Swift Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration
At Coastal Property Restoration, our water damage mitigation company is always prepared to respond quickly to water damage emergencies. That's because we truly care about our customers and never subject them to half-measures or mediocre work. At the end of the day, we're passionate about restoring the lives of home and business owners who are devastated, confused, and looking for trustworthy water damage restoration.
To help achieve that goal, we use years of expertise and modern, state-of-the-art equipment to remove moisture and standing water from your property. In doing so, we can help protect your family or staff while restoring your quality of life. But you've got to act fast - damage from water in your home or business can spread quickly and just affect every aspect of your property, from its roof to its foundation.
So, if you're trying to put the pieces back together after a water loss, it's time to contact Coastal Properties LLC. With one call, our team of experts will arrive at your home or business to remediate your water damage in Charleston, SC, using advanced tools, superior drying techniques, and detailed documentation. We aim to restore your property to its pre-loss condition so you can return to living a normal life again.
Our team of licensed and insured water damage clean-up professionals uses a streamlined process to address your needs ASAP:
Dealing with an emergency that needs to be addressed sooner than later? With 24-hour service, we're here for you day and night, no matter how severe your water damage issue may be.
Water is undoubtedly essential for our planet, but it can also be incredibly destructive. Among all the potential disasters that could harm your property, water damage ranks high. It has a tendency to sneak into small, unnoticed areas where it can cause warping and discoloration, whether it's from a severe thunderstorm or a tiny leak. Even a small amount of water can be deceptively expensive, costing thousands of dollars if not addressed immediately.
The most concerning part is that it can happen in an instant, catching you and your family off guard. However, by keeping these common causes of water damage in mind, you can take steps to prevent water from causing damage to your property.
Unsure what might be causing water to enter your home in South Carolina? Call Coastal Property Restoration as soon as you can so our team can come to your property and conduct an inspection.
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In the United States, South Carolina is among the top five states with the greatest number of hurricanes, with a total of 30 making landfall. This accounts for 10.10% of all the hurricanes in the country. While five of those hurricanes were classified as being major (Category 3), smaller hurricanes and even minor rain showers can result in significant water damage clean-up in Charleston, SC.
Properly functioning gutters are essential for directing water away from your home, especially during fall leaf season when clogs are common. However, when gutters do become clogged, rainwater can accumulate and flow over the edges, causing potential leaks into your attic, walls, or basement. It's important to ensure your gutters are free of debris to prevent any water damage to your home.
Water heaters that are old or not properly installed have a tendency to develop leaks. Sadly, these leaks can be quite severe and result in the accumulation of several inches of water in your basement or crawlspace.
Pipe leaks may start small, but they can have devastating consequences. Whether it's loose-fitting pipes under your kitchen sink or old drainage systems under your home, water from a leak can cause serious damage to your property. Not only can it ruin prized possessions and warp wallpaper, but it can also create conditions for mold growth, even with just a small amount of moisture present. It's crucial to address any leaks as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Some other common causes of water damage in residential homes include the following:
As a reputable water damage restoration company in South Carolina, we get questions all the time from misinformed customers asking what the differences are between restoration, mitigation, and remediation. We get it - to the untrained individual, they all sound about the same. But each serves a special purpose in the process of eliminating water from your home or office.
You can think of water mitigation as an emergency response meant to stop and contain water so that it doesn't cause any more damage to your property. Often, mitigation includes an inspection of the damaged area and an advanced water extraction process to ensure a hazard-free workplace.
This stage often involves a detailed clean-up and removal of residual water from the property. Water damage techs will also remove furniture and other items affected by the water damage and dispose of any contaminated materials. During this phase, blowers and pumps may be used to dry areas of the property. Sometimes, boards or tarps are used to protect the property as needed. From there, a final cleaning usually takes place that can include deodorizing and sanitizing items that can be salvaged from water damage. It should be noted that sometimes water mitigation and remediation overlap. For instance, remediating a contaminant from an area of your home might involve mitigating damage to something like a pipe that has burst.
