Juvenile Defense Lawyer Clarkson Valley, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you are facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Clarkson Valley, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Clarkson Valley and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Clarkson Valley, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people 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 case review. Our Clarkson Valley, 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 Clarkson Valley, 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 individuals facing juvenile charges in Clarkson Valley or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures rather than punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for minors. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Clarkson Valley, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Clarkson Valley, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of 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 Clarkson Valley or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?

The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors such as 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 Clarkson Valley, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Clarkson Valley, 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 often include counseling, community service in Clarkson Valley, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

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

Juvenile Detention

In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Clarkson Valley, MO area. This frequently occurs 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 defined 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 Clarkson Valley, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

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

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Clarkson Valley and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Clarkson Valley, MO can encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Clarkson Valley and throughout Missouri include:

• Truancy: According to 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: 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 by 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, 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: 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 range 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. Consequently, the courts apply different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most serious 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 beyond that age, but if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time a juvenile DWI charge for example, 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 injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. 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 circumstances. In less severe instances, 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.

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Clarkson Valley, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Clarkson Valley, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several types of cases, including:

• 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 Clarkson Valley, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Clarkson Valley, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, 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 after reading the charges, your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Clarkson Valley criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove 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 the worst-case scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Clarkson Valley, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable outcome for young individuals entangled in the legal system in Clarkson Valley or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, Clarkson Valley, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We recognize 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 reach out to us for a free, commitment-free consultation.