Juvenile Defense Lawyer Carrollton, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Carrollton, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties 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 skilled, experienced, and compassionate Carrollton, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Carrollton and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Carrollton, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We recognize 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 consultation. Our Carrollton, 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.
Legal Videos
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
Why You Need a Carrollton, 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 especially advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Carrollton or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures instead of punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for young individuals. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Carrollton, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Carrollton, 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’s consideration. Call us today 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. 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 possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
- In order to buy 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 Carrollton 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 Carrollton, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave the outcome to chance in Carrollton, 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 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 Carrollton, MO, or educational components.
Probationary Period
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Carrollton and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Carrollton, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Carrollton, 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 serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Carrollton, MO area. This often happens 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. 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 Carrollton, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is crucial to note that the Carrollton and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will depend on the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Carrollton and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Carrollton, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Carrollton and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: Under 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: 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, like shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, often 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: 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 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 according to 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 circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
- 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 residents of Carrollton, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Carrollton, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several types of cases, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Carrollton, MO?
If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Carrollton, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting us online.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the gravity 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 Carrollton criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. Yet, 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.
Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Carrollton, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable outcome for minors navigating the legal system in Carrollton or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, Carrollton, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We recognize the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.
