Juvenile Court Process Lawyer in St. Louis
Help When You Need It Most. Call Combs Waterkotte Today.
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.
Juvenile Court Process Attorney in St Louis:
Defending Your Freedom
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.
"Best group of criminal defense lawyers in the St. Louis area. I can't say enough about them and the lengths that this firm will go to ensure presumption of innocence and actually fight for their clients."
Client Review (Google)
Juvenile Court Process in Missouri
When a juvenile becomes involved in the St. Louis or Missouri legal system, understanding the juvenile court process is essential for parents, guardians, and the juveniles themselves. Families deserve insight into the various stages of the juvenile court process in order to prepare to navigate the challenging task.
You don't have to go through this alone. Contact one of our juvenile defense lawyers today at (314) 900-HELP to protect your freedom.
The juvenile court process in Missouri is complex. Having legal representation is crucial throughout the juvenile court process. Parents or guardians can seek the assistance of a skilled juvenile defense attorney at Combs Waterkotte. Our lawyers specialize in navigating the complexities of juvenile law in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, and can advocate for the juvenile’s rights, provide guidance, and work towards achieving the best possible outcome.
Choosing a lawyer for your St. Louis or Missouri juvenile court process is an incredibly important decision. Navigating the juvenile court process is challenging, but being informed empowers your family to make informed decisions and support your juvenile through this difficult time. The Combs Waterkotte attorneys take the time to meet with your juvenile, hear their side of the story, and build a strategic defense – together.
Contact us today to begin your family’s journey to peace, rehabilitation, and a bright future.
Other juvenile cases our skilled lawyers have experience in throughout St. Louis and across Missouri:
Factors Influencing Juvenile Court Outcomes in Missouri
While there are juvenile justice guidelines and recommended practices in place in Missouri, several factors and some possible mitigating circumstances can influence a judge’s decision.
Factors that influence a judge’s decision in Missouri’s Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court include:
- Age and maturity
- Prior record
- Cooperation with authorities and acceptance of responsibility
- Family circumstances and support
How Combs Waterkotte can help in front of the Juvenile Division judge in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri:
- Present your unwavering side of the story
- Provide relevant and compelling evidence and character witnesses
- Present mitigating factors and circumstances; possibly negotiate
- Confront and cross-examine any opposing witnesses
How the Juvenile Court Process Works in Missouri
The Missouri juvenile court system is distinct from adult court proceedings, with the primary focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. The goal is to address the needs of the juvenile offender while promoting personal growth and preventing future delinquency. The Combs Waterkotte juvenile attorneys understand that unfortunately, and far too often, good kids get caught up in bad situations. We’re here to help.
The “Missouri Method” to juvenile justice emphasizes moving beyond symptoms to the root causes of juvenile delinquency so that changes made by minors are long-lasting, preparing them to return and contribute positively to their school, home, and community.
Key Stages of the Juvenile Court Process in Missouri (Part I)
The following are the key stages of the Missouri juvenile court process through the arraignment stage:
- Detention or Initial Contact:The entire juvenile court process usually starts with law enforcement contact, either through an arrest or referral. The juvenile might be taken into custody, leading to a detention hearing.
- Detention Hearing: Shortly after being taken into custody, a detention hearing takes place to determine if the juvenile should remain in custody pending further proceedings. Factors such as the nature of the offense and the juvenile’s background are considered.
- Petition Filing: If the case proceeds, a petition is filed, outlining the charges against the juvenile. This document serves as the basis for the court proceedings.
- Arraignment: The juvenile, along with their parents or guardians, and your Combs Waterkotte attorney appears in the Juvenile Division in front of the judge for arraignment. Here, the charges are formally presented, and the juvenile can enter a plea.
Key Stages of the Juvenile Court Process in Missouri (Part II)
Here are more of the key stages, following the arraignment:
- Adjudication Hearing: This hearing is used for all parties to testify, present evidence, examine witnesses, and present arguments. Keep in mind though, there is no jury so this is all done in front of the judge. The judge determines whether the juvenile is responsible for the alleged offense.
- Disposition Hearing: If the juvenile is found responsible, this disposition hearing follows. This stage focuses on determining the appropriate rehabilitation plan or penalty. This is also the stage where having an experienced attorney is pivotal.
- Probation or Probation: Based on the disposition hearing, the court may order probation, community service, counseling, or placement in a juvenile facility.
- Review Hearings: Over time, periodic review hearings are conducted to assess the juvenile’s progress and make adjustments to the rehabilitation plan if necessary.
Connect With a Top St. Louis, MO Juvenile Court Process Lawyer at Combs Waterkotte Today
We fight fiercely on your juvenile’s behalf, treat you like you want to be treated, and work to get you the best possible outcome to your process in juvenile court. There are plenty of juvenile defense lawyers in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, but none of them are as driven to provide complete client satisfaction as Combs Waterkotte.
Impeccable Record
of Success
Impeccable Record of Success
- Over 10,000 Cases Handled
- Over 250 Five-Star Reviews
- Multiple Major Media Appearances
- Over Four Decades of Experience
Guiding you through the entire process, from start to finish.
We know most people who come to us haven't had to deal with the justice system in this way before. We understand how overwhelming and confusing the process can be, which is why we ensure clarity and support at every turn. From our initial consultation to the the final resolution of your case we strive to make the process easy for you to understand and leave you without any doubts that your case is being handled the right way.
Legal resources for a variety of cases.
Whether you've got questions about what to do when served with an order of protection, the juvenile delinquency process, how to defend a DWI case or anything in between, we have answers. Check out our blog and FAQs for answers to common questions, or contact Combs Waterkotte today to speak directly to an attorney about your case.
Recent Posts
Common Defenses to Domestic Violence Charges
Why Hiring a Domestic Violence Defense Attorney Early in Your Case is Crucial
What to Do if Law Enforcement is Asking About Possible Pornographic Material on Your Computer
What Are the Sexual Exploitation Laws Regarding Child Pornography?
Common Defenses for a Criminal Lawyer
