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 critical to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Oak Grove, 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 bad 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 Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, 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 especially advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Oak Grove 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 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 has an abundance of 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 reach out to us online.

Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri 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 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.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Oak Grove, MO | Oak Grove, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

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 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 Oak Grove, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Do not leave the outcome to chance in Oak Grove, 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 Oak Grove, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probation

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Oak Grove and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Oak Grove, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

In some cases in Oak Grove, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Oak Grove, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.

Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully completing 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 crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Oak Grove, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to realize that the juvenile justice systems in Oak Grove and Missouri are crafted with a main focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the distinct 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 encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Oak Grove and throughout Missouri 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. 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 vary by jurisdiction, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, such as 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. 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: 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 cannot take any cases beyond 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.
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. Classified 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: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the 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: 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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Oak Grove, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Oak Grove, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Oak Grove, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of types of cases, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Oak Grove, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Oak Grove, 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 decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the gravity of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, 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 lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. Yet, 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.

Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Oak Grove, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for minors navigating the Oak Grove or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Oak Grove, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.

Oak Grove, MO