Juvenile Defense Lawyer Oak Grove, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Oak Grove, 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, regardless of their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Oak Grove, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Oak Grove and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Oak Grove, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people can find themselves in bad 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-strings-attached consultation. Our Oak Grove, MO lawyers 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 Oak Grove, 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 especially advantageous for individuals facing juvenile charges in Oak Grove or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures instead of punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for minors. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Oak Grove, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Oak Grove, 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 to consider. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 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 Oak Grove or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors such as 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 Oak Grove, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in Oak Grove, MO; call the attorneys 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 Oak Grove, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probationary Period
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Oak Grove and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Oak Grove, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Oak Grove, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In instances of major or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Oak Grove, MO area. This frequently happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
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. 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 Oak Grove, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is important to recognize that the Oak Grove and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing 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 Oak Grove and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Oak Grove, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Oak Grove 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: 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 on 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, are handled by 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 severe cases, detention.
- Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far 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 beyond that age. Yet, 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: 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. Referred to 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 a fine.
- Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely based on the specific circumstances. In minor cases, juveniles might 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of Oak Grove, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Oak Grove, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several types of cases, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Oak Grove, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Oak Grove, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via 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, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Oak Grove criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. Yet, if you are found guilty, there are a variety of 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 situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Oak Grove, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for minors entangled in the legal system in Oak Grove or elsewhere in Missouri. With adept legal representation, juveniles in Oak Grove, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We comprehend the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge for your benefit. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.
