(A) The Department of Juvenile Justice, upon referral of a juvenile accused of committing an offense involving one or more victims, must make a reasonable effort to confer with each victim before:

(1) placing the juvenile in a diversion program;

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Terms Used In South Carolina Code 16-3-1540

  • Prosecuting agency: means the solicitor, Attorney General, special prosecutor, or any person or entity charged with the prosecution of a criminal case in general sessions or family court. See South Carolina Code 16-3-1510
  • Victim: means any individual who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as the result of the commission or attempted commission of a criminal offense, as defined in this section. See South Carolina Code 16-3-1510

(2) issuing a recommendation for diversion;

(3) referring the juvenile to the prosecuting agency for prosecution;

(4) issuing a recommendation for evaluation at the agency’s reception and evaluation center; or

(5) taking other action.

(B) The Department of Juvenile Justice must make a reasonable effort to keep each victim reasonably informed of the status and progress of a case from the time it is referred by law enforcement until it is referred to the prosecuting agency.