Dock Construction and Repair Services
Dock Construction and Repair Services
After a refreshing weekend spent hiking and exploring Hampton Park near Charleston, SC, Mark returned to his lakefront home, eager to unwind by the water's edge. As he approached his property, however, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. The once sturdy dock that invited friends and family for leisurely afternoons now sagged precariously, with several boards cracked and rotting. It was a disheartening sight that marred his peaceful retreat, leaving him with the urgent realization that he needed to seek a professional dock construction company to restore the structure to its former glory. The thought of finding the right experts weighed heavily on his mind, as he knew that a well-maintained dock was essential for both safety and enjoyment at his beloved lakeside haven.
Docks play a vital role in enhancing waterfront properties, providing access for recreational activities, boating, and fishing, all while adding aesthetic appeal to the surroundings. However, the wear and tear that comes with exposure to water, weather, and heavy use can lead to the need for constructions. Unfortunately, finding quality dock construction companies can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find dedicated professionals who understand the intricacies of dock maintenance and restoration. Fortunately, Charleston Dock & Construction exists - and is more than qualified to tackle your dock maintenance and construction needs.
To understand why dock construction is so important, let's first examine why you should consider dock construction and look at some common problems that dock owners face in South Carolina.
A boat dock is more than just a place to park your boat; it's the centerpiece of any waterfront property. Whether it's a private getaway or a busy marina, a well-maintained dock can prevent costly issues down the line.
Docks face challenges from water exposure and daily wear. Small cracks or unstable boards might seem minor now but can lead to major constructions or a full replacement. That's where professional dock construction comes in. It's like a tune-up for your dock, catching problems early and reinforcing its structure. A properly serviced dock not only looks great but also lasts longer, saving you stress, time, and money in the end.
A rusty bolt here. A wobbly bolt there. On the surface, such issues don't seem to be pressing. But "minor" problems like these have a tendency to get out of hand. Perhaps worse, they can deplete your bank account. Some common dock issues include the following:
Similarly, if you don't monitor your dock regularly, issues can arise unexpectedly. That's why working with a dock construction company makes so much sense. Pros know what to look for and can identify minor problems before they escalate into costly constructions. By addressing these issues early on, you can avoid the stress of emergency fixes and continue enjoying your time by the water
To have a great dock at home or at your place of business, it needs to be durable and safe. That's why dock merepairsan more than putting a Band-Aid on a problem. At Charleston Dock & Construction, our technicians prioritize:
As an example of how we reinforce your dock's structural integrity, we may need to swap out old wooden decking for a more durable, weather-resistant option. That way, we can boost your dock's lifespan and cut down on the hassles of ongoing maintenance.
Ignoring dock maintenance isn't merely a risk of potential damage. It also impacts your finances. Addressing constructions with a professional now can save you a significant amount in the long run.
Your dock is more than just a structure on your property. It serves as your gateway to the water, a gathering spot for lakeside memories, and an essential part of your home or business. However, like any outdoor investment, it faces a constant battle against the elements. Sun, water, wind, and time all take their toll. If you overlook the early warning signs, minor dock issues can escalate into major constructions-or worse, lead to complete replacements.
At Charleston Dock and Construction, our team of certified dock inspectors will tell you that understanding what to look for is crucial in protecting your boat dock and avoiding expensive constructions. Here are the five most common dock problems: what causes them, how they can impact you, and what steps you can take to address them before they spiral out of control. Whether you have a new dock or are keeping an eye on an older one, regular preventative maintenance is key for long-term use.
When you step onto your dock and hear it creak-or feel it shift beneath you-it's likely a sign of loose or warped boards. This isn't just a nuisance. It can be dangerous. The potential for tripping, unstable surfaces, and compromised structural integrity are risks that shouldn't be ignored.
The main culprits behind these issues are often fluctuations in temperature and moisture. Wood naturally expands and contracts, which can cause fasteners to loosen over time or boards to distort. Additionally, corrosion can weaken the screws or bolts that hold everything together.
To resolve this issue, you can either secure the boards with corrosion-resistant screws or replace any that have become permanently warped. While this isn't a huge construction task, it significantly enhances both safety and usability. Even swapping out a few boards can greatly improve the functionality of your dock.
The key is to be proactive with maintenance, whether you're doing it yourself or hiring dock contractors. Incorporating deck board inspections into your seasonal maintenance routine can save you a lot of time and money on constructions down the line. A few minutes spent tightening screws now can prevent hours of work later on.
Wood rot poses a significant threat to any timber dock, often going unnoticed in its early stages. It begins deep within the wood fibers, fueled by constant moisture and poor airflow, gradually deteriorating the structure from the inside out. Eventually, you may notice areas that feel spongy, soft planks, or dark spots that remain damp.
The impact of rot goes beyond aesthetics; it compromises the entire integrity of the dock. If not addressed, it can lead to the failure of crucial support beams. The solution involves replacing any damaged sections with pressure-treated or composite materials. After the constructions, using a high-quality marine-grade sealant is essential to prevent moisture and fungal spores from causing further issues.
Prevention is key to avoiding these problems. Conducting regular inspections, particularly after heavy rains or flooding, can help identify rot early on. If your dock hasn't been waterproofed in a couple of years, consider contacting us at Charleston Dock and Construction. We provide thorough inspections, routine maintenance, and prompt constructions to ensure your dock remains in excellent condition.
