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Eminent Domain Attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC
Most people who buy a home and the land it sits on expect that it will be theirs for as long as they choose to reside there. They may choose to pass that home and land along to children or other family members once they pass. It's a very common scenario, but for some residents of Charleston County, it may not be possible due to a highway expansion. Once the expansion starts, these residents could actually lose their land. And while you wouldn't think such an action would be legal in America, truth is often stranger than fiction.
The newly proposed expansion on Highway 41 will expand the highway to two lanes, increasing it to a total of four lanes on most of the roadway and from two to three lanes near the Phillips Community. The project would also start construction of Laurel Hill Parkway - a two-lane road that intersects through the outskirts of Laurel Hill County Park. For the Phillips Community, which sits adjacent to the highway, it could mean the loss of residents' homes and land that have been in their families for generations.
So, what can people like those in the Phillips Community do? They don't want to lose their homes or bear the burden of significantly more traffic around them. On their own, the options can be dour. But with the help of eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC, these families can receive the just compensation they deserve.
Understanding Eminent Domain in South Carolina
Remember that when you purchase or are given a plot of land, your property rights aren't as absolute as you may think. According to the United States Constitution, the government has the authority to take your property under specific circumstances. Essentially, your property rights are not absolute.
What's interesting is that the government's ability to take your property is actually stated in the Constitution. Even though the Constitution states that "private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation," in essence, this means the government can take your property if the intended use is valid and they compensate you fairly. The Supreme Court upheld this view in 1876, interpreting that the government had this power based on the Constitution. Eminent domain was frequently used during the construction of the nation's railroad system, often without sufficient limitations on the government.
Unfortunately, many South Carolina residents end up being on the wrong end of the cost-benefit analysis when it comes to fair compensation. That's why, if the government is trying to take your land, it's so important to get in touch with eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC, as soon as possible. That way, you have someone by your side for any legal proceedings or disputes. At Lauren Taylor Law, we have a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients in cases where the government has failed to fulfill its legal responsibilities.
- How Can the Government Take Your Property?
- The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
- What Constitutes "Public Use" of Your Land in South Carolina?
- Partial and Easement Taking of Your Land in South Carolina
- Under Eminent Domain, You Must Be Paid Fair Market Value
- How the Government Condemns Your Land with Its Actions
- What Should You Do if Your Land Can Be Taken by the Government?
- Top 3 Reasons to Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer in South Carolina
- Eminent Domain Attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC Fighting for Your Rights
How Can the Government Take Your Property?
There are typically two different ways that the government may take your property. Those include:
- Inverse Condemnation: This happens when you must take action and declare that your property or land was taken (even though you may still own it) so that you may receive compensation.
- Directly: This happens when the government takes explicit action to own your property.
In both scenarios, you could be forced into litigation in order to protect your rights, even though you had no plans on doing so.
The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
- The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
- The land the government takes must be for public use.
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
- The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
- The government is taking your land but not for public use.
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
The Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
When the government wants to acquire your land, they will typically begin by making a formal offer to buy your property. At this point, you may have the opportunity to negotiate with them. If you decide that selling your property is the best option, it's important to work towards reaching an agreement with the government on the sale price. This isn't always a straightforward process because the government may not be willing to offer you a fair amount.
To determine the price of your property, the government will have their appraiser assess the value of the property. This appraiser functions much like an adjuster for an insurance company, many of whom offer lowball pricing. You should know that you have the right to hire your own appraiser to determine an independent valuation. This is often the best course of action if you're considering selling to the government.
If you choose not to sell to the government, they may proceed by filing a lawsuit to initiate the condemnation process. At this point, you can challenge the taking itself by working with eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC. You can also ask the court to determine the fair market value of the property if the government's valuation is lower than what you believe is fair.
Limits to Eminent Domain in South Carolina
While the government can use its power to take your land, there are limits on its ability to do so. Namely:
- The government must pay landowners a fair market price for their property.
- The land the government takes must be for public use.
As such, there are two reasons why you can sue the government as part of an eminent domain case:
- The government won't compensate you fairly for your property.
- The government is taking your land but not for public use.
Given the history of these cases, you can never trust the government to act fairly. Why? Because local officials often have interests in such matters, and your rights are getting in their way. Sometimes, the only viable route you have is to lawyer up and fight the case in court.
