Juvenile Defense Lawyer Chariton County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Chariton County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and challenges as a juvenile can be a daunting, overwhelming experience both for you and your family. If you are facing charges, regardless of the severity, having a talented, knowledgeable, and empathetic Chariton County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Chariton County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Chariton County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people 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 case review. Our Chariton County, MO attorneys are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.

Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Chariton County, MO

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 Chariton 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 young individuals. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Chariton County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Chariton County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive 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’s consideration. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 consume or possess alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
• In order to purchase a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Chariton 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 Chariton County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Do not leave it to chance in Chariton County, MO; call the lawyers at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential scenarios:

Diversion Programs

Juveniles may qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, such as counseling, community service opportunities in Chariton County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probation

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Chariton County and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Chariton County, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

In some cases in Chariton County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of major or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Chariton County, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully completing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a specified duration. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is vital to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Chariton County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to realize that the juvenile justice systems in Chariton 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 situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Chariton County and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile crimes in Chariton County, MO can encompass a range of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Chariton 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 vary by jurisdiction, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
• Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, such as shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of 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. This charge must be proven to have been purposeful and, like shoplifting, there are a range of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in severe cases.
• Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts see this and have far different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most severe 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 can’t 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 will likely 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 is a misdemeanor and could result in jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
• Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly based on the specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to pay restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
• 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of Chariton County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Chariton County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, including:

• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Chariton County, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Chariton County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.

According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, whether you hurt another individual, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Chariton County criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, various outcomes might 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.

Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Chariton County, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable outcome for young individuals navigating the Chariton County or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Chariton County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.