Practice Areas

Juvenile Crime

In South Carolina, the law provides for a different system and process for children who find themselves in trouble with the law.

Juveniles fall under the jurisdiction of the Family Court, while adult crimes are handled in General Sessions or Magistrate Court. Juveniles in Family Court are governed by different rules and processes, based on the logical notion that children and adults should be treated differently under the criminal law.

Even though juveniles are not exposed to “adult court,” they still can face tough penalties, including incarceration at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

Very often, “promising” children raised by “good” parents find themselves in some form of legal trouble. If you have a child who has been arrested or is facing a criminal charge, take steps to ensure that your child’s rights are protected. Contact an experienced juvenile crime defense lawyer at Morton & Gettys to discuss your child’s case. Initial consultations are free of charge.