Juvenile Defense Lawyer Morgan County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Morgan County, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Morgan 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 Morgan County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Morgan County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We understand that good people find themselves in bad situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our Morgan 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 Morgan 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 because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Morgan County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Morgan County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Morgan County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive experience in defending young clients. We collaborate with the court to secure the most favorable outcome for you and provide crucial elements like 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, 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Do not leave the outcome to chance in Morgan 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 be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs frequently include counseling, community service in Morgan County, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Morgan County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether via financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Morgan County, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Record Expungement

Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a certain age, completes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a specified period. 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 Morgan County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is important to recognize that the juvenile justice systems in Morgan County and Missouri are crafted with a primary focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile offenses in Morgan County, MO can encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Morgan 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. 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 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, such as shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division, which tends to course-correct juveniles who steal by releasing them to their parents or possibly in more serious cases ordering restitution, probation, a diversionary program, counseling, or even detention or home confinement.
• Vandalism: If a juvenile is charged with vandalism, their case is also heard by the Juvenile Division. This charge must be proven to have been purposeful and, like shoplifting, there are a variety of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in severe cases.
• Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is typically driven by different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts apply 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 beyond 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 in RSMo. § 565.056, this is a misdemeanor and could result in jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or a fine.
• Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly based on the specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might be required to fulfill 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of Morgan County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Morgan County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of types of cases, such as:

• 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations 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 based on the charges, your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, whether the crime involved force or violence, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Morgan County criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of outcomes may unfold. You could be placed on probation and given a second chance. You may spend some time in a detention facility and then later be sent to an adult prison. Or, in a worst-case situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Morgan County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for minors entangled in the legal system in Morgan County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, Morgan County, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We comprehend the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.