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Criminal Court Mediation Charleston, SC

Settle Your Criminal Case with Criminal Court Mediation

What's Involved in Criminal Court Mediation?

Victim-offender mediation is a relatively new approach to resolving criminal cases. It's based on principles of restorative justice and the understanding that in many instances, criminal trials may be more traumatic than anticipated for everyone involved, and often neither party really "wins" in a criminal trial.

Criminal court mediation is a valuable option for the accused, the victim and -- if the case has already been filed -- their respective attorneys. The process is confidential and scheduled based on the availability and convenience of all involved. In contrast to mediation of civil cases, in criminal court mediations some admission of responsibility by one party (the defendant) is expected before mediation begins. The goal is to benefit both parties involved and to allow the victim, defendant, and other individuals involved to contribute to the achievement of real justice expeditiously so that everyone can begin healing.

Some types of cases recommended for Victim-Offender Mediation include those with:

  • Disagreements about the amount of restitution; and/or
  • Members of one family as both victims and defendant; and/or
  • A defendant who has a strong desire to apologize; and/or
  • A victim who would like to have questions answered about the crime.

Some outcomes that may result from Victim-Offender Mediation:

  • Agreement as to restitution amount;
  • Recommendations for non-traditional means of making amends for the harm done by the Offender, which may include recommendations regarding plea/sentence;
  • Apology / Enhanced understanding between Offender and Victim;
  • Reduction in feelings of fear/anger/helplessness/despair of both parties.

Learn more about criminal court mediation

Are you considering criminal court mediation? Here are a few things you need to know: 

  • It can be an alternative to the courtroom process or used as a supplement.
  • It can be court-ordered or established through an agreement of both parties.
  • The process can start before or after charges have been filed.

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