Without the metal fixtures on your dock, you wouldn't really have a dock. However, it doesn't take a graduate from College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, to know that metal is vulnerable to corrosion. That's especially true for your:
This issue is especially common in saltwater and humid environments, and even freshwater can accelerate corrosion with incompatible metals. To combat rust, replace damaged hardware with marine-grade stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized metal, designed to resist corrosion. If you notice any rust, inspect all connections, as one corroded part often signals others are affected.
To prevent future corrosion, regularly clean your hardware and avoid mixing different metal types in connections, which can lead to galvanic corrosion. At Charleston Dock and Construction, we use high-quality materials to safeguard your dock against the elements.
Pilings are the essential support for your dock. If they begin to crack or split, particularly near the waterline, your dock's integrity is at risk. This is common in areas with freezethaw cycles, where water seeps into small openings and expands, leading to deep cracks and uneven surfaces.
You might not always see the damage, as cracks can hide below the water or blend in with old wood. If your dock feels unstable or tilts, it's a sign that something is wrong. Compromised pilings pose serious safety hazards if left unaddressed.
To fix this, you may need to reinforce or replace damaged pilings. Marine-treated wood and PVC sleeves offer durable solutions that prevent water damage and prolong your dock's lifespan. Catching problems early makes constructions easier and keeps your dock safe, saving you time and money in the long run.
If your dock is tilting, sinking, or floating unevenly, it may be experiencing issues with shifting or sinking platforms. Problems like this happen often due to:
Fixed docks can suffer from eroded soil beneath the footings, while older floating docks may have floats that take on water or collapse. Addressing these issues quickly is very important, as an unlevel dock can stress joints and increase the risk of collapse. Solutions vary based on dock design: fixed docks may need deep, erosion-resistant footings or re-anchoring, while floating docks may require new flotation devices or adjustable legs.
Regularly monitoring shoreline erosion and dock alignment can help spot issues early, preventing safety hazards. In severe cases, full dock replacement may be necessary if extensive damage occurs.
Over the last two decades, Charleston Dock & Construction has consistently built a reputation for quality dock construction for new projects and expert constructions throughout the Lowcountry. We continue to provide a service based on honesty, integrity, and superior quality construction and design. Our list of accomplishments is long, and we look forward to being the leading dock builder in the Lowcountry for decades to come.
We specialize in dock construction in Charleston, SC as well as other dock solutions for home and business owners in The Palmetto State, including:
When it comes to constructing new docks, our goal is to ensure a seamless process from permit acquisition to the completion of punch list items, covering every step in between. With nearly twenty years of experience in the Lowcountry, we have built a reputation as the go-to choice for dock building by tackling challenges head-on and crafting solutions where others might see obstacles. Our keen attention to detail, coupled with our innovative approach to marine construction, drives us to ensure that every dock we create perfectly meets our customers' specific needs. We are dedicated to going the extra mile to deliver exactly what we've promised.
Whether you're dealing with sinking posts or warped deck boards, we provide top-notch constructions while enhancing the beauty and functionality of your dock. Our goal is to address any dock construction challenge with professionalism and exceptional craftsmanship. If you're facing any dock construction issues, let us take care of the hard work for you. Schedule your inspection today!
At Charleston Dock and Construction, we believe that every corner of our beautiful area deserves to be explored, and we go above and beyond to ensure you can experience the stunning marshlands, sea, and marine life up close. When it comes to communityoriented marine construction, choose wisely - don't leave the team you hire to chance. Opt for a trusted leader with a solid reputation in dock and marine construction.
We've been building floating docks for nearly two decades, combining expertise with creativity to produce reliable products. Whether you need a dock for a speedboat, fishing boat, or paddleboards, our commitment is to turn your vision into reality, ensuring it meets your practical needs and aesthetic desires. We take pride in our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and our ability to solve challenges with innovative solutions.
A boat lift should not only be functional but also beautiful. We dedicate ourselves to delivering alluring projects with meticulous attention to detail, setting us apart in the Charleston area and beyond. Whether you need a lift for a fishing boat or a leisure vessel, our goal is to guide you through every step of the process-from design to completion. We aim to educate you along the way, ensuring you end up with a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing boat lift or drive-on that perfectly complements your dock.
At Charleston Dock and Construction, we bring nearly 20 years of marine construction experience, making us experts in overcoming challenges in erosion control. With a deep understanding of the Lowcountry's unique conditions, we are the clear choice for your needs.
Our strong reputation is built on exceptional customer service, quality craftsmanship, and our commitment to guiding water flow effectively to prevent issues. Let us tackle your water erosion challenges with the expertise and dedication that define our company.
At Charleston Dock & Repair, we provide expert dock construction services designed to enhance your waterfront property. Whether you need a brand-new dock, replacement of an aging structure, or custom solutions tailored to your shoreline, our skilled team delivers safe, durable, and long-lasting results.
From design and permits to installation and repair, we handle the entire process with professionalism and care. Using high-quality materials and proven techniques, we ensure your dock not only looks great but also stands strong for years of enjoyment.
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.