In this final stage, water damage restoration professionals help ensure that moisture levels in the impacted areas are back to normal. They take care of replacing the damaged drywall, repairing the floors that have buckled, and fixing the ceilings affected by water. Additionally, they clean and restore the items that are still in good condition. All of these measures are taken to bring your property back to its original state before the damage occurred. Think of it like this: Water remediation focuses on completing temporary tasks, while restoration centers around more permanent solutions.
While the water damage clean-up steps listed above might sound interchangeable, each addresses a crucial step in the remediation process. If you're working with a water damage restoration company and they tell you otherwise, know that they're perpetrating a myth. Speaking of myths, here are a few of the most common ones that we have run across in our time as water restoration experts.
You can think of water mitigation as an emergency response meant to stop and contain water so that it doesn't cause any more damage to your property. Often, mitigation includes an inspection of the damaged area and an advanced water extraction process to ensure a hazard-free workplace.
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This stage often involves a detailed clean-up and removal of residual water from the property. Water damage techs will also remove furniture and other items affected by the water damage and dispose of any contaminated materials. During this phase, blowers and pumps may be used to dry areas of the property. Sometimes, boards or tarps are used to protect the property as needed. From there, a final cleaning usually takes place that can include deodorizing and sanitizing items that can be salvaged from water damage. It should be noted that sometimes water mitigation and remediation overlap. For instance, remediating a contaminant from an area of your home might involve mitigating damage to something like a pipe that has burst.
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In this final stage, water damage restoration professionals help ensure that moisture levels in the impacted areas are back to normal. They take care of replacing the damaged drywall, repairing the floors that have buckled, and fixing the ceilings affected by water. Additionally, they clean and restore the items that are still in good condition. All of these measures are taken to bring your property back to its original state before the damage occurred. Think of it like this: Water remediation focuses on completing temporary tasks, while restoration centers around more permanent solutions.
While the water damage clean-up steps listed above might sound interchangeable, each addresses a crucial step in the remediation process. If you're working with a water damage restoration company and they tell you otherwise, know that they're perpetrating a myth. Speaking of myths, here are a few of the most common ones that we have run across in our time as water restoration experts.
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When it comes to water damage restoration, there's a lot of information out there that can be misleading or downright incorrect. This can be especially frustrating for property owners who are caught off guard by unexpected leaks or floods. To make matters worse, there are several common myths about water damage that can actually make the problem worse if you're not aware of them. To help clear things up, we've debunked three of these myths below.
It's important to remember that water damage can often go undetected. Water has a sneaky way of hiding in all sorts of nooks and crannies throughout your home, including behind walls, in carpets, under floors, and in ceilings. The problem with these materials is that they're porous, which means they not only hide water, but they also absorb it. Even if it appears that everything has dried out, the moisture that's lurking beneath the surface can still cause serious damage over time.
That's why it's crucial to take action and not let water dry on its own. If left untreated, it won't simply evaporate; it will be absorbed. Fortunately, the expert technicians at Coastal Property Restoration are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment to help locate and eliminate any hidden moisture or trapped water. You can trust us to thoroughly dry out your home and protect it from any further damage.
Dealing with water damage restoration and preventing further damage requires swift action, as time is of the essence. The longer water remains, the more extensive the damage becomes. The response window is narrow, less than 24 hours, and within this timeframe, mold growth may occur, creating an entirely new set of issues. Plus, salvaging materials in your home after prolonged exposure to water is challenging, so the best course of action is to respond immediately to water damage.
We understand that this can be challenging, but working with a reputable water damage cleanup service like Coastal Property Restoration can make all the difference. Our team can respond promptly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on your life while we take care of your home. The bottom line? If you've got water in your home or business, don't waste any time. Call a trusted water damage restoration company ASAP to minimize losses, mitigate damage, and prevent the risk of mold.
The saying, "Everything heals with time," is not a phrase that applies to mold in your home or business. As mentioned above, it's important to act quickly when dealing with water damage, as mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. The musty odor that comes with mold won't stay contained to the affected area; it will eventually spread throughout your entire home.
