Juvenile Defense Lawyer Lafayette County, MO

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

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Lafayette County and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Lafayette County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people 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-obligation case review. Our Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO

In [wdac-state-long], 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Lafayette County, 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 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, 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.

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

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

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

Probation

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Lafayette County and across [wdac-state-long]. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Lafayette County, 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 Lafayette County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether via financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In instances of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Lafayette County, MO area. This frequently happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

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 crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Lafayette County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is important to note that the Lafayette County and [wdac-state-long] 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 unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Lafayette County and Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

Juvenile crimes in Lafayette County, MO encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Lafayette County and throughout [wdac-state-long] 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: 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, are handled by 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: 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, similar to shoplifting, there are a variety of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in serious cases.
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 over 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.
Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with 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: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the specific 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: 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 Lafayette County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the citizens of Lafayette County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Lafayette County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of types of cases, such as:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Lafayette County, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Lafayette County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, 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, your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the gravity 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 [wdac-city] criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty 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 Lafayette 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 legal system in Lafayette County or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long]. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Lafayette County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.

Lafayette County, MO