Charleston Juvenile Crime Lawyer

Criminal Defense for Minors in South Carolina

Just like you, your child is entitled to have a knowledgeable attorney advocating for them when they are charged with a crime. It’s understandable if you feel helpless when your child has been arrested, but you can take action by finding a high quality Charleston juvenile crimes attorney to represent your child.

At Sanders Law Firm, LLC, founding attorney T.O. Sanders spent several years working as a prosecutor. This experience gives him a distinct advantage in defending clients from criminal charges as he is familiar with the strategies prosecutors use to build their case. When you become a client of our firm, our entire team will work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome possible for your child and your family.

You deserve to know more about an attorney before you hire them. Call (843) 573-8828 to schedule a consultation with our criminal defense attorney at Sanders Law Firm, LLC.

Juvenile Crime Penalties in South Carolina

Children between the ages of 11 and 16 are considered accountable for juvenile crimes in the South Carolina justice system. Most children will be charged in the juvenile justice system, but violent crimes, such as murder, are always tried as adults. Juvenile crimes are a sensitive matter for all parties involved. Judges and prosecutors take many factors into consideration when determining penalties for these offenses, including the child’s grades and school conduct, their home environment, and previous criminal record.

Penalties for juveniles convicted of criminal acts include:

• Probation – The child is released to their parent or guardian and must live under certain conditions for a period of time. Violation of these terms could result in time in jail.
• 90 Days in juvenile detention – If probation does not seem like a viable option, the judge may order the child to spend up to 90 days in juvenile detention.
• Juvenile detention – If the minor is convicted of a serious crime they could be sent to juvenile detention for an extended period of time. Except in rare circumstances, these sentences do not extend past the child’s 21st birthday.
• Expulsion hearing – If the offense in question would be considered a felony or misdemeanor when committed by an adult, the child’s school will be notified and they may be facing expulsion. This decision is left entirely to the school.

How Can a Charleston Criminal Defense Attorney Help?

In any instance where a defendant’s future and reputation are on the line, having a powerful advocate speaking on their behalf can go a long way. Your child likely has their own side of the story and our job is to ensure that it is heard by the court. We know what kinds of factors courts take into consideration when evaluating these trials and highlight the areas that will help your child’s case. As difficult as these situations can be, remember that you do not have to go through this alone.

Call Sanders Law Firm, LLC today at (843) 573-8828 for help navigating the juvenile criminal process.