When your child faces criminal charges, every decision made today shapes their entire future. Columbia families struggle watching their teenagers swept into the juvenile justice system where prosecutors, judges, and detention facilities threaten to derail young lives before they truly begin.
Available 24/7 - Immediate Response for Juvenile Defense Cases
Nothing terrifies a parent more than learning your child has been arrested and faces criminal charges. Perhaps Columbia Police took your teenager into custody after an incident at a Richland County high school, or your son was arrested for shoplifting at Columbiana Centre. Maybe your daughter faces drug charges after a party in Forest Acres, or your child was swept up in a group incident where others made decisions that now threaten everyone involved. The juvenile justice system promises rehabilitation over punishment, but the reality is that careless handling of these cases creates consequences that follow children into adulthood—limiting college opportunities, military service, and career paths before their lives truly begin.
Prosecutors may push to transfer serious cases to adult court, where teenagers face prison sentences designed for hardened criminals. Matt McGuire has defended Columbia juveniles and their families for over 30 years, understanding that young people deserve second chances and parents need guidance through an unfamiliar system.
Juvenile defense requires specialized knowledge of Family Court procedures, constitutional protections for minors, and strategies that protect young people from systems designed for adults. Our comprehensive experience provides Columbia families with expert guidance through every stage of the juvenile justice process.
We navigate Richland County Family Court proceedings with deep understanding of adjudicatory hearings, dispositional hearings, and detention reviews that determine whether juveniles remain in custody or return home.
Extensive experience representing juveniles before Richland County Family Court judges who decide delinquency cases. We understand the court's priorities and how to present compelling cases for rehabilitation.
Successfully negotiating diversion programs that avoid formal adjudication entirely. We work with the Solicitor's Office and Department of Juvenile Justice to secure alternatives for first-time offenders.
Expert knowledge of Miranda protections, search and seizure standards, and due process rights specific to juveniles. We challenge interrogations conducted without parental notification and illegal searches.
Aggressive defense at waiver hearings where prosecutors seek to transfer juveniles to adult court. We present compelling evidence of amenability to rehabilitation within the juvenile system.
We defend juveniles facing every category of delinquency allegation throughout Columbia and Richland County, protecting young people from consequences that threaten their futures.
Shoplifting and retail theft charges common among teenagers throughout Columbia shopping centers and retail stores. We challenge evidence and negotiate alternatives to adjudication.
Drug possession including marijuana, prescription medications, and controlled substances. We suppress illegally obtained evidence and argue for treatment-based alternatives.
Assault and fighting charges arising from school conflicts and neighborhood disputes. We present evidence of self-defense and challenge witness credibility issues.
Vandalism and property destruction including graffiti and criminal mischief. We negotiate restitution agreements and diversion programs to avoid formal adjudication.
Underage alcohol possession and consumption violations that trigger license suspensions and school disciplinary consequences. We fight to minimize collateral damage.
Weapons charges for knives, firearms, or prohibited items on school property. These serious allegations require aggressive defense to avoid adult prosecution.
Cyberbullying and electronic harassment charges increasingly prosecuted in Richland County. We challenge the evidence and demonstrate First Amendment protections.
Motor vehicle offenses including underage DUI and reckless driving that threaten driving privileges before teenagers even receive licenses.
Defending juveniles requires more than legal knowledge—it demands compassion for young people who made mistakes and dedication to protecting futures that deserve second chances. Our core values guide every juvenile case we handle.
We understand parents need guidance through unfamiliar Family Court procedures and Department of Juvenile Justice processes. We support entire families facing these difficult circumstances.
Juvenile cases move quickly from arrest to detention hearings to adjudication. Our 24/7 availability ensures we intervene immediately to protect your child's rights from the start.
Every decision in juvenile cases affects college applications, scholarship eligibility, military service, and career opportunities. We fight to keep these paths open for young people.
We advocate for treatment-based alternatives, diversion programs, and rehabilitation services that address underlying issues rather than simply punishing mistakes.
From challenging illegal searches to presenting mitigating evidence, we provide thorough defense that protects both legal rights and personal circumstances of young clients.
Understanding the juvenile justice system helps parents make informed decisions about protecting their children's rights and futures throughout these difficult proceedings.
Cases proceed through Richland County Family Court rather than adult criminal court, with different procedures and priorities focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Department of Juvenile Justice involvement begins upon arrest and continues through disposition, making recommendations about detention, probation, and commitment.
Detention hearings determine whether juveniles remain in custody pending adjudication. We fight aggressively to secure release to parental custody whenever possible.
Adjudicatory hearings replace trials, with judges rather than juries deciding outcomes. We present compelling defense and challenge prosecution evidence effectively.
Dispositional hearings determine consequences ranging from probation to commitment. We present evidence of rehabilitation potential and advocate for least restrictive alternatives.
Solicitor's Office decides whether to pursue formal charges or offer diversion alternatives. We negotiate with prosecutors to secure best possible outcomes for young clients.
Juvenile defense requires attorneys who understand both the technical complexities of Family Court and the human reality of families facing these crises. Matt McGuire has defended juveniles throughout Columbia for over 30 years, knowing how to protect young people from systems that can harm as easily as help.