What Constitutes "Public Use" of Your Land in South Carolina?
Landowners commonly contest whether the taking is genuinely for public use. There are constraints on the government's actions and the reasons for which they can seize your land. The interpretation of these terms by the courts often favors the government. "Public use" does not simply mean that your property would be open to the general public. Instead, the term is more akin to "for the benefit of the public."
Historically, the government expropriated private lands for projects such as bridges and highways. Numerous legal battles arose during the period when the nation was constructing its railroad system. In these instances, the courts typically interpreted "public use" more broadly.
Some of the most common reasons why government landtaking is upheld include the building of structures like:
- Pipelines
- Highways
- Public Buildings
- Utilities
- Railroads and Transit Lines
These are the more "traditional" uses of eminent domain, where the public use would be less in question. However, the law also permits certain utilities to wield the power of eminent domain. For instance, in a recent case in South Carolina, Dominion Energy was granted the authority to acquire homes in order to construct an energy pipeline.
Regrettably, governments have historically tended to misuse this authority, and some courts have even condoned such actions. As an example, courts in Toledo, Ohio, allowed 83 homes to be taken from residents in order to construct a manufacturing plant for Chrysler, which said the plant would create jobs for the public.
If the government is trying to take your land, you should never give up on your property. By working with eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC, you may be able to stop them by challenging the taking itself. You can also challenge the purpose of the taking and argue that the reason for "public use" is really for private use.
Partial and Easement Taking of Your Land in South Carolina
Many people worry about the government taking over their entire piece of land. However, in some cases, the government may not need all your property and might not want to compensate you for it. They may only require a portion of your land.
In such instances, the government not only has to pay you for the part of the land they are taking, but they also have to compensate for the decreased value of the remaining land that you still own. Additionally, the government may seek to obtain an easement on your land through eminent domain. This easement could be for utilities or access to another area. Once again, the government must compensate you for the land taken and for the reduction in value of the rest of your property.
Under Eminent Domain, You Must Be Paid Fair Market Value
In essence, fair market value represents the amount a willing buyer would offer to a seller for their property. While this concept seems straightforward, applying fair market value in reality can be quite challenging. In many instances, negotiating with the government may be necessary to receive proper compensation for your land. Just like any negotiator, the government typically begins with a low offer and anticipates a counteroffer from you to reach a mutual agreement. Rarely does the government present its best offer right from the start.
Several valuations may be considered to determine your property's fair market value:
The amount of income your property could have produced
Comparison of sales to other similar properties in the area that were recently sold (there could be disagreements pertaining to what is comparable)
The amount of money it would cost to replace your property (and the structures built on it) minus depreciation
In reality, during a trial, both you and the government would have valuation experts testify. First, you'd have to choose the relevant valuation, which the government might dispute. Then, you'd need to apply the appropriate valuation method. There might be a significant difference between your numbers and the government's.
However, even if you couldn't prevent the seizure of the property, many have successfully challenged the government's valuation of their property. Property owners have compelled the government to pay more, and our team of eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC, has represented many of them in the legal process over the years.
How the Government Condemns Your Land with Its Actions
- The government may not need to attempt to seize your land to potentially owe you money. There are situations where government actions could prevent you from using your land. In many ways, the government has the authority to dictate how you can use your property. They can enact laws and zoning regulations that limit your property usage. To constitute a regulatory taking, the government's actions must completely prevent you from using your land for any economic purpose.
- The government may have a valid justification for its regulations. However, when it comes to compensating you for your land, the government's intentions are irrelevant. What matters is the impact the regulation has on your land usage.
- In addition to regulatory taking, the government may take your land if its actions have caused damage to your property. For example, a neighboring construction project could have flooded your property. They might have trespassed on your land, either temporarily or permanently. This type of taking is referred to as a "de facto" taking, and the government still needs to compensate you when it happens.
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What Should You Do if Your Land Can Be Taken by the Government?
Typically, you'll receive notice regarding the potential acquisition of your property through a letter. But if you're like the residents of the Phillips Community, you might have already heard murmurs that something might happen to your land. If you suspect or find out that the government plans to take your land through eminent domain, you need the help of seasoned eminent domain attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC, right away.
