Juvenile Defense Lawyer Grundy County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Grundy County, MO. Navigating the difficulties 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 critical to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Grundy 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 Grundy County and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Grundy County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people find themselves in bad situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Grundy County, MO attorneys are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.

Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Grundy County, MO

In [wdac-state-long], the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as 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 Grundy County or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long] the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Grundy County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Grundy 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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, 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 purchase a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Grundy County, MO | Grundy County, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Grundy County or Elsewhere Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

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 Grundy County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Do not leave it to chance in Grundy County, 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 qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, such as counseling, community service opportunities in Grundy County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probation

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Grundy 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 Grundy County, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

Some Grundy 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 severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Grundy County, MO area. This often occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Record Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific 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 crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Grundy County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to note that the juvenile justice systems in Grundy County and [wdac-state-long] are crafted with a main focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution 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 Grundy County and Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

Juvenile crimes in Grundy County, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Grundy County and throughout [wdac-state-long] 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. Homeschooling is an option, but parents must prove the child is getting 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, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the [wdac-state-long] courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of the Juvenile Division, which tends to course-correct juveniles who steal by releasing them to their parents or possibly in more serious cases ordering restitution, probation, a diversionary program, counseling, or even 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 commonally 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 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 causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree in RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly based on the circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles might be required to pay restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
Unlawful 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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Grundy County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our knowledgeable legal team ensures that the citizens of Grundy County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Grundy 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 Grundy County, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Grundy County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.

According to 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. Factors considered by the judge include the seriousness 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 [wdac-city] criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish 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 the worst-case scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Grundy County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for minors entangled in the Grundy County or [wdac-state-long] legal system. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Grundy County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We understand the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Grundy County, MO