Juvenile Defense Lawyer Ste. Genevieve, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO. Navigating the complexities of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Ste. Genevieve, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Ste. Genevieve and throughout [wdac-state-long]. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Ste. Genevieve, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people find themselves in difficult 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.

Why You Need a Ste. Genevieve, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In [wdac-state-long], 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 minor is accused of a crime in Ste. Genevieve or anywhere else in [wdac-state-long] the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Ste. Genevieve, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Ste. Genevieve, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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 consume or possess 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 Ste. Genevieve or Elsewhere Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

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 Ste. Genevieve, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Ste. Genevieve, 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Ste. Genevieve, 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 severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Ste. Genevieve, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation seems 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 Ste. Genevieve, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to note that the Ste. Genevieve 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 depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Ste. Genevieve and Throughout [wdac-state-long]?

Juvenile crimes in Ste. Genevieve, MO can encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Ste. Genevieve and throughout [wdac-state-long] 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. Homeschooling is an option, but parents must prove the child is getting 1000 hours of instruction.
• Curfew Violations: This involves 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 [wdac-state-long] courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, frequently involving release to parents, restitution, probation, diversionary programs, counseling, or in more severe cases, 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 severe 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 may request the juvenile court to supersede.
• Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Classified 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 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: 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 experienced legal team makes sure that the residents of Ste. Genevieve, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Ste. Genevieve, MO, our attorneys are experienced in a variety of forms of law, including:

• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer
• Sexual Misconduct Lawyer
• Traffic Ticket Lawyer
• Order of Protection Defense Lawyer
• Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Ste. Genevieve, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Ste. Genevieve, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.

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 seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, 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 [wdac-city] criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or 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.

Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Ste. Genevieve, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is vital for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for minors navigating the legal system in Ste. Genevieve or elsewhere in [wdac-state-long]. With the right legal representation, Ste. Genevieve, 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. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us right now at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us for a free, no-strings-attached consultation.