Juvenile Assault and Sexual Assault Lawyer in St. Louis
Protect Your Bright Future. Contact Combs Waterkotte Now.
Last Updated: January 23, 2024
This content has been written and edited by professional legal writers and individually reviewed and verified by Christopher Combs and Steven Waterkotte, attorneys who have over 40 combined years in the criminal defense industry.
Attorney for Juvenile Assault and Sexual Assault in St Louis:
Defending Your Rights
Combs Waterkotte is the leading criminal defense and traffic firm serving St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri. Our criminal defense attorneys will fight for your freedom, your rights, and will not give up until you get fair justice. Our exceptional record and over 200 reviews speaks for itself.
Juvenile Assault and Sexual Assault in St. Louis
Juvenile assault and sexual assault charges in St. Louis and throughout Missouri are extremely serious legal matters that can have profound implications for the young individuals involved.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our juvenile criminal defense lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your freedom.
The consequences of these charges can be far more serious than one might think. If you are facing assault or sexual assault charges in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, you need a skilled juvenile criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Combs Waterkotte is an award-winning law firm in St. Louis with decades of experience dedicated to defending juveniles throughout Missouri and helping them toward the best possible outcome and rehabilitation. Our attorneys can help you understand the complex juvenile justice system and put you on the path to a brighter future.
No matter the severity of the charges, our attorneys provide guidance and support through every step of your legal process in St. Louis or Missouri. We always have your best interests in mind. We do this to enable your chances of moving past this challenging chapter of your life and focusing on a positive future.
Other juvenile cases our skilled lawyers have experience in throughout St. Louis and across Missouri:
Potential Consequences of Juvenile Assault and Sexual Assault in St. Louis and Throughout Missouri
Juveniles facing assault and sexual assault charges may encounter significant consequences, even in a system that is setup to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The potential consequences of juvenile assault and sexual assault in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri include:
- Your case may proceed through the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court – focusing on rehabilitation and treatment
- The court could decide to place you in a supervised detention center for a defined period
- Probation with specific conditions to be followed
- The court could order counseling to address behavioral issues and prevent future offenses
The importance of having a Combs Waterkotte juvenile assault and sexual assault lawyer on your side:
- Our juvenile legal team provides an exhaustive understanding of St. Louis and Missouri juvenile laws
- We develop a customized defense strategy based on the specifics of your case
- We advocate for favorable diversion programs or alternative sentencing options
- We work to secure options for rehabilitation, counseling, or treatment programs
Juvenile Assault Laws in Missouri
Juvenile assault charges involve the intentional infliction of physical harm or even the threat of harm to another individual. The severity of the charge may vary – from simple assault all the way up to aggravated felony assault – based on factors like the extent of the injuries and the presence of weapons.
Key elements of juvenile assault charges may include:
- Simple Assault: Intentionally causing physical injury or placing another individual in apprehension of immediate harm.
- Aggravated Assault: Involves circumstances that make the assault more severe, such as the use of weapons or the intent to cause serious harm – significant bruising, lacerations, or prolonged pain.
Juvenile Sexual Assault Laws in Missouri
Sexual assault charges involve non-consensual sexual contact or activity. Missouri law recognizes various degrees of sexual assault offenses, each carrying distinct elements and potential penalties. Additionally, Missouri Revised Statutes §211.245 states, in part, that a juvenile who commits a sex-related offense which if committed by an adult would be considered a felony offense – such as rape, forcible sodomy, child molestation, and sexual abuse – will be required to register as a juvenile sex offender. For some of these offenses, once the juvenile reaches 21 they may be required to register as an adult offender.
Key elements of juvenile sexual assault charges may include:
- Sexual Misconduct: Inappropriate or non-consensual sexual conduct that falls short of rape.
- Statutory Rape: Sexual activity between an adult and a minor who is below the age of consent, which is 17 in Missouri.
- Rape or Sodomy: Forcible sexual intercourse or oral sex without the other person’s consent.
Contact the St. Louis, MO Juvenile Assault and Sexual Assault Lawyers at Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Juvenile assault and sexual assault charges in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri demand careful attention and a strategic legal approach. Seeking the assistance of an experienced juvenile defense attorney – like the skilled legal team at Combs Waterkotte – ensures that your rights are protected, a robust defense is presented, and the best efforts are made to support rehabilitation.
If you are facing juvenile assault or sexual assault charges in St. Louis or Missouri, consult with the talented and trustworthy lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. We will guide you through the legal process, advocate for your best interests, and work toward an outcome that supports a positive future.