It's crucial to take the necessary steps to stop mold growth and spread, including proper water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and sanitization. Additionally, any saturated materials, such as couches, carpets, floors, and drywall, must be treated properly to eliminate the musty smell. To ensure your home is fully restored and smelling fresh after water damage, it's best to have a professional clean-up crew go through each step of the process to guarantee no moisture is left behind.
Water damage can be a major setback for any commercial property and business, causing loss of revenue and productivity. But fear not; Coastal Property Restoration has got your back with skilled technicians and reliable water damage restoration services. As a savvy business owner, however, it's important for you to stay vigilant and look out for early signs of water damage to your property so you can take action before it becomes a major problem.
It's important to thoroughly inspect the piping both inside and outside the building. Pay close attention to any signs of oxidation or corrosion around pipe fixtures, and don't forget to check your water heater for rust as well. If you do notice corrosion or rust, it could be an indication of a water leak that needs to be addressed promptly.
Mold can begin to grow less than 24 hours after water has compromised your business. If you see any signs of mold growth where there have been leaks, contact Coastal Property Restoration ASAP to diagnose the problem.
Water damage can usually be identified in businesses by dark spots on walls and ceilings, with older damage likely showing rings around the stain. Multiple rings with varying shades may indicate an intermittent problem, where the area has been repeatedly soaked and dried.
As the owner of commercial property, it's important to stay aware of your building's pipe system. Being knowledgeable about what's old and new, and identifying areas at risk for water damage is key. Areas with a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms, should be monitored closely.
When a commercial property owner observes rust on equipment or AC units of a building, it is highly probable that water damage is the root cause. This could be an indication of an unaddressed old leak in the vicinity. It is crucial for property owners to seek assistance from a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.
It's important to thoroughly inspect the piping both inside and outside the building. Pay close attention to any signs of oxidation or corrosion around pipe fixtures, and don't forget to check your water heater for rust as well. If you do notice corrosion or rust, it could be an indication of a water leak that needs to be addressed promptly.
Mold can begin to grow less than 24 hours after water has compromised your business. If you see any signs of mold growth where there have been leaks, contact Coastal Property Restoration ASAP to diagnose the problem.
Water damage can usually be identified in businesses by dark spots on walls and ceilings, with older damage likely showing rings around the stain. Multiple rings with varying shades may indicate an intermittent problem, where the area has been repeatedly soaked and dried.
As the owner of commercial property, it's important to stay aware of your building's pipe system. Being knowledgeable about what's old and new, and identifying areas at risk for water damage is key. Areas with a higher potential for leaks, especially during rainstorms, should be monitored closely.
When a commercial property owner observes rust on equipment or AC units of a building, it is highly probable that water damage is the root cause. This could be an indication of an unaddressed old leak in the vicinity. It is crucial for property owners to seek assistance from a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.
Effective water damage clean-up is an essential process that requires a high level of expertise to ensure your property sustains minimal damage. Selecting the best water remediation company is equally important, especially when it comes to the health of your family or your customers. Whether your kitchen is full of standing water because your dishwasher overflowed or your business is at risk because of an extensive pipe leak, our team of trained and certified experts is only a phone call away, 24 hours a day.
Contact our office to discover the Coastal Property Restoration difference and what separates our water damage mitigation company from others in South Carolina.
CHARLESTON — It’s been nearly a year since the Lowcountry and surrounding areas were blanketed in a rare snow. Meteorologists predict some of the same coastal areas might see more this weekend, though conditions won’t make for a day of play.People in the tri-county area might see snow flurries mixed in with rain during the evening of Saturday, Jan. 17 into Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service.While temperatures are predicted to dip well below freezing in coming days, forecasters say warm weekend ...
CHARLESTON — It’s been nearly a year since the Lowcountry and surrounding areas were blanketed in a rare snow. Meteorologists predict some of the same coastal areas might see more this weekend, though conditions won’t make for a day of play.
