In re M.B.H.

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed a family court’s order requiring a juvenile who pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature to register on the private sex offender registry. The court held that a finding of good cause requires consideration of the facts and circumstances indicating a risk of sexual reoffense and that the family court did not abuse its discretion.

Holdings

1. In this context, good cause means that the judge must consider the facts and circumstances of the case to determine whether the evidence indicates a risk of sexual reoffense; that determination is within the judge's discretion.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the family court properly found good cause to require a juvenile adjudicated delinquent of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature to register on the private sex offender registry.
2. Whether the evidence supported the family court's finding that M.B.H. presented a risk of sexual reoffense.

Disposition

affirmed