prevent you from recovering damages.

South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence:
• 50% or less at fault: You may still recover, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• More than 50% at fault: You cannot recover.

For example, $100,000 in damages with 20% fault could result in an $80,000 recovery.

Don’t assume you have no claim just because you may share some of the blame.

https://www.stegalllawsc.com/blog/south-carolinas-comparative-negligence-rule

Questions about an accident? Contact Stegall Law at (843) 300-7498.

After a car accident, one of the first questions an insurance adjuster will ask is some version of, “what were you doing right before the crash?” It sounds like small talk. It is not. The answer can directly affect how much money you recover, or whether you recover anything at all, under South C...

09/15/2026

A single word - “misdemeanor” or “felony”—can shape how someone sees the entire case. It shouldn’t.

In South Carolina, some misdemeanors carry up to three years in prison. Classified felonies range from a maximum of five years for a Class F felony to thirty years for a Class A felony.

But even those classifications do not tell the whole story.
Some offenses fall outside the classification system and carry penalties established by their own statutes—including life imprisonment. Other offenses labeled as misdemeanors can still expose a person to substantial jail time and lasting consequences.

The real questions are more specific:
What offense has been charged?
What penalty does that particular statute authorize?
Is the offense classified or exempt from classification?
What additional consequences could follow a conviction?
“Misdemeanor” does not automatically mean minor. “Felony” does not tell you the possible sentence by itself. The specific charge—and the statute behind it—matter far more than the label.

Read more at https://www.stegalllawsc.com/blog/misdemeanor-vs-felony-in-south-carolina

Charged with a crime? Know what the charge actually means.

Stegall Law
(843) 300-7498
stegalllawsc.com

Serving Summerville and the South Carolina Lowcountry.

This post provides general information and is not legal advice.

09/11/2026

Today, we remember September 11, 2001.

We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders, service members, and ordinary Americans who answered tragedy with extraordinary courage.

Twenty-five years later, we honor their memory and the spirit of unity, service, and sacrifice that followed one of our nation’s darkest days.

For those of us in the military community, September 11 also carries a lasting reminder of the generations of Americans who answered the call to serve in the years that followed. We remember those who deployed, those who came home forever changed, and those who never came home.

At Stegall Law, we are proud to stand with our military, first responders, and the Lowcountry community in honoring all who served and sacrificed.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

— Stegall Law

09/08/2026

Two similar documents. Two completely different jobs.

09/01/2026

A DUI Arrest Is Not a Conviction

If you're stopped at a DUI checkpoint this Labor Day weekend, it's important to understand your rights.

• Checkpoints must follow constitutional procedures—not an individual officer's personal discretion.

• You must provide your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance.

• Beyond identifying yourself, you generally have the right to remain silent.

• Refusing the official breath test after an arrest can result in an immediate license suspension under South Carolina's implied consent law. You have only 30 days to request a hearing to challenge that suspension.

Every DUI case is different. The legality of the checkpoint, the officer's investigation, and the administration of field sobriety and chemical tests can all affect the outcome of a case.

To learn more about your rights, the DUI process, and how license suspensions work in South Carolina, read our latest blog:

South Carolina DUI Checkpoints: Know Your Rights
https://www.stegalllawsc.com/blog/south-carolina-dui-checkpoints

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI anywhere in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Stegall Law is available to help you understand your rights and your legal options.

08/25/2026

You don't have to be "seriously hurt" to take your injury seriously.

08/18/2026

Quick question...

If something happened to you tomorrow, would someone have the legal authority to:

- Handle your finances?

- Make medical decisions for you?

- Carry out your wishes after you're gone?

If you answered "no" or "I'm not sure," it may be time to put a South Carolina estate plan in place.

Three documents every South Carolina adult should have:

1. Last Will and Testament

2. Durable Power of Attorney

3. Healthcare Power of Attorney

Estate planning isn't about expecting the worst, it's about protecting the people you care about.

Do you have questions about estate planning? Stegall Law is here to help.

https://www.stegalllawsc.com/blog/do-you-need-a-will-in-sc

Save this post and share it with someone who needs to see it.

08/13/2026

Stegall Law is proud to call the South Carolina Lowcountry home.

We’re grateful to The Journal Scene for sharing the story behind the opening of our firm and our commitment to serving individuals and families throughout the Lowcountry.

Stegall Law was founded with a simple purpose: to provide experienced, personal legal representation grounded in honor, integrity, and compassion.

Whether you are facing criminal charges, recovering from an injury, navigating probate or estate planning, or dealing with a difficult legal dispute, you deserve an attorney who will take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and stand beside you through the process.

This firm may be new, but the commitment to serving this community is not.

We’re proud to be here. We’re ready to get to work. And we look forward to serving the Lowcountry for years to come.

Stegall Law
Serving Summerville and the South Carolina Lowcountry.
www.stegalllawsc.com

Attorney Bart J. Stegall has opened a new law practice in Summerville after nearly two decades of public service as a prosecutor, county attorney and South Carolina Army National Guard judge advocate.

08/11/2026

The first 10 minutes after an accident can affect your health - and your legal claim.

Follow these steps to protect your claim:

1. Check for injuries. Call 911
2. Move to safety if possible, but don't leave the scene.
3. Exchange names, insurance, and driver's license information.
4. Take photos and get witness contact information.
5. Don't admit fault, and see a doctor even if you feel fine.

In South Carolina, many personal injury claims must be filed within 3 years, but important exceptions can apply. Don't wait to learn your rights.

Injured in a South Carolina accident? Stegall Law is here to answer your questions and help you understand your options. Give us a call today.

08/06/2026

🚸 School is back—and school zone enforcement is, too.

When those yellow lights are flashing, even a few miles per hour over the speed limit can lead to a costly ticket and points on your South Carolina driver's license.
Help keep our children safe:

✔️ Slow down in school zones.

✔️ Watch for crossing guards and students.

✔️ Never pass a stopped school bus displaying its stop arm.

Keeping our school zones safe protects everyone.

If you receive a school zone or traffic ticket and aren't sure what it means for your driving record, Stegall Law can help you understand your options before your court date.