People in the tri-county area might see snow flurries mixed in with rain during the evening of Saturday, Jan. 17 into Jan. 18, according to the National Weather Service.
While temperatures are predicted to dip well below freezing in coming days, forecasters say warm weekend weather will prevent any snow from sticking to surfaces.
A wintry mix of precipitation is anticipated to affect the Charleston area as well as Walterboro, Beaufort, Hilton Head and Allendale, along with some coastal and slight inland areas in Georgia.
Leading into the possible winter weather, residents are advised to bundle up, bring plants inside, use measures to prevent freezing pipes and ensure they have a steady source of heat.
A cold weather advisory will take effect at 8 p.m. Jan. 15 and last through 9 a.m. Jan. 16. Temperatures could drop to the teens, according to NWS.
Temperatures then are expected to rise well above freezing by midday Jan. 17.
With forecast fluctuations and constant weather changes, meteorologists are maintaining a low level of confidence in the potential for snow.
Forecasters are iffy on how much snow residents could see. That depends on where a low pressure system forms, said Alex Trellinger, meteorologist with NWS Charleston.
If the system forms off the coast, conditions will likely be right for a snowier scenario. If it forms over land, the weather will likely be all rain, Trellinger said.
This gamble means that weather systems coming into the area Jan. 17 could produce any number of outcomes.
Regardless, expected daytime highs in the mid-60s mean that nothing is likely to stick, though people may see frost accumulate on grassy areas, according to Trellinger.
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (12-3) aim to continue a three-game home winning streak when they host the Drexel Dragons (8-6) on January 16, 2026.Charleston (SC) was victorious in its most recent game against Hampton, 88-75, on Sunday. Tyja Beans was its leading scorer with 24 points. Drexel was victorious in its most recent game against Hofstra, 67-38, on Sunday. Deja Evans was its leading scorer with 20 points.Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service t...
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (12-3) aim to continue a three-game home winning streak when they host the Drexel Dragons (8-6) on January 16, 2026.
Charleston (SC) was victorious in its most recent game against Hampton, 88-75, on Sunday. Tyja Beans was its leading scorer with 24 points. Drexel was victorious in its most recent game against Hofstra, 67-38, on Sunday. Deja Evans was its leading scorer with 20 points.
Watch women’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up.
This contest between the Cougars and Dragons will go down on Friday, January 16, 2026. You should expect the opening tip at 7 p.m. ET.
The Cougars and Dragons will hit the floor at TD Arena for this matchup on Jan. 16, and if you want to see the action live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
Charleston (SC) outscores opponents by 19.4 points per game (scoring 78.3 per game to rank 35th in college basketball while allowing 58.9 per outing to rank 65th in college basketball) and has a +291 scoring differential overall.
The Cougars are averaging 78.3 points, 21.3 more than the Dragons give up.
Charleston (SC) knocks down 7.9 three-pointers per game (56th in college basketball), 1.6 more than its opponents (6.3).
The Cougars are posting 89.4 points per game in home games. Away from home, they are averaging 70.3 points per contest.
In its last 10 games, Charleston (SC) has been racking up 73.5 points per contest, an average that’s slightly lower than the 78.3 it has scored over the course of the 2025-26 season.
Drexel’s +96 scoring differential (outscoring opponents by 6.9 points per game) is a result of putting up 63.9 points per game (233rd in college basketball) while allowing 57.0 per contest (34th in college basketball).
The Dragons’ 63.9 points per game are 5.0 more than the Cougars give up.
Drexel hits 5.1 three-pointers per game (270th in college basketball), while its opponents have made 5.9 on average.
The Dragons are scoring more points at home (66.4 per game) than on the road (61.7).
Want to see this game live? Buy tickets for Charleston (SC) vs. Drexel on Vivid Seats.
