Juvenile Defense Lawyer Jasper County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Jasper County, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming experience for both you and your family. If you are facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Jasper County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Jasper County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Jasper County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people find themselves in difficult situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Jasper County, MO lawyers will go over the specifics of your case with you and your family and provide legal guidance and the best course of action.
Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Jasper County, MO
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, along with cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Jasper County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Jasper County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Jasper 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. Give us a call now 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 situations 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.
- 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 Jasper County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors such as 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 Jasper County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave the outcome to chance in Jasper County, MO; reach out to 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 Jasper County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probationary Period
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Jasper 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 Jasper County, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Jasper County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In instances of major or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Jasper County, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.
Record Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully completing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a defined 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 Jasper County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is important to recognize that the juvenile justice systems in Jasper 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 distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Jasper County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Jasper County, MO encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Jasper 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. Homeschooling is an option, but parents must prove the child is getting 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 by your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the Missouri courts don’t feel children 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. 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 serious 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 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 beyond 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.
- Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Classified as assault in the fourth degree in 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 circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles could be required to pay restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
- 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 experienced legal team ensures that the citizens of Jasper County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Jasper County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Jasper 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 Jasper County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.
Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, whether you hurt another individual, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Jasper County criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty 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.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Jasper County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just resolution for juveniles navigating the legal system in Jasper County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Jasper County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We understand the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.
