My question involves juvenile law in the State of: South Carolina
Today I received mail from the Solicitor of Ninth Judicial Circuit. The documents contained information about Community Juvenile Arbitration Program that I was eligible of and "If I comply with the Arbitrator's disposition, the case is ended with no court action and the minor's record is cleared."
To summarize the hearing...
Because the hearing is informal in nature, the arbitrator may refer to written or oral reports by persons with knowledge of facts relating to the case including the child. Any statement or admission made by the child at the hearing is privileged and may not be used as evidence against him in any court proceedings. The arbitrator discusses the facts of the case and the violation of the law. The Arbitrator will then determine and impose one or more of the following dispositions:
1. Community restitution work programs.
2. Restitution for property damage not to exceed $500.00
3. Refer the juvenile to a safety, education, and/or recreation program related to juvenile offenders, including visitation to court, DJJ facility, etc.
4. Refers the juvenile to community counseling.
5. Home Restrictions.
6. Refer the juvenile and/or his/her parents or guardian to a privately provided person or organization for counseling, education, training, or treatment designed to encourage non-criminal behavior.
7. Refer the juvenile for placement in a community-based program.
8. Any other lawful disposition the Arbitrator may impose after considering the child, the offense and its consequences (For Example: Writing an essay, apology. etc.)
If I do not comply with the Arbitrator's disposition, the case will be referred for prosecution in Juvenile Court as it would if Arbitration had not been initially accepted.
Along with the mail came with a copy of Waiver of Rights and Agreement for Community Juvenile Arbitration Program which explains that all my rights will be limited during the hearing.
-May not have the presence of a lawyer at your hearing or to have a judge appoint you a lawyer at no cost to you if you cannot afford the advice of a lawyer.
Should I accept this or should I plead not guilty and hire a lawyer?
Please can anyone give me an advice from experience, or any other information that I should know that will affect my decision?
Thanks in Advance!