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taryn Barbot | 15 | 19.5 | 6.1 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
| Taylor Barbot | 15 | 12.3 | 4.7 | 7.5 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| Tyja Beans | 15 | 10.6 | 4.3 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Sophie Tougas | 14 | 8.8 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 1.9 |
| Grace Ezebilo | 15 | 6.6 | 11.7 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
| Name | GP | PTS | REB | ASST | STL | BLK | 3PM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaris Baker | 14 | 19.9 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 2.1 |
| Laine McGurk | 14 | 11.9 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.4 |
| Deja Evans | 14 | 10.3 | 6.1 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Molly Rullo | 14 | 5.6 | 2.9 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.7 |
| Grace O’Neill | 14 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 4.6 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
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The Charleston (SC) Cougars (11-6, 4-0 CAA) will attempt to continue a seven-game winning streak when hitting the road against the Towson Tigers (9-9, 1-4 CAA) on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at TU Arena. It airs at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.Towson beat Northeastern 87-78 on the road last time out, and were led by Dylan Williamson (22 PTS, 66.67 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Jaquan Womack (17 PTS, 63.64 FG%). In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) beat Hampton, 74-70, at home. Its top performers were Colby Duggan (22 PTS, 53.85 FG%, 4-...
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (11-6, 4-0 CAA) will attempt to continue a seven-game winning streak when hitting the road against the Towson Tigers (9-9, 1-4 CAA) on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at TU Arena. It airs at 8 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Towson beat Northeastern 87-78 on the road last time out, and were led by Dylan Williamson (22 PTS, 66.67 FG%, 2-4 from 3PT) and Jaquan Womack (17 PTS, 63.64 FG%). In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) beat Hampton, 74-70, at home. Its top performers were Colby Duggan (22 PTS, 53.85 FG%, 4-7 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (19 PTS, 7 AST, 3 STL, 50 FG%).
Here is what you need to get ready for Thursday's college hoops game.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Thursday at 9:34 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
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Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
The Citadel Bulldogs (3-8) will try to halt a five-game road losing skid at the Charleston (SC) Cougars (5-6) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET.In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) were winners at home over Charlotte, 74-67. Its top performers were Martin Kalu (18 PTS, 8 REB, 75.00 FG%, 4-6 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (17 PTS, 42.86 FG%). In its previous game, Citadel fell to South Carolina 71-55 on the road, with Carter Kingsbury (18 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Sola Adebisi (9 PTS, 3 BLK, 25.00 FG%) the standout performers....
The Citadel Bulldogs (3-8) will try to halt a five-game road losing skid at the Charleston (SC) Cougars (5-6) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET.
In its most recent game, Charleston (SC) were winners at home over Charlotte, 74-67. Its top performers were Martin Kalu (18 PTS, 8 REB, 75.00 FG%, 4-6 from 3PT) and Jlynn Counter (17 PTS, 42.86 FG%). In its previous game, Citadel fell to South Carolina 71-55 on the road, with Carter Kingsbury (18 PTS, 57.14 FG%) and Sola Adebisi (9 PTS, 3 BLK, 25.00 FG%) the standout performers.
Before watching this matchup, here is what you need to know about Wednesday's college basketball action.
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
College basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 9:34 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A prominent Lowcountry attorney has countersued his law partner for misusing firm money, months after being accused of doing the same himself.The countersuit, filed on Tuesday by David Hoffman, who is the face of the Hoffman Law Firm, alleges that his firm’s partner, Kevin Smith, put over $500,000 of personal expenses, including “excursions” at a downtown adult entertainment business, on a BP gas card belonging to the firm.The suit goes on to allege Smith would attempt to make p...
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A prominent Lowcountry attorney has countersued his law partner for misusing firm money, months after being accused of doing the same himself.
The countersuit, filed on Tuesday by David Hoffman, who is the face of the Hoffman Law Firm, alleges that his firm’s partner, Kevin Smith, put over $500,000 of personal expenses, including “excursions” at a downtown adult entertainment business, on a BP gas card belonging to the firm.
The suit goes on to allege Smith would attempt to make personal purchases on Amazon appear to be made by the firm’s office manager by changing the recipient’s name to hers.
A receipt from the filing purports to show a charge made on Hoffman’s personal firm credit card to fix Smith’s yacht, which the suit alleges is in relation to a yacht business that Smith owns.
