Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Joseph, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in St. Joseph, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in St. Joseph, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize 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 St. Joseph, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a St. Joseph, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, along with cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you because of the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in St. Joseph or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable St. Joseph, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.
The Combs Waterkotte St. Joseph, 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’s consideration. Give us a call 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. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different situations 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 consume or possess 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.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in St. Joseph or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?
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 St. Joseph, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in St. Joseph and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced St. Joseph, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some St. Joseph, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the St. Joseph, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation appears impractical.
Expungement
Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a certain age, finishes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a defined period. 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 St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will depend on the distinct situations of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in St. Joseph and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in St. Joseph, MO can encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in St. Joseph and throughout Missouri 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: 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 on 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. 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 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.
- 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 according to RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like 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 pay 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: 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 St. Joseph, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in St. Joseph, 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 St. Joseph, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in St. Joseph, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free consultations, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and following 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, whether you hurt another individual, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our St. Joseph criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove 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.
Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in St. Joseph, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for juveniles navigating the legal system in St. Joseph or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, St. Joseph, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We understand the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge 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, no-strings-attached case review.
