Is your child facing criminal charges? Work with a Greenville juvenile criminal lawyer at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC. We help children facing allegations of wrongdoing. When you need a juvenile criminal defense lawyer in Greenville, SC, please contact us to protect your child’s rights and represent their interests.
Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer Greenville, SC
Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC believes:
- Children have important legal rights that are worth protecting.
- Parents need informed guidance to help their child when they are facing an allegation of wrongdoing.
- Skilled legal representation can help your child respond to charges in the best possible way.
- If your child chooses to have a hearing, or if their case goes to trial in adult court, they deserve qualified and aggressive legal representation.
- Having a lawyer to answer your questions and guide you through juvenile proceedings can improve outcomes for your child and for the entire family.
The most valuable tool you can employ for your child when they are facing a juvenile petition is the services of an experienced juvenile criminal lawyer. For immediate legal assistance, contact us now.
Common Juvenile Criminal Offenses
Offenses juveniles commonly face include:
- Minor in possession of alcohol
- Larceny, shoplifting, burglary
- Drug possession
- Property destruction, vandalism
- Driving without a valid license
- Trespassing, loitering
- Fraud
- Truancy
- Runaway
- Ungovernability, incorrigibility
Depending on the nature of the offense, potential penalties vary. We can discuss the consequences your child is facing during your confidential consultation.
Rights of a Child Charged with Juvenile Crime in Greenville, SC
A child charged with juvenile crime in Greenville, SC has important rights, including:
- The right to a lawyer
- The right to remain silent
- The right to fair proceedings
- The right to have constitutional rights upheld
- The right to notice of the charges against them
- The right to an adjudicatory hearing about the merits of the allegations
As lawyers, we work to protect these rights.
Lawyer for Minor Charged with a Crime
Are you looking for a lawyer for a minor child who is charged with a crime? We invite you to contact our Greenville juvenile criminal defense lawyers.
As your child’s lawyer, we apply our experience to evaluate the ways to approach the allegations. We’ll explain the various options and what to consider. At each stage, we’ll provide your child with experienced and compassionate legal representation.
What is a juvenile in South Carolina law?
A juvenile in South Carolina criminal law is under the age of 17. However, there are circumstances where criminal charges against a juvenile may be heard in adult court.
What are the possible penalties in juvenile court in South Carolina?
In juvenile court in South Carolina, possible penalties and outcomes include:
- The solicitor’s office choosing not to proceed with a petition
- Participation in a diversion program that results in dismissal of the charges
- A term of probation, which may include assessments, treatment, attendance in school, and other requirements
- Finding of insufficient proof following an adjudicatory hearing
- Determination that no further action is appropriate in the interests of the juvenile, the community, and victims
- Confinement to a juvenile detention program for a definite or indefinite period
- Waiver of the case to adult court
It is possible a child can be sent to a detention center for a juvenile offense. The likelihood of detention depends on the allegations in the petition, whether your child has had prior petitions, and factors relating to the offense.
Should I get a lawyer for my child when they are charged with a crime?
A juvenile criminal lawyer can help you address the situation your child is facing in the best possible way. Your child has important rights, including the rights to defend against the accusations against them and to have their case heard in court. As juvenile justice lawyers, we help your child assert their rights effectively.
There are significant personal and financial consequences to a determination of delinquency.
Additional charges in the future may receive greater penalties. Even though most juvenile records are nonpublic, there are certain circumstances where a juvenile offense must be disclosed, including when applying to join the military or when seeking professional licensing. A lawyer can represent your child’s interests now and protect their future.
Consultation with a Greenville, SC Juvenile Criminal Lawyer
If your child is facing a petition, if they have been detained, or if they may be facing juvenile proceedings, we invite you to contact Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC and speak with a Greenville, SC juvenile criminal lawyer. We can help right away. You can rely on our experience, insight, care and compassion when your minor child is facing allegations of wrongdoing.
We accept cases in Greenville, SC and the surrounding areas. Call or message us now.
Greenville Juvenile Criminal Charges FAQs
Does a juvenile have the right to a jury trial in South Carolina?
Unless the case is sent to adult court, a juvenile does not have a jury trial right in South Carolina. Instead, the court holds an adjudicatory hearing to determine guilt or innocence beyond a reasonable doubt.
Does a juvenile have the right to remain silent?
Miranda rights apply to juveniles, including the right to remain silent. You should always direct your child to ask for their attorney.
Can a minor be questioned without their parents present in SC?
The police can question a minor without their parents present in SC. A juvenile may assert their right to remain silent.
What is a petition in juvenile court?
A petition in juvenile court is like a criminal charge in adult court. The petition alleges that a juvenile has committed an offense or that they are a status offender. It asks the court to begin proceedings.
Can a juvenile be arrested in South Carolina?
While Iit isn’t called “being arrested,” but a juvenile can be held in detention in South Carolina. The court must hold a hearing within 48 hours, except weekends and holidays, to determine whether detention is appropriate.
Is juvenile court open to the public in South Carolina?
Juvenile courts are closed to the public in South Carolina, and . The proceedings are confidential.
