Juvenile Defense Lawyer Moscow Mills, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Moscow Mills, 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 Moscow Mills, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Moscow Mills and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Moscow Mills, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people can find themselves in difficult 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-strings-attached case review. Our Moscow Mills, MO lawyers 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 Moscow Mills, 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 Moscow Mills 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 Moscow Mills, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Moscow Mills, 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. 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 consume or possess alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
An individual must be 18 to buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Moscow Mills, MO | Moscow Mills, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Moscow Mills 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 exactly why you need a strong Moscow Mills, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Moscow Mills, MO; call the attorneys at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential outcomes:

Diversion Programs

Juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs often include counseling, community service in Moscow Mills, MO, or educational components.

Probationary Period

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Moscow Mills and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Moscow Mills, 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 Moscow Mills, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether via financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Moscow Mills, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.

Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a specified duration. 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 Moscow Mills, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is important to realize that the Moscow Mills 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 distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Moscow Mills and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile crimes in Moscow Mills, MO encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Moscow Mills 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: This involves 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 on 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, fall under the purview of 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. To be charged, vandalism must be proven to be purposeful. Penalties range from restitution and fines to probation or, in severe cases, detention.
Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far 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 over that age. However, if a traffic violation is serious enough to warrant jail time, such as a juvenile DWI charge, 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 causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree under RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or a fine.
Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely based 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.
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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Moscow Mills, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our skilled legal team ensures that the residents of Moscow Mills, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Moscow Mills, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of forms of law, such as:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Moscow Mills, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Moscow Mills, 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 decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider 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, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Moscow Mills criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish your innocence. Yet, if you are found guilty, there are several things that could happen. 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 Moscow Mills, MO Right Away 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 Moscow Mills or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, Moscow Mills, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures 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. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.

Moscow Mills, MO