Juvenile Defense Lawyer Moniteau County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Moniteau County, MO. Navigating the complexities of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you are facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Moniteau County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Moniteau County and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Moniteau County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

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 due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Moniteau County or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long] the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Moniteau County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Moniteau 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’s consideration. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under [wdac-state-long] 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 circumstances under the laws of, such as:

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.
An individual must be 18 to purchase a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.

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

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

Don’t leave it to chance in Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probationary Period

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Moniteau County and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Moniteau County, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

In some cases in Moniteau 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 order juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Moniteau County, MO area. This often occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific age, successfully completing 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 Moniteau County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to note that the Moniteau 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 distinct situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile crimes in Moniteau County, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Moniteau County and throughout [wdac-state-long] include:

Truancy: Under 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. 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 hours can vary by jurisdiction, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer on your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the [wdac-state-long] courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including shoplifting and theft, are handled by the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, frequently 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. This charge must be proven to have been purposeful and, like shoplifting, there are a range of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in severe cases.
Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, the courts see this and have far different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most severe 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 can’t take any cases over that age, yet 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 causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree in RSMo. § 565.056, this is a misdemeanor and could result in jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or a fine.
Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly depending on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might be required to fulfill 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 Moniteau County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

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

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Moniteau 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 Moniteau County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews 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 following a hearing. The judge will consider the gravity of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, whether you hurt another individual, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our [wdac-city] criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are several 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.

Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Moniteau County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for juveniles entangled in the legal system in Moniteau County or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long]. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Moniteau County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We comprehend the pressures and challenges 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 now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, no-obligation case review.

Moniteau County, MO