Juvenile Defense Lawyer Missouri River, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Missouri River, 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 Missouri River, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Missouri River and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Missouri River, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people find themselves in challenging situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our Missouri River, MO attorneys are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.

Why You Need a Missouri River, 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 more. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Missouri River or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Missouri River, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Missouri River, 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 to consider. 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 possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
• In order to purchase a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

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

Do not leave the outcome to chance in Missouri River, 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 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 Missouri River, MO, or educational components.

Probationary Period

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Missouri River and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Missouri River, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

Some Missouri River, 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 serious or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Missouri River, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

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

It is crucial to recognize that the Missouri River 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 unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile crimes in Missouri River, MO can encompass a spectrum of offenses that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Missouri River 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: 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, including shoplifting and theft, are handled by 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. To be charged, vandalism must be proven to be purposeful. Penalties range from restitution and fines to probation or, in severe cases, detention.
• Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is commonally driven by 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 beyond 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.
• Simple 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. Classified 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 a fine.
• Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly based on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
• 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 ensures that the residents of Missouri River, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Missouri River, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of 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 Missouri River, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Missouri River, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews 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 after 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, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Missouri River criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. However, 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 Missouri River, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for minors entangled in the legal system in Missouri River or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, Missouri River, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We understand the pressures and challenges faced by today’s youth, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free consultation.