Juvenile Defense Lawyer Osage Beach, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Osage Beach, MO. Navigating the difficulties of the legal system as a juvenile can be an overwhelming experience for both you and your family. If you are facing charges, no matter their severity, it’s crucial to have a skilled, experienced, and compassionate Osage Beach, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing juveniles involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Osage Beach and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in ensuring that our young clients in Osage Beach, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize 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 Osage Beach, MO lawyers are committed to providing expert legal advice and determining the most appropriate course of action for your situation.

Why You Need a Osage Beach, MO Juvenile Defense Lawyer

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, along with cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Osage Beach or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures instead of punishment. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Osage Beach, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Osage Beach, 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 now 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.
In order to purchase a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Osage Beach, MO | Osage Beach, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Osage Beach 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 Osage Beach, MO juvenile defense attorney in your corner, fighting for your rights and future.

Do not leave the outcome to chance in Osage Beach, 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 Osage Beach, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Osage Beach, MO cases may involve juvenile offenders being obligated to provide restitution to the victim, either via financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Osage Beach, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.

Record Expungement

Certain 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 Osage Beach, 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 realize that the juvenile justice systems in Osage Beach and Missouri are crafted with a primary focus on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will depend on the unique situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Osage Beach and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile offenses in Osage Beach, MO encompass a spectrum of activities that vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent acts. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Osage Beach and throughout Missouri include:

Truancy: According to 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 hours can vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, the Missouri courts recognize that children may not have the same decision-making abilities as adults. Property crimes, including 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: 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 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 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, yet if the traffic violation is severe enough to warrant jail time a juvenile DWI charge for