Juvenile Defense Lawyer Cottleville, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Cottleville, 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, no matter the severity, having a skilled, knowledgeable, and empathetic Cottleville, 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 Cottleville and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Cottleville, 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, 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 because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Cottleville or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Cottleville, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Cottleville, 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 to consider. Call us now 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 situations 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.
- 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 Cottleville 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 Cottleville, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave it to chance in Cottleville, MO; call 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 Cottleville, MO, or educational components.
Probationary Period
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Cottleville and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Cottleville, 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 Cottleville, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Cottleville, 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 certain age, finishes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a defined period. 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 Cottleville, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is important to recognize that the Cottleville 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 situations of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Cottleville and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Cottleville, MO encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Cottleville 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: This involves being in public during hours when a minor is required to be at home. These vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like 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: 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, like shoplifting, there are a range 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. Consequently, and fortunately for you, 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 cannot 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 causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree under RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or a fine.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending 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 experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Cottleville, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Cottleville, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Cottleville, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Cottleville, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
Under 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 after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, whether you hurt another individual, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Cottleville criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are several 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 Cottleville, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for minors entangled in the Cottleville or Missouri legal system. With adept legal representation, Cottleville, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We recognize the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, 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, commitment-free consultation.
