Seven former Wando high school students spent Wednesday night In Charleston County lock-up.

Thursday morning they'll head to their next destination. This after their sentencing in a high profile robbery case.

The seven young men are in a holding area, not with the general population.  The next step is a 15 day evaluation to decide if they are fit for the shock incarceration program.

In the months following their guilty pleas, these seven were faced with an uncertain future, prison or probation.  In the days leading up to sentencing, Terry walker, Jackie Washington’s attorney, hoped for the latter.

"I was disappointed, I was hoping for probation so he didn't have to go behind bars," said Walker.

What they got is somewhere in the middle: The opportunity to enroll in a prison boot camp.  There, they will endure physical activity like military drills. They will work with labor crews and spend three hours a day in the classroom. Every minute of their day will be structured and discipline is strongly enforced.

"Gives them the chance to function in a discipline situation," said Walker.

According to the DOC, the camp lasts between 90 and 120 days. Success is based on attitude, values, and behavior. The price of failure in most cases is prison. Several studies have been done on the program and in the majority of cases, those who complete the program are less likely to re-offend.

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