Juvenile Defense Lawyer Lafayette County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO. Navigating the complexities of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Lafayette County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Lafayette County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Lafayette County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people can find themselves in bad situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.
Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our Lafayette County, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Lafayette County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles cases involving juvenile crimes, as well as matters related to abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This unique legal framework is particularly advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Lafayette County or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures rather than punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for minors. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Lafayette County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Lafayette County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of experience in defending young clients. We can work with the court to get the best possible decision on your behalf, as well as provide things such as character statements and mitigating factors for the judge to consider. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri Law?
In accordance with the juvenile code, an adult is defined as an individual aged 18 years or older, whereas a child refers to anyone under the age of 18. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different circumstances under the laws of, including:
- For driving purposes, there is a range between 15 ½ and 18 depending on the type of driver’s license.
- To possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
- An individual must be 18 to purchase a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Lafayette County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors like the gravity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior legal history, and the specific details of the case. These possible outcomes underscore the importance of having a dedicated Lafayette County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in Lafayette County, MO; call the lawyers at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential outcomes:
Diversion Programs
Juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs often include counseling, community service in Lafayette County, MO, or educational components.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Lafayette County and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Lafayette County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
In some cases in Lafayette County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Lafayette County, MO area. This frequently occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a specific age, completes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a defined period. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to note that the juvenile justice systems in Lafayette County and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Lafayette County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Lafayette County, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Lafayette County and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: According to Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents must ensure that a child is enrolled in and regularly attends school. While homeschooling is an alternative, parents must demonstrate that the child receives 1000 hours of instruction.
- Curfew Violations: Being in public during hours when a minor is required to be at home. These hours can vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, frequently involving release to parents, restitution, probation, diversionary programs, counseling, or in more severe cases, detention or home confinement.
- Vandalism: Cases of juvenile vandalism are also heard by the Juvenile Division. To be charged, vandalism must be proven to be purposeful. Penalties range from restitution and fines to probation or, in severe cases, detention.
- Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Consequently, the courts see this and have far different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most serious cases, detention.
- Traffic Violations: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that, as explained above, a juvenile becomes an adult for driving purposes at 15 ½. The Juvenile Division cannot take any cases over that age, yet if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time a juvenile DWI charge for example, the traffic court judge may request the juvenile court to supersede.
- Simple Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree under RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling. However, arson charges can quickly escalate to more serious consequences depending on the gravity of the offense.
- Unlawful Gun Possession: This is an unfortunately common charge and the possible penalties for unlawful possession could be as minor as a fine or as major as jail time.
Our skilled legal team ensures that the residents of Lafayette County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Lafayette County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of types of cases, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Lafayette County, MO?
If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Lafayette County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting us online.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Lafayette County criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of outcomes may unfold. You might receive probation for a second chance, spend time in a detention facility followed by transfer to an adult prison, or, in the worst-case scenario, face immediate placement in an adult prison.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Lafayette County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and just outcome for juveniles navigating the Lafayette County or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, Lafayette County, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We understand the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
