Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Louis, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in St. Louis, 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 talented, experienced, and empathetic St. Louis, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in St. Louis, 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 bad situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.
Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. Our St. Louis, MO lawyers 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 St. Louis, MO
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This is extremely beneficial to you because of the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in St. Louis or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced St. Louis, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte St. Louis, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of 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. Give us a call today 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, such as:
- 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.
- An individual must be 18 to purchase a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in St. Louis, MO; call 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 qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, such as counseling, community service opportunities in St. Louis, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.
Probation
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve routine check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled St. Louis, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some St. Louis, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either via financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In instances of major or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the St. Louis, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.
Expungement
Certain 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. 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 St. Louis, 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 realize that the juvenile justice systems in St. Louis and Missouri are crafted with a main focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in St. Louis and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in St. Louis, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in St. Louis 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. Homeschooling is an option, but parents must prove the child is getting 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 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, 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. 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. 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 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 may 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. 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 fines.
- 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.
- 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.
Our experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of St. Louis, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in St. Louis, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of types of cases, including:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in St. Louis, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in St. Louis, 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 determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness 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 St. Louis criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are several 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.
Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in St. Louis, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and just resolution for young individuals navigating the legal system in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri. With adept legal representation, juveniles in St. Louis, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We comprehend 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. Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.
