Two Young Children Face Juvenile Charges of Arson for Intentional Playground Fire
Goose Creek authorities say that a playground fire that destroyed $60,000 worth of equipment at a school was intentionally set, and the two boys who committed arson have been found and face juvenile charges.
In the afternoon on Sunday, March 29th, the two boys – one 11 years old and the other 10 years old, so their names have been withheld from press releases – were caught on surveillance camera at the playground of the Boulder Bluff Elementary School. They set a fire on a sliding board, according to firefighters.
Goose Creek police responded to the school’s call around 2 PM. Firefighters at the scene said that the fire looked intentionally set, which led to suspicions of arson. They investigated video footage of the playground and found two little boys on camera. They searched and found the children wearing similar clothing to the kids in the video. When questioned with their parents – a requirement for juvenile charges – they both confessed to the arson.
Originally, the 10 year old did not face juvenile charges for arson due to his age, but after consulting with the Ninth Circuit Solicitor’s Office, the severity of the crime led to juvenile charges against both children. The charges are 3rd Degree Arson.
The arson caused serious damage to $60,000 worth of playground equipment, which has since been removed for safety.
The two boys have been released to their parents while they wait for further legal developments around their juvenile charges.
Juvenile Charges in South Carolina
Although some children commit serious crimes, juvenile charges can have long-lasting consequences for the family and for the child. Juvenile charges can prevent a child from getting into a good college, getting a scholarship, or getting a job. These charges can remain on a person’s record for years, regardless of how hard the person works to overcome their childhood delinquency.
Juvenile courts handle cases involving juvenile delinquency and crimes committed by minors, including but not limited to:
- Truancy, or skipping school
- Arson
- Drug use
- Alcohol use, or underage drinking
- Underage DUI
- Shoplifting
- Curfew violations
- Burglary
- Gun possession
- Sex crimes including statutory rape, sexting, criminal solicitation, etc
While arson charges in South Carolina are a serious criminal offense, juvenile charges can be worse. South Carolina has a zero tolerance policy toward alcohol and drug use among underage users, and if that is found to contribute to other juvenile charges, then your child could wind up in jail, which may cause them to miss out on important school-age developments, friendships, and graduation.
Arson charges can be misapplied, but even if the arson was intentional, it is important that you have criminal defense attorneys that will fight for your rights in court.
The Strom Law Firm Defends Criminal Charges from Arson to Juvenile Charges
If you or your child face criminal charges, including arson, burglary, criminal solicitation of a minor, DUI, or juvenile crimes like truancy, you do not have to face the judge and jury alone. The criminal and juvenile charges defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm understand South Carolina’s zero tolerance policies. We offer free, confidential case evaluations to discuss your charges, so contact us today for help. 803.252.4800.