Young & Young | Attorneys At Law

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Young & Young | Attorneys At Law
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Charleston Juvenile Crime Lawyers

Last updated on March 25, 2025

Minor children who are arrested or referred to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) can face vastly different futures, depending on the charges. Often, DJJ cases move exponentially faster than adult cases so it is important to act quickly in hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Some will receive probation or be required to go through diversionary programs. Others will be sentenced to DJJ detention facilities. The help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer can keep you informed of the process and also affect the path that your child takes.

Hire A Criminal Defense Team Of Former Prosecutors And Judge

At Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, you can trust our team of former prosecutors and experienced criminal law attorneys serving the Charleston area. We understand the importance of keeping children out of juvenile detention. Generally, it is better for the child to receive the help he or she needs than to be punished. We work with families to find the underlying cause of the child’s issues. The consequences of having a juvenile record can be serious, and we want to see your child work toward a better future.

We can defend your child against any criminal charge, including drunk driving, underage drinking, drug possession, shoplifting and assault. We are former prosecutors and experienced criminal law attorneys serving Charleston County, dedicated to protecting your child’s future. With over 13 years of experience, our team takes a personalized approach, working with families to understand the underlying issues leading to legal trouble.

Potential Penalties For Juvenile Crimes In South Carolina

Juvenile offenses in South Carolina can lead to serious consequences that impact a child’s future. While the juvenile justice system focuses on rehabilitation, penalties can still be severe, especially for repeat or violent offenses. Possible penalties for juvenile offenses include:

  • Probation: Supervised release with specific conditions
  • Fines and restitution: Payment for damages or court costs
  • Community service: Required hours of volunteer work
  • Juvenile detention: Placement in a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility
  • Adult prosecution: In serious cases, juveniles may be tried as adults and face harsher penalties

Juvenile cases are heard in family court, where a judge determines whether the child is delinquent (guilty) or not.

The Consequences Of A Juvenile Record

If the state decides to prosecute, a family court judge will hear the case and find the juvenile not delinquent (not guilty) or delinquent (guilty). Because there is no jury in these cases, it is important to have a lawyer represent your child before the judge.

If found delinquent, the juvenile may be put on probation or sentenced to a determinate (fixed amount of time) or an indeterminate commitment in a DJJ detention facility. In cases involving serious offenses or juveniles with prior offenses, sentences may continue after their 21st birthday in an adult detention center.

We work tirelessly to prevent these consequences by fighting for case dismissals, expungements or reduced penalties whenever possible.

What Is The Juvenile Diversion Program (JDP) In South Carolina?

The Juvenile Diversion Program (JDP) is an alternative sentencing option designed to give first-time offenders a second chance.

Instead of going through the traditional court system, eligible juveniles complete rehabilitation programs to take accountability for their actions and clear their record.

JDP is available for non-violent offenses and first-time offenders. Successful completion results in case dismissal, helping the juvenile avoid a criminal record.

Alternative Sentencing And Court Representation

When possible, we argue for diversionary programs such as drug court or juvenile arbitration instead of prosecution. This helps to address the issues the child is having and keeps him or her out of the justice system.

If a case proceeds, we provide aggressive representation before a family court judge, seeking probation or other alternatives to detention.

Your Child Deserves A Strong Defense

For a free consultation, please call Young & Young, Attorneys at Law, in Charleston at 843-619-7755. You may also contact us online.