Juvenile Defense Lawyer Montgomery County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Montgomery 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’re facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Montgomery County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Montgomery County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Montgomery 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 challenging 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-strings-attached case review. Our Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
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 Montgomery 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, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Montgomery County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Montgomery 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. Call us today 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, 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 Montgomery County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors like 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 Montgomery County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Don’t leave it to chance in Montgomery 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, like counseling, community service opportunities in Montgomery County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Montgomery County and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Montgomery County, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
In some cases in Montgomery County, 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 severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Montgomery County, MO area. This frequently happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Record Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a defined duration. 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 Montgomery County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.
It is important to realize that the Montgomery County and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Montgomery County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Montgomery County, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Montgomery County 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. 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 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 Missouri 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, 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, like shoplifting, there are a range of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in serious cases.
- Trespassing: Juvenile trespassing is commonally driven by different intentions than adult trespassing. Consequently, and fortunately for you, 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 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.
- Simple 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. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree under 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 based on the 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.
- 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.
Our skilled legal team makes sure that the residents of Montgomery County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Montgomery County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting us online.
According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, 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 Montgomery County criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish 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.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for young individuals navigating the legal system in Montgomery County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, Montgomery County, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We comprehend 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free case review.
