Juvenile Defense Lawyer Republic, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Republic, 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, regardless of the severity, having a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Republic, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Republic and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Republic, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people find themselves in bad situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our Republic, MO attorneys 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 Republic, 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 people facing juvenile charges in Republic 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 Republic, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte Republic, 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. 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.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Republic or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
The possible outcomes for a juvenile accused of a crime can vary based on the severity of the offense, the juvenile’s prior record, and the specific circumstances of the case. All of these possibilities and what-ifs are precisely why you need a strong Republic, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Don’t leave it to chance in Republic, MO; call 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, such as counseling, community service opportunities in Republic, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probationary Period
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Republic and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Republic, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Republic, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Republic, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Record 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 specified 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 Republic, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to note that the Republic and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution 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 Republic and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile crimes in Republic, MO can encompass a range of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Republic 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. 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, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by 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, 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. 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 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 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. Yet, 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.
- Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. 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 depending on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might 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: 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.
Our knowledgeable legal team ensures that the citizens of Republic, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Republic, 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 Republic, MO?
If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Republic, 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.
Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, whether the crime involved force or violence, 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 Republic criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are several things that could happen. 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.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Republic, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for minors entangled in the Republic or Missouri legal system. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Republic, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, 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 contact us for a free, commitment-free case review.
