Juvenile Defense Lawyer Holts Summit, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Holts Summit, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties 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, experienced, and compassionate Holts Summit, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Holts Summit and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Holts Summit, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people can find themselves in bad situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. Our Holts Summit, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Holts Summit, 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 individuals facing juvenile charges in Holts Summit or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures instead of punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for young individuals. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Holts Summit, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Holts Summit, 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 to consider. Give us a call right away 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. The age differs for various other circumstances under Missouri law, such as:
- 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 Holts Summit 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 Holts Summit, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Holts Summit, 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 Holts Summit, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Holts Summit and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Holts Summit, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Holts Summit, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of major or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Holts Summit, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.
Record Expungement
Some 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 defined 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 Holts Summit, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is important to recognize that the Holts Summit and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Holts Summit and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Holts Summit, MO can 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 Holts Summit and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: Under 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, 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: If a juvenile is charged with vandalism, their case is 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. 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.
- 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. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree according to RSMo. § 565.056, this is a misdemeanor and could result in jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might 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 citizens of Holts Summit, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Holts Summit, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several types of cases, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Holts Summit, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Holts Summit, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, whether the crime involved force or violence, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Holts Summit criminal defense lawyers 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.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Holts Summit, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just outcome for young individuals navigating the legal system in Holts Summit or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Holts Summit, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We comprehend the pressures and challenges faced by today’s youth, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. 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, commitment-free consultation.
