Juvenile Defense Lawyer Rock Port, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Rock Port, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming 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 Rock Port, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Rock Port and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Rock Port, 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-strings-attached case review. Our Rock Port, 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 Rock Port, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In [wdac-state-long], 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 particularly advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Rock Port or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long]. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures rather than 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 Rock Port, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Rock Port, 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’s consideration. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under [wdac-state-long] 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. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different circumstances under the laws of, including:

For driving purposes, there is a range between 15 ½ and 18 depending on the type of driver’s license.
To possess or consume alcoholic beverages, an individual must be 21 years of age.
In order to buy a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Rock Port, MO | Rock Port, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Rock Port or Elsewhere Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

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 Rock Port, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Rock Port, 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 scenarios:

Diversion Programs

Juveniles may be eligible for diversion programs, which are alternative measures designed to divert them away from formal court proceedings. These programs often include counseling, community service in Rock Port, MO, or educational components.

Probation

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Rock Port and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Rock Port, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

In some cases in Rock Port, 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 mandate juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Rock Port, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.

Record Expungement

Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a specific 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 Rock Port, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is important to realize that the Rock Port and [wdac-state-long] 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 distinct situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Rock Port and Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

Juvenile crimes in Rock Port, MO can encompass a spectrum of offenses that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Rock Port and throughout [wdac-state-long] 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: This involves 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 [wdac-state-long] 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: 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, similar to 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. 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 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 causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified 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: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly based on the specific circumstances. In minor cases, 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.
Unlawful 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 Rock Port, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the citizens of Rock Port, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Rock Port, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several types of cases, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Rock Port, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Rock Port, 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 decides whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, 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 [wdac-city] criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are a variety of things that could happen. 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 Rock Port, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just outcome for juveniles entangled in the legal system in Rock Port or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long]. With the right legal representation, Rock Port, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge for your benefit. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, regardless of 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.

Rock Port, MO