Juvenile Defense Lawyer Washington, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Washington, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Washington, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Washington and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in Washington, 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 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-strings-attached consultation. Our Washington, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Washington, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
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 particularly advantageous for people facing juvenile charges in Washington 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, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Washington, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Washington, 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. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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 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 Washington 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 exactly why you need a strong Washington, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in Washington, 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 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 Washington, MO, or educational components.
Probation
This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Washington and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Washington, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Washington, 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 confinement or placement outside of the home in the Washington, MO area. This often occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
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 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 Washington, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to note that the Washington 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 unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.
What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Washington and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Washington, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Washington 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 don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, like shoplifting and theft, are handled by 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: 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 severe 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 serious 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. However, 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 under 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 minor cases, juveniles could be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
- 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 makes sure that the residents of Washington, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Washington, 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 Washington, MO?
If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Washington, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free consultations 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 after reading the charges, your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, the presence of force or violence in the crime, harm inflicted on others, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.
If you are tried as an adult, our Washington criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. Yet, if you are found guilty, there are several things that could occur. 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 the worst-case scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.
Reach Out To a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Washington, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable resolution for minors entangled in the Washington or Missouri legal system. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Washington, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.
We recognize the pressures and challenges faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-strings-attached case review.