Almost three months before Tuesday’s filing, Smith filed a lawsuit against Hoffman, alleging Hoffman committed “actual fraud” by spending firm funds on Botox, mortgage payments and weapons.
In an affidavit filed in November by Smith’s forensic accountant, Christa Yantis, she alleges that between 2017 and 2025 Hoffman spent $10,041,095 of firm funds on personal expenses or transfers to other business entities owned by Hoffman.
Some other payments alleged to have been made by Hoffman include interior and exterior cleaning of his home and costs relating to legal and accounting work.
The Hoffman Law Firm was founded in 2007, but Smith joined the practice in 2012. Around 2014, he became an owner of 49% of the firm, with Hoffman retaining 51%.
In his September lawsuit, Smith claimed that despite the firm only having two members, Hoffman refused to make “equitable distributions” for years.
A forensic accountant stated in court records that the disproportionate share of funds disbursed is $9,400,237.45 for the benefit of Hoffman and that it is highly likely that fraud has occurred.
In an affidavit filed by Hoffman in September, he said, “Both Mr. Smith and I have used firm monies to pay personal expenses,” and also said, “After this controversy arose, I instructed the accountant retained by [the Hoffman Law Firm] to review the tax returns, and to thoroughly go through Quickbook for the relevant period. He has completed the review and amended the tax returns. Those reflect the correction of the transfers made to other accounts.”
“While these transfers are loans to me, and I am responsible for putting them back in the LLC,” Hoffman said.
The Dec. 16 countersuit filed by Hoffman alleged personal expenses made by Smith included:
Among allegations made in initial filings, Hoffman alleged that Smith had discussed his “contemporaneous use of cocaine and other illegal drugs” while at work.
Hoffman’s December countersuit doubled down on these allegations, stating that, “[Smith] indulges in illegal drugs, and he then cannot help himself from regaling the office staff with tales of these ‘adventures’ and his accompanying unlawful conduct.”
Smith has previously denied using cocaine, responding in an email, “I do not use drugs and I believe these accusations are nothing more than retaliation against me for exposing Hoffman’s financial misconduct.”
In September, multiple affidavits were filed by Hoffman and eight other employees at the Hoffman Law Firm filed affidavits alleging that Smith wasn’t productive at work.
“Mr. Smith has done absolutely nothing with regard to the management of the law firm, and he has done comparatively little in the way of productivity.” Hoffman stated, “For quite some time, I have been dissatisfied with Mr. Smith and his behaviors. I suffered along but was increasingly dissatisfied of the effect it was having on our firm.”
Hoffman paralegal, Tracie Hopkins, said in her affidavit that, “When [Smith] was in the office, he spent an inordinate amount of time focusing upon his charter yacht business to the detriment of his case load. I overheard him talking on the telephone on many occasions about scheduling the charter boat.”
Hoffman office manager Stephanie Mills said, “He travels frequently across the country and internationally, performing at music festivals. He has on occasion discussed with me and others his partying life, including the use of illicit drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine.”
Hoffman claims in court filings that he had discussed with various legal counsel the need for the Hoffman Law Firm to remove Smith from the firm, leading up to August, on the basis of his alleged workplace conduct.
Judge Patrick Fant said in a September order that Hoffman was required to stop restricting financial records from Smith.
Fant addressed the contents of affidavits filed by Hoffman and his employees.
“Mr. Hoffman’s affidavit and those of the Firm employees do not provide a basis for denying the plaintiffs the temporary relief requested,” Fant said.
Hoffman released a statement regarding Tuesday’s countersuit:
Today’s court filing sets forth my response and counterclaims, which detail serious allegations regarding misconduct and financial misuse. I stand firmly behind the allegations set forth in the filing and believe it is important that truth and accountability prevail. While it is unfortunate that this matter has reached this point, addressing it through the proper legal channels is necessary.