The truth is that the government can be just as challenging to deal with as an insurance company. Despite your constitutional rights, they might try to conceal information or offer far less compensation than your property is worth.
In an eminent domain lawsuit, you're essentially challenging the government. While some courts might show some level of deference to the government, they are not given free rein to do as they please. It's within your rights to stand up and contest the government's actions if they violate your rights. But to fight back effectively, your best bet is to work with an eminent domain lawyer from Lauren Taylor Law.
Your attorney will assess the best legal approach for your case, which could involve suing the government or vigorously defending against their lawsuit. You could also negotiate compensation, either before or after the case goes to court.
Top 3 Reasons to Hire an Eminent Domain Lawyer in South Carolina
If you receive notice that your property is being targeted for eminent domain action, also known as condemnation, it's important to seek advice from an eminent domain attorney. Many people won't reach out to a lawyer when dealing with this kind of legal issue because they:
- Mistakenly believe that the government has their best interests at heart and will actually offer fair compensation
- Feel intimidated and believe they must cooperate
- Believe that the taking of their land is really for "public good."
Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely, if ever, true. In fact, you may actually be more vulnerable and at risk than you originally thought. This misunderstanding illustrates exactly why you should enlist the services of a reputable eminent domain attorney. With the assistance of a legal expert who is well-versed in South Carolina eminent domain law, property owners can safeguard their rights and secure maximum compensation.
Here are the top three ways an eminent domain lawyer can help:
1. Help You Get Just Compensation
It's important to keep in mind that the initial offer from the government for your property is often the lowest amount they think they can get away with. This rarely represents the full and fair compensation you deserve. An attorney has the expertise and resources to ensure that you receive proper compensation for the value of your property, including relocation expenses and more.
In some instances, an eminent domain attorney may be able to secure a higher amount than what the government is proposing. The eminent domain lawyers at Lauren Taylor Law are dedicated to safeguarding your rights and protecting your property
2. Help You Understand Your Rights
Government agencies are not permitted to simply take any property they desire. According to the 5th Amendment, they must prove that the condemnation is genuinely for public use and meets other specific criteria. You have the right to demand that the state fulfill these criteria before seizing your property. Plus, if only a portion of your property is necessary to complete the project, you have the right to safeguard the ownership of the remaining part of your property.
3. Provide Guidance Through the Complicated Process of Eminent Domain in South Carolina
Eminent domain cases and their related laws can be quite intricate and overwhelming for the average property owner. You shouldn't be expected to grasp all the technical terms, and you certainly shouldn't be penalized for not fully understanding the process. That's why having an experienced eminent domain lawyer by your side is valuable on many levels. A skilled eminent domain attorney will assist you through each stage in plain language that you can grasp. With an eminent domain attorney advocating for you throughout your case to safeguard your rights, you stand a better chance of receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve.
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Eminent Domain Attorneys in Moncks Corner, SC Fighting for Your Rights
843-790-9009If the government takes your property or prevents you from using it, you have the right to file a lawsuit. The law provides you with the opportunity to stand on equal ground with our government, allowing your lawyer to advocate for your rights in court.
At Lauren Taylor Law, our eminent domain lawyers step in so you don't get pushed around. Our goal is to fight the government on your behalf, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about eminent domain in South Carolina and how our firm can help.
Latest News in Moncks Corner, SC
Progress with large development in Moncks Corner
Matt Bisehttps://www.postandcourier.com/berkeley-independent/news/progress-with-large-development-in-moncks-corner/article_ecf448c2-0f67-4533-8da5-68f930d4e238.html
The Town of Moncks Corner took another step toward allowing a large development off of Highway 52. But council members are proceeding with caution.Back in October of 2025, council voted consider the rezoning of the property from large industrial to planned development. Then the company Dream Finders pitched a plan to develop 96-acres of land. The frontage is on Highway 52 and is adjacent to Bent Tree Lane and Ben Baron Lane. Council decided to allow the proposal to move forward with some changes.One of the sticking points, acco...
The Town of Moncks Corner took another step toward allowing a large development off of Highway 52. But council members are proceeding with caution.
Back in October of 2025, council voted consider the rezoning of the property from large industrial to planned development. Then the company Dream Finders pitched a plan to develop 96-acres of land. The frontage is on Highway 52 and is adjacent to Bent Tree Lane and Ben Baron Lane. Council decided to allow the proposal to move forward with some changes.
