Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Francois County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in St. Francois 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, no matter the severity, having a talented, knowledgeable, and empathetic St. Francois County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in St. Francois County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in St. Francois County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people can find themselves in difficult 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 St. Francois County, MO attorneys are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Legal Videos
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable St. Francois County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte St. Francois 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’s consideration. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri Law?
For purposes of the juvenile code, an adult is an individual 18 years of age or older while a child is anyone under 18. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different situations under the laws of, such as:
- 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.
- 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 St. Francois County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The possible outcomes for a juvenile accused of a crime can vary based on the severity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior record, and the specific circumstances of the case. All of these possibilities and what-ifs are precisely why you need a strong St. Francois County, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in St. Francois County, MO; call the attorneys 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 St. Francois County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in St. Francois 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 St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In instances of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the St. Francois County, MO area. This frequently occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Record Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a specific age, finishes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a specified period. In some cases though, certain offenses can remain on your record even after you turn 18. It is vital to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in St. Francois County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to realize that the juvenile justice systems in St. Francois County and Missouri are crafted with a primary 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 St. Francois County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in St. Francois County, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in St. Francois County and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: Under Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents are obligated to make sure their 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, highlighting the importance of having 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, like shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, often 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 serious cases, detention.
- Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is commonally driven by 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 severe cases, detention.
- Traffic Violations: Juvenile traffic violations have a unique aspect – the age at which a juvenile is considered an adult for driving purposes is 15 ½. The Juvenile Division can’t handle cases over that age. Yet, if a traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time, such as a juvenile DWI charge, the traffic court judge will likely request the juvenile court to supersede.
- Assault: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of simple assault for injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. 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 depending on the specific circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles might be required to pay 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: Unfortunately, cases of juveniles facing charges for unlawful possession of a firearm are not uncommon. Potential penalties for this offense range from fines to more severe consequences like detention or even incarcertation.
Our knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of St. Francois County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in St. Francois 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 St. Francois County, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in St. Francois County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
Under 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. 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 St. Francois County criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, various 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 St. Francois County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for young individuals entangled in the legal system in St. Francois County or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in St. Francois County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding 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 contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.