Because this is active litigation, I will not litigate these matters in the media and will address them through the court process. This is a private business dispute and does not affect our clients, cases, or the day-to-day operations of Hoffman Law Firm.
Smith released a statement late Tuesday afternoon in response to Hoffman’s countersuit:
This situation has never been about ego, control, or public conflict. My actions have been guided by one obligation above all others. Protect the clients, protect the people who serve them, and protect the integrity of the firm. Clients deserve steady hands, clear communication, and lawyers who put their interests first.
His release continued:
Smith instituted this lawsuit after noticing irregularities on the firm’s tax returns. When Smith requested the firm’s financial records from David Hoffman, he was instructed not to enter the building again and told he would be removed from the law firm due to his “distrust” of Hoffman. Smith filed the lawsuit on behalf of himself and Hoffman Law Firm. The lawsuit seeks a full accounting, an order requiring Hoffman to pay back firm money he used for personal expenses, and an order dissociating David Hoffman from the firm. Shortly after the lawsuit was filed, a Temporary Restraining Order was issued against Hoffman noting Smith was “likely to succeed on the merits of the claim that Defendant Hoffman has breached his duty of loyalty by systematically and routinely using Firm funds for personal use and making unlawful distributions.” The Court went on to find both Smith and Hoffman Law Firm “are likely to succeed on the claims for conversion and fraud.”
In connection with the litigation, a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner retained to review available records submitted sworn findings describing significant accounting irregularities, incomplete disclosures, and limitations placed on access to historical financial documentation. The examiner noted “(1) widespread misappropriations and self-dealing of the Firm’s funds by Mr. Hoffman; (2) repeated alteration of the Firm’s financial records with what appears to be an intent to conceal these misappropriations and self-dealing by Mr. Hoffman; (3) years of mis-categorizations of transactions which appear to be a result of a lack of understanding of basic record keeping principles by Mr. Hoffman; and (4) efforts to hide information and hinder our examination.” Her review showed Hoffman would print checks to himself, but then change the payee in the accounting records to make it appear those checks were written to some other business related entity. “This is indicative of an intent to conceal the money Mr. Hoffman was paying to himself and disguise the transaction from anyone who would review the books,” according to the examiner.
It is also alleged that Hoffman spent firm money on Botox injections, firearms, boat expenses, home mortgages, tuition payments for his children, lawyers for his divorce, and that he wrote regular checks to individuals with no known connection to legitimate law firm activities. The examiner noted that in one case, Hoffman made an electronic cash transfer to an account for one of his downtown Charleston apartments which he labeled in the firm’s accounting software as a “charitable contribution.”
Smith also alleges a law firm credit card was issued to a family member of Hoffman, who Smith says appears to be using the card for “unrestricted personal spending” that included 194 separate charges by that family member in July 2025 that comprised purchases made overseas during a trip, Uber Eats charges, and gaming purchases.
Smith alleges that based on limited available resources, the examiner estimated that Hoffman misappropriated over $10 million in law firm money to himself and on personal expenses betwene 2017 and 2025 “with still millions of dollars of records to go through.”
The examiner recommended, Smith said, that an independent third party assume responsibility for maintaining accounting records and overseeing financial decisions while the dispute continue to prevent “further risk to firm assets and operations.”
Smith’s release continued:
David Hoffman recently filed his Answer to the lawsuit and included counter claims against Smith. Smith contends Hoffman’s response is nothing more than retaliation and an attempt to divert attention from his financial wrongdoings. Because Hoffman contends he contributed more to the firm’s success than anyone else, Smith released an accounting of both his and Hoffman’s fees which show Smith brought in over $14,000,000 from 2016-2024. Hoffman produced less than $1,500,000 during that period or about 10% of Smith’s production.
Smith has continued working on client matters, cooperating fully with forensic review, and complying with all court directives. He has also posted the required bond and refrained from any actions that would destabilize the firm or prejudice the interests of clients, staff, or the court.
All allegations remain subject to judicial review and determination. He stated that no further public comment will be made while litigation is ongoing in order to respect the legal process and the court’s role in resolving the matter.