Christian Helms, right, with attorney Russell Long, left.
The teenager accused of shooting at a Socastee High School resource officer last September could go trial on attempted murder and other charges before the end of August.
15-year-old Christian Helms will be tried as an adult after his case was moved up from juvenile court two months ago.
A bond hearing was held for Helms Wednesday. His attorney, Russell Long, wanted to get a bond hearing as quickly as possible so he could a trial as quickly as possible.
He was assured by the solicitors office the trial would be held soon, perhaps by end of August, so the bond was not necessary so he withdrew request in court Wednesday.
Helms has been in the custody of the SC Department of Juvenile Justice since the shooting at Socastee High last September.
Helms is charged with attempted murder, possession of incendiary devices and attempt to detonate those devices. He's accused of firing a shot that narrowly missed SRO Erik Karney and of taking two homemade bombs to school.
Long says Helms is upset he's in jail but understands why he's there and that he made a tremendous mistake.
Long says Helms as turned a big corner at the DJJ. "He's not picking fights, he's not causing problems, he's doing very well in school there."
Long says while he's waiting for the trial date to be set he's working with the solicitor's office to get the best deal he can for Helms as he would for any defendant.
"We immediately start talking about potential trial, potential plea, potential sentencing, potential diversion. There are a million options and there are certainly many many options in this case, and we're in the process of talking about all of them."
Long says its hard for Helms' parents to see him in leg chains and handcuffs but they're strong and supportive and the public support for Helms is growing. "I get stopped on the street on a daily basis with questions about how is he doing, what does the future hold for him? A lot of people are behind him, which is remarkable considering what he did and what he's accused of."
Long says the best possible outcome for Helms would be a not guilty verdict - at least on the most serious charge of attempted murder. The worst outcome according to Long? What Helms is going through right now - staying behind bars.
If found guilty, Helms could face up to 30 years in prison.