Three decades defending Columbia juveniles provides deep knowledge of Richland County Family Court judges, Department of Juvenile Justice procedures, and effective defense strategies.
Extensive experience navigating Family Court proceedings gives us strategic advantages in adjudicatory hearings, dispositional hearings, and negotiations with the Solicitor's Office.
Strong working relationships with Department of Juvenile Justice staff help us negotiate favorable recommendations and access rehabilitation programs for young clients.
Unwavering commitment to ensuring law enforcement and prosecutors respect juveniles' constitutional rights throughout interrogations, searches, and court proceedings.
As a Columbia firm, we're invested in protecting the futures of local young people. Your child's successful rehabilitation strengthens our entire community.
South Carolina law allows prosecutors to transfer juveniles to adult court for serious offenses, where they face adult sentences and permanent criminal records. These transfer hearings require aggressive defense to keep cases in the juvenile system.
Juveniles possess constitutional rights including protection against self-incrimination. Parents should be present during any police questioning of minor children.
Effective juvenile defense requires tailored strategies that address both legal issues and the unique developmental circumstances of young clients facing delinquency allegations.
Challenging probable cause for arrest and legality of searches targeting minors. We suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches and interrogations.
Suppressing statements obtained without proper parental notification. Miranda protections apply to juvenile custodial interrogations and we enforce them vigorously.
Negotiating diversion programs that avoid formal adjudication entirely. First-time offenders often qualify for alternatives that keep records clean.
Presenting mitigating evidence demonstrating rehabilitation potential, family support, educational achievements, and character references from teachers and community members.
Challenging witness credibility and identification procedures involving juveniles. Peer witnesses often have motives to fabricate or exaggerate incidents.
Demonstrating peer pressure, immaturity, and developmental factors affecting culpability. Juvenile brains aren't fully developed and deserve different consideration.
Advocating for treatment-based alternatives to detention and commitment. Rehabilitation serves both juveniles and communities better than incarceration.
Parents facing juvenile arrests have urgent questions about protecting their children's rights and futures. Here are answers to the most common concerns Columbia families bring to our juvenile defense practice.
Police may detain juveniles at the Richland County Detention Center or release them to parents with court dates pending. Contact us immediately to protect your child's rights before any statements are made.
Yes. South Carolina allows transfer to adult court for serious felonies at age fourteen. Transfer hearings evaluate amenability to rehabilitation, and we fight aggressively to keep cases in juvenile court.
Juvenile cases proceed through Family Court with judges deciding outcomes, focusing on rehabilitation. Adult court uses juries and emphasizes punishment with permanent criminal records.
Juvenile records can be expunged in many cases, but adjudications still affect college applications and background checks. We fight to avoid formal adjudication whenever possible.
Diversion programs allow first-time offenders to complete counseling, community service, or other requirements in exchange for dismissal. We negotiate these alternatives aggressively.
Absolutely not. Juveniles have the right to counsel and parental presence during questioning. Never allow interrogation without an attorney present regardless of what officers say.
Yes. Department of Juvenile Justice operates facilities where juveniles can be committed. We fight for community-based alternatives that keep young people with their families.
We challenge illegal searches and statements, negotiate diversion programs, present mitigating evidence, and advocate for rehabilitation-focused alternatives. We tailor defense strategies to each young client's unique circumstances.
Juveniles possess constitutional rights including protection against self-incrimination, right to counsel, and protection from illegal searches. We ensure law enforcement and prosecutors respect these rights throughout proceedings.
With over 30 years of experience defending South Carolina, McGuire Law provides elite legal representation with national recognition. McGuire Law has grown from a small practice into one of the most trusted law firms in South Carolina. We understand that legal issues can be overwhelming, whether you're facing criminal charges, dealing with injuries from an accident, or navigating family law matters.
McGuire Law is committed to each client's unique situation, and we don't believe in boilerplate solutions. Every case requires careful analysis, strategic planning, and aggressive representation. Our firm combines over 30 years of experience with cutting-edge legal strategies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
McGuire Law serves all 46 South Carolina counties. We know these counties, their courts, their legal communities, and most importantly, the people who live here. This local knowledge, combined with our legal expertise, gives our clients a significant advantage.
Matt McGuire received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina.
Matt has served as a law clerk for a State Circuit Judge, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina, and an Assistant Solicitor in the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.
Matt is a proud husband, father of two, and a long-time resident of Richland County, South Carolina.
The juvenile justice system moves quickly, and decisions made in the first days after arrest often determine whether your child receives rehabilitation or faces consequences that derail their entire future. Call McGuire Law now and experience the difference that personal, aggressive, and effective legal representation can make in protecting your child's future.
The juvenile justice system moves quickly, and decisions made in the first days after arrest often determine whether your child receives rehabilitation or faces consequences that derail their entire future. Matthew McGuire defends juveniles throughout Columbia and Richland County, bringing over three decades of experience protecting young people from systems that can harm as easily as help. With offices across South Carolina and 24/7 availability, Matt understands that parents need immediate answers when their children face charges.
