Juvenile Defense Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, 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, no matter their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Ste. Genevieve, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Ste. Genevieve and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Ste. Genevieve, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people find themselves in bad 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 case review. Our Ste. Genevieve, 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 Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as 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 Ste. Genevieve or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive 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 contact 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, 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.
• 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 Ste. Genevieve 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Ste. Genevieve, 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 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Ste. Genevieve, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area. This often occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Expungement

Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is important to recognize that the Ste. Genevieve and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing 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 Ste. Genevieve and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Ste. Genevieve, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Ste. Genevieve 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, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
• Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including 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: 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 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, 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 beyond that age. Yet, if a traffic violation is serious 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: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of 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: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to pay 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.

Our skilled legal team makes sure that the residents of Ste. Genevieve, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Ste. Genevieve, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.

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. 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, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Ste. Genevieve criminal defense attorneys 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.

Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just resolution for minors navigating the Ste. Genevieve or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Ste. Genevieve, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We understand the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Give us a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free case review.