Juvenile Defense Lawyer Buchanan County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Buchanan County, MO. Navigating the complexities 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 Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Buchanan County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people can find themselves in difficult 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-strings-attached case review. Our Buchanan 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 Buchanan County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
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 people facing juvenile charges in Buchanan County 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 Buchanan County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Buchanan County, 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. Call us now 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 consume or possess alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
- An individual must be 18 to buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Buchanan County 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 Buchanan County, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Buchanan County, 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 Buchanan County, MO, or educational components.
Probationary Period
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Buchanan County and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Buchanan County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
In some cases in Buchanan County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Buchanan County, MO area. This frequently happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Expungement
Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a defined 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 Buchanan County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is crucial to recognize that the Buchanan County and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing 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 Buchanan County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Buchanan County, MO encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Buchanan 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, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, such as 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 severe cases.
- Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is typically driven by 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 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 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 injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Classified as assault in the fourth degree in 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 less severe instances, juveniles might be required to fulfill 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 makes sure that the citizens of Buchanan County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Buchanan County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Buchanan County, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Buchanan County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include 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 Buchanan County criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are a variety of things that could occur. 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.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Buchanan County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just outcome for minors navigating the legal system in Buchanan County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, Buchanan County, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges. Give us a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, no-strings-attached case review.
