Juvenile Defense Lawyer Pike County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Pike County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties as a juvenile can be a daunting, overwhelming experience both for you and your family. If you are facing charges, no matter the severity, having a skilled, knowledgeable, and empathetic Pike County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Pike County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Pike 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 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-strings-attached case review. Our Pike 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 Pike 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 especially advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Pike County 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 young individuals. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Pike County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Pike 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’s consideration. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.

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

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Pike 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 Pike County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Pike County, MO; reach out to the lawyers 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 Pike County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probation

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike 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 Pike County, MO area. This frequently occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Expungement

Some 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. 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 Pike County, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to realize that the Pike 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 unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Pike County and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Pike County, MO can encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Pike County and throughout Missouri include:

Truancy: According to 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: 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: Fortunately, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of 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: Cases of juvenile vandalism are 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. Consequently, and fortunately for you, the courts apply different penalties for juveniles – including probation, diversion programs, fines, or, in the most serious 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, 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.
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 in 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 based on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling. However, arson charges can quickly escalate to more serious consequences depending on the gravity of the offense.
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 Pike County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of Pike County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Pike County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of types of cases, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Pike County, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Pike County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.

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 after 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, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Pike County criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of outcomes may unfold. 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 Pike County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable outcome for young individuals navigating the Pike County or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Pike County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, commitment-free case review.

Pike County, MO