One of the sticking points, according to the town, was the proposal regarding townhomes. The company scrapped that part the of the plan and now plans to build detached single family homes. But council still wants some answers.
There were some issues in 2025 regarding the commercial portion of the development as well as concerns brought up regarding traffic. According to council they didn’t receive the answers they’ve been wanting since last fall.
“We were presented this stuff a few months ago and the meeting resulted with some guidance to the developer. I am not seeing where anything was returned to us other than the agreement and not anything we’ve ask for,” said council member Chadwick Sweatman.
However, at the council meeting on Feb. 17, members decided an agreement may be made with the company. They passed a first reading to consider a development agreement between the company and the town. A public hearing and a second reading will now follow. Nothing is binding at this point.
In total the plan being proposed involves building 316 housing units the site will include recreation areas as well as roughly 70,000 square feet of commercial space. The plan it to have the second reading and public hearing on both the planned development agreement and the planned development agreement. But council wants some information before that happens.
“They need to give us a bottom line number of how much the commercial they are going to have and they better have that by next meeting,” said town Mayor Thomas Hamilton. Hamilton showed his interest in the development earlier in September when the plan was first being discussed.
“I’m not going to pick on past subdivisions however we’ve got some junk subdivisions. We’ve got some subdivisions where all we got is subdivision and housing,” he said in 2025. “Now we are saying give us commercial, give us rec…We have so many subdivisions that have been approved and has given nothing to this town but traffic. This is a good development. The developments we go after gives up rec, it gives us commercial these are the developments we need to push for.”
Biggins Boat Landing closing for upcoming expansion project in Moncks Corner
Maya Brownhttps://www.live5news.com/2026/02/12/biggins-boat-landing-closing-upcoming-expansion-project-moncks-corner/
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) — The William H. Dennis “Biggins” Boat Landing in Moncks Corner is set to close on Feb. 15 for an upcoming expansion project.Santee Cooper plans to temporarily close the boat landing to start a major expansion and modernization project that will significantly improve public water access by expanding boating capacity, increasing parking, improving traffic flow and enhancing visitor safety.Project leaders also say the expansion will help support the growing recreation needs of Berkeley...
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. (WCSC) — The William H. Dennis “Biggins” Boat Landing in Moncks Corner is set to close on Feb. 15 for an upcoming expansion project.
Santee Cooper plans to temporarily close the boat landing to start a major expansion and modernization project that will significantly improve public water access by expanding boating capacity, increasing parking, improving traffic flow and enhancing visitor safety.
Project leaders also say the expansion will help support the growing recreation needs of Berkeley County.
“Berkeley County is rapidly growing and as part of that, there are more people using this boat landing,” Emily Tyner, Santee Cooper manager of corporate communications, said. “The current infrastructure doesn’t really support the growing demand, so the purpose of this project is to expand the public access to water.”
Tyner said the project will help improve public safety and will ensure the landing can serve both the current and future community needs.
Key elements of the project include expanding the existing two-lane boat ramp to a four-lane boat ramp, constructing two new staging docks, adding up to a total of 470 feet of docking space and adding two new ADA-compliant fishing piers.
“Santee Cooper is proud to serve our local community, and our partner with Berkeley County is built on that shared commitment,” Tyner says. “That includes promoting responsible growth and preserving access to our rivers and lakes.”
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb says he’s looking forward to the completed project, and providing access to all their natural amenities is a high priority.
“We got a lot of families that work hard all week, so the opportunity to get out on the weekend or even during the day of the week and it not be aggravating, that’s it,” Cribb says. “If you view it as safe and if you can get in and out, you’re more likely to enjoy it. And we have a lot of boat owners in Berkeley County.”
Cribb adds that the more quality boat landings there are throughout the county will also help with traffic because less people will be driving on roads to be able to get to the river or creek they want to boat or fish in.
The landing will reopen in spring 2027. Officials stress to residents to use other boat landings in the area, including the Cypress Gardens Boat Landing and Bushy Park Boat Landing.
“We realize it is a very popular landing, so we appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation, as we make these major upgrades,” Tyner says.
Mini golf course opening soon in Johns Island, while Tractor Supply eyes Moncks Corner
Jenny Petersonhttps://www.postandcourier.com/business/retail/sea-island-golf-and-arcade-mini-golf-johns-island-opening/article_627ee843-3787-4c1f-bdee-cfd0537b96da.html
Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”The wait is almost over.Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — ...
Drivers along Maybank Highway on Johns Island have been passing a bright green, retro-style sign promising miniature golf is “coming soon.”
The wait is almost over.
Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade is slated to open in late February, bringing two full 18-hole micro-layouts and a large indoor arcade with several dozen games.
The family-friendly entertainment hub at 3414 Maybank Highway features two separate courses — Alligator Alley and Swampville — complete with fountains, sand traps and mini bridges behind a warehouse-style building and parking area.
More than 40 arcade games will be installed indoors, along with multiple televisions for watching sports, including golf and a concessions counter inside will serve up soft pretzels, ice cream, slushies, nachos and pretzels.
Pending a permit, the food truck will offer pizza, fries and chicken fingers. The owners have also applied for a beer and wine license.
Each hole on the courses is sponsored by a local business, and the first nine holes on each course are wheelchair accessible. The design allows players to complete a full 18-hole round by combining accessible holes across both courses. A practice putting green is included on site.
Co-owners Sandie and Michael Albenesius, who also own and operate St. John’s Kayaks and Boat Tours, said the idea grew out of a desire to offer more activities for teens and families on the island and nearby James Island. They own the Sea Island Mini Golf with two additional co-owners.
Transforming the former storage warehouse took several years.
Players on the mini golf course will receive putters, golf balls, a scorecard and a tiny pencil upon signing up to play the courses.
Outdoor seating, picnic tables and televisions — including coverage from the Golf Channel — are also part of the setup.
Initially, Sea Island Mini Golf & Arcade plans to operate Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. but will fluctuate based on weather or demand. The owners said hours will likely expand as demand grows, particularly heading into the summer season.
Beyond casual play, the venue plans to host birthday parties, corporate events, themed nights and group outings for kids and adults alike.
Rural retail
A national retailer of farm and rural lifestyle supplies is eyeing a new stire at Foxbank Plantation in Moncks Corner, near a community slated for nearly 3,000 homes.
Tractor Supply and PetSense by Tractor Supply have submitted plans to the S.C. Department of Environmental Services for a 21,930-square-foot retail outpost at 219 Foxbank Town Center. The project’s owner and developer is Twin Rivers Capital.
Tractor Supply carries farm supplies, pet and animal feed, clothing, tools, fencing and other rural essentials. PetSense offers grooming services and pet prescriptions.
Brentwood, Tenn.-based Tractor Supply is described as the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. The chain operates 2,364 namesake stores in 49 states, along with 206 PetSense locations in 23 states.
The company has opened seven stores in the Charleston area since expanding to South Carolina in 2007.
Gold rush
Gold Digger, an antique jewelry store, repair shop and jewelry design studio, will open Feb. 7 in North Charleston's Park Circle area.
The address is 1080 E. Montague Ave.
Gold Digger is owned by Lisa Thomas and daughter Emma, who source pieces during their travels. Each item is inspected and prepared by a master jeweler.
Thomas also owns DIGS Charleston and DIGS Imports, a curated furniture shop located at the same address, as well as Out of Hand in the Old Village in Mount Pleasant.
In addition to antique and vintage jewelry, the shop will offer repair services and custom, one-of-a-kind jewelry design.
Get crackin’
A Cajun-style seafood boil restaurant has opened near Tanger Outlets in North Charleston. Happy Crab Seafood is now serving at 4950 Centre Pointe Drive.
Restore more
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on the peninsula is now open on Mondays.
The home goods-focused shop at 731 Meeting St., accepts donations and sells discounted building materials, furniture and home products, with proceeds supporting affordable housing efforts in the Charleston area.
Updated store hours are Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunrise arrives
The wait is over for diners in Goose Creek to get their own outpost of a Johns Island-based diner.
Sunrise Bistro officially opened Feb. 3 at 216 St. James Ave., in the former Ti-Ney Bangkok II Restaurant.
Co-owner Brian Appelt launched the eatery in 2009 with business partner Jessica Welenteichick after the pair spent years working together at Hege’s Restaurant on Johns Island. Other Sunrise Bistro locations are in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Aiken and Summerville.
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