Juvenile Defense Lawyer Macon County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Macon 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 are facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Macon County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Macon County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Macon 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 difficult 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-obligation case review. Our Macon 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 Macon County, MO
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles cases involving juvenile crimes, as well as matters related to abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This unique legal framework is particularly advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Macon County or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures rather than punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for young individuals. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Macon County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Macon 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 to consider. Call us now 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. The age differs for various other circumstances under Missouri law, such as:
- 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.
- An individual must be 18 to purchase a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Macon County 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 exactly why you need a strong Macon County, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Macon County, MO; reach out to 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 Macon County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Macon County and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Macon 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 Macon County, 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 serious or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Macon County, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.
Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a defined duration. In some cases though, certain offenses can remain on your record even after you turn 18. It is vital to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Macon County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is crucial to realize that the juvenile justice systems in Macon County and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will depend on the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Macon County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Macon County, MO can encompass a range of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Macon 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: This involves being in public during hours when a minor is required to be at home. These vary by jurisdiction, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by 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, 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. 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. Consequently, 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 severe enough to warrant jail time, such as a juvenile DWI charge, the traffic court judge will likely request the juvenile court to supersede.
- Simple 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. Classified as assault in the fourth degree according to 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 specific 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.
- 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the citizens of Macon County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Macon County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Macon 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 Macon County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting us online.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Macon County criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. Yet, if you are found guilty, there are several things that could happen. 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 situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Macon County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and just outcome for juveniles navigating the Macon County or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Macon County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We comprehend 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free consultation.
