Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Louis, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in St. Louis, 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, regardless of the severity, having a talented, knowledgeable, and compassionate St. Louis, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in St. Louis, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people can find themselves in challenging 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 consultation. Our St. Louis, MO attorneys 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 St. Louis, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

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 juvenile is accused of a crime in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable St. Louis, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, 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 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 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.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Louis, MO | St. Louis, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in St. Louis, MO; reach out to 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 qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, like counseling, community service opportunities in St. Louis, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probation

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in St. Louis 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. Louis, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

Some St. Louis, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the St. Louis, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.

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. 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. Louis, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to realize that the St. Louis and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution 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 St. Louis and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in St. Louis, MO can encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in St. Louis 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 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 recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of 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: 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 serious cases.
Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Consequently, and fortunately for you, 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. However, 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.
Simple 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 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 could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer St. Louis, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the citizens of St. Louis, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in St. Louis, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in St. Louis, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in St. Louis, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting 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. Factors considered by the judge include 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 St. Louis criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of outcomes might 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 the worst-case scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and just outcome for minors entangled in the St. Louis or Missouri legal system. With knowledgeable legal representation, St. Louis, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge 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 case review.

St. Louis, MO