Juvenile Defense Lawyer Barton County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Barton County, 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, no matter the severity, having a talented, knowledgeable, and compassionate Barton County, 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 Barton County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Barton County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people find themselves in challenging 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-obligation case review. Our Barton County, 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 Barton County, 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 because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Barton County 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 Barton County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Barton County, 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. Call us now 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. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different circumstances 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.
• 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 Barton County 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 Barton County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Barton County, 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 be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs frequently include counseling, community service in Barton County, MO, or educational components.

Probationary Period

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

Restitution

Some Barton County, 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 order juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Barton County, 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 specific age, completes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a defined 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 Barton County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is crucial to note that the juvenile justice systems in Barton County and Missouri are crafted with a primary concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will be contingent upon the unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile offenses in Barton County, MO can encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Barton County 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. While homeschooling is an alternative, parents must demonstrate that the child receives 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, so it is crucial to have 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, such as 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: 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, similar to shoplifting, there are a variety of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in severe 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 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 cannot take any cases beyond that age, yet 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.
• 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. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree according to RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
• Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly 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: 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 skilled legal team makes sure that the residents of Barton County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Barton County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, including:

• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Barton County, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Barton County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.

According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides 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 gravity 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 Barton County criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish 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 situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Barton County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

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

We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding 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 contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.