Juvenile Defense Lawyer Webster County, MO
Juvenile defense lawyer in Webster County, 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, no matter their severity, it’s critical to have a skilled, experienced, and empathetic Webster County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Webster County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Webster County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We understand 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our Webster County, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.
Why You Need a Webster County, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer
In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Webster County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced Webster County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.
The Combs Waterkotte Webster County, 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. Give us a call today 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 buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.
What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Webster County 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 Webster County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.
Do not leave it to chance in Webster County, MO; reach out to the lawyers 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 Webster County, MO, or educational components.
Probation
Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Webster County and across Missouri. It typically involves routine check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Webster County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.
Restitution
Some Webster County, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, whether through financial payments or community service.
Juvenile Detention
In cases of serious or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Webster County, MO area. This frequently occurs when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.
Record Expungement
Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed after the juvenile reaches a certain age, completes the required program, or stays out of trouble for a defined period. 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 Webster County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.
It is crucial to recognize that the juvenile justice systems in Webster County and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered 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 Webster County and Throughout Missouri?
Juvenile offenses in Webster County, MO encompass a spectrum of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Webster County 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. 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 hours can 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 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: Juvenile trespassing is typically driven by 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 are unique in that, as explained above, a juvenile becomes an adult for driving purposes at 15 ½. The Juvenile Division can’t 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.
- Assault: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Referred to as assault in the fourth degree according to RSMo. § 565.056, this is a misdemeanor and could result in jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
- Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly depending on the circumstances. In minor cases, 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 knowledgeable legal team ensures that the citizens of Webster County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Webster County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, such as:
Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Webster County, MO?
If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is important to consult with a defense attorney in Webster County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, the need to protect the community, 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 Webster County criminal defense lawyers will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of 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.
Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Webster County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte
Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just outcome for minors entangled in the legal system in Webster County or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, Webster County, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.
We recognize the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation.
