Juvenile Defense Lawyer Pulaski County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Pulaski County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and challenges 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 talented, knowledgeable, and empathetic Pulaski County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Pulaski County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Pulaski County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We understand that good people can find themselves in bad 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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Pulaski County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Pulaski County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Pulaski 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 right away 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 buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.

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

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Pulaski 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 be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs frequently include counseling, community service in Pulaski County, MO, or educational components.

Probation

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Pulaski County, MO area. This often happens 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. 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 Pulaski County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is important to recognize that the juvenile justice systems in Pulaski County and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution 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 Pulaski County and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Pulaski County, MO can encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Pulaski 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: Thankfully, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like 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: Cases of juvenile vandalism are 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 serious cases, detention.
• Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Fortunately, 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. 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 fines.
• Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly depending on the specific circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles could be required to pay 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 ensures that the residents of Pulaski County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Pulaski County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of forms of law, including:

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

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

Under 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 after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, the need to protect the community, whether the crime involved force or violence, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Pulaski County criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, various 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.

Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Pulaski County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for young individuals entangled in the Pulaski County or Missouri legal system. With adept legal representation, juveniles in Pulaski County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We recognize the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. 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.