Juvenile Defense Lawyer Greene County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Greene County, MO. Navigating the complexities of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Greene County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Greene County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Greene County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize 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-strings-attached consultation. Our Greene 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 Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Greene County, MO
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 Greene County 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 Greene County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Greene County, 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 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, 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 Greene County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors like 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 Greene County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Don’t leave it to chance in Greene 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 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 often include counseling, community service in Greene County, MO, or educational components.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Greene County and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Greene County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Greene County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Greene County, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Expungement
Some 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. 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 Greene County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is important to note that the Greene 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 depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Greene County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Greene County, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Greene County 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 vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
- Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including 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. To be charged, vandalism must be proven to be purposeful. Penalties range from restitution and fines to probation or, in severe cases, detention.
- Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is typically driven by different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts apply 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: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree under 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 based on the specific circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles could 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.
- Unlawful 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 citizens of Greene County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Greene County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Greene County, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Greene County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides 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, the need to protect the community, whether the crime involved force or violence, whether you hurt another individual, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Greene County 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 occur. 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 a worst-case scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Greene County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for juveniles navigating the Greene County or Missouri legal system. With adept legal representation, juveniles in Greene County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge for your benefit. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free case review.
