Juvenile Defense Lawyer Joplin, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Joplin, 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, no matter the severity, having a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Joplin, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Joplin and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Joplin, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people can find themselves in challenging 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-obligation consultation. Our Joplin, 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 Joplin, 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 other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Joplin or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Joplin, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Joplin, MO juvenile defense lawyer team boasts extensive experience in defending young clients. We can work with the court to get the best possible decision on your behalf, as well as provide things such as character statements and mitigating factors for the judge’s consideration. Give us a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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. 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.
- 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 Joplin 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 Joplin, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Joplin, 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 qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, like counseling, community service opportunities in Joplin, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probationary Period
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Joplin and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Joplin, 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 Joplin, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), either through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of major or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Joplin, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.
Record Expungement
Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a certain age, completes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a specified 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 Joplin, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is important to recognize that the juvenile justice systems in Joplin and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will depend on the unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Joplin and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Joplin, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Joplin and throughout Missouri include:
- Truancy: According to Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents are obligated to make sure their 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: This involves 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: Thankfully, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including 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 serious cases, detention.
- Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts apply different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most severe 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. However, if a traffic violation is serious enough to warrant jail time, such as a juvenile DWI charge, 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 injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. 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 a fine.
- 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.
- 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the citizens of Joplin, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Joplin, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Joplin, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Joplin, 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 decides whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, 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, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Joplin criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, a variety of outcomes might unfold. 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 Joplin, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just outcome for juveniles entangled in the legal system in Joplin or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Joplin, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We recognize the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.
