Juvenile Defense Lawyer Taney County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Taney County, MO. Navigating the complexities of the legal system as a juvenile can be a daunting experience for both you and your family. If you’re facing charges, regardless of their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Taney 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 Taney County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Taney County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We realize that good people can find themselves in bad situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.

Call Combs Waterkotte immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. Our Taney County, MO attorneys will go over the specifics of your case with you and your family and provide legal guidance and the best course of action.

Why You Need a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Taney County, MO

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 Taney County or anywhere else in Missouri. The Juvenile Division focuses on rehabilitative measures rather than punitive measures, emphasizing the importance of proper guidance and support for young individuals. However, this also means that you should have a knowledgeable Taney County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Taney County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of 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. 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 consume or possess 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.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Taney County, MO | Taney County, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Taney County or Elsewhere Throughout Missouri?

The potential resolutions for a juvenile facing criminal accusations depend on factors like 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 Taney County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Do not leave it to chance in Taney County, 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 frequently include counseling, community service in Taney County, MO, or educational components.

Probationary Period

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Taney County and throughout Missouri. Probation could involve regular check-ins with a probation officer, adherence to specific conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our skilled Taney County, MO legal staff is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

Some Taney 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 severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the Taney County, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.

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. 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 Taney County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is important to note that the juvenile justice systems in Taney County and Missouri are crafted with a primary focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will be contingent upon the distinct circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Taney County and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Taney County, MO can encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Taney 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: This involves 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 on your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Fortunately, the Missouri courts don’t feel children have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, such as shoplifting and theft, are handled by 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: 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. Consequently, and fortunately for you, the courts apply 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 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 will likely 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 in 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 depending 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.
Unlawful 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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Taney County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team makes sure that the citizens of Taney County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Taney County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several forms of law, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Taney County, MO?

If you are facing serious charges as a juvenile, it is vital to consult with a defense attorney in Taney County, MO promptly. The legal team at Combs Waterkotte offers free case reviews, accessible through (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.

Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, looking at your record, and following a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, whether the community needs to be protected from you, whether the crime involved force or violence, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Taney County criminal defense lawyers 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 a worst-case situation, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Taney County, MO Right Now at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and just outcome for young individuals entangled in the legal system in Taney County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Taney County, MO stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We understand the unique challenges and pressures of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. Combs Waterkotte fights for our clients, no matter the severity of their charges. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.

Taney County, MO