Juvenile Defense Lawyer Cole County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Cole 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, regardless of the severity, having a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Cole County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Cole County and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Cole County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people can 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 consultation. Our Cole County, 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 Cole County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In [wdac-state-long], 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 individuals facing juvenile charges in Cole County or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long]. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures instead of punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for minors. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Cole County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under [wdac-state-long] 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 [wdac-state-long] 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 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 Cole County or Elsewhere Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

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 Cole County, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

Don’t leave it to chance in Cole 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 frequently include counseling, community service in Cole County, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Cole County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either 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 Cole County, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.

Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully completing 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 Cole County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to realize that the juvenile justice systems in Cole County and [wdac-state-long] are crafted with a main focus 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 Cole County and Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

Juvenile offenses in Cole County, MO can encompass a range of activities that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Cole County and throughout [wdac-state-long] 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: 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 by your side.
• Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the [wdac-state-long] 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, 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. 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 serious cases.
• Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is commonally driven by different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, 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 over that age. However, 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.
• 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. 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 specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could 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 experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of Cole County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Cole County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of forms of law, including:

• 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 Cole County, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Cole County, 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 determines whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, looking at your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, 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 [wdac-city] criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are a variety of 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 Cole County, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just resolution for minors entangled in the Cole County or [wdac-state-long] legal system. With knowledgeable legal representation, Cole County, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

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