What rights do juveniles have when facing criminal charges?
In South Carolina, minors are legally recognized as juveniles under the Juvenile Crimes Law. A juvenile is anyone under the age of 18 who commits a crime. The Juvenile Crimes Law in South Carolina states that minors facing criminal charges have the same rights as adults. This includes the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and the right to a fair trial. Additionally, the law states that all juvenile proceedings must be held in a closed courtroom and may not be open to the public. In addition to the rights granted to adults in the criminal justice system, South Carolina’s Juvenile Crimes Law includes additional provisions to ensure that minors facing criminal charges are treated fairly. First, a juvenile prosecutor is appointed to file charges against minors. Second, the court must consider the best interests of the juvenile when ruling in a criminal case. Lastly, South Carolina has adopted a restorative justice program to address juvenile crime. Through this program, the court can order minors to complete educational, social, or behavioral programs instead of sentencing them to prison or jail time. This provides the minor an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and to help them stay out of trouble in the future. Overall, South Carolina’s Juvenile Crimes Law provides juveniles with the same rights as adults in the criminal justice system, with the addition of additional provisions to ensure fairness and provide them with opportunities for rehabilitation.
Related FAQs
What happens if a juvenile breaks the probation or parole rules?What are the advantages of having a juvenile case handled in juvenile court?
What is the difference between incarceration and detention for juveniles?
What are the rights of juveniles in the criminal justice system?
What is a Youth Court and what types of cases are handled in a Youth Court?
What is the difference between juvenile and adult sentencing?
What is the juvenile justice system’s approach to substance abuse?
What are some common causes of juvenile crime?
How can parents support juvenile offenders?
Are juvenile records public?
Related Blog Posts
Juvenile Crimes Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023Understanding Juvenile Crimes and the Legal System - August 7, 2023
How Juvenile Crimes Are Handled - August 14, 2023
Juvenile Offenders and What Happens in the Courts - August 21, 2023
Understanding the Rights of Juveniles - August 28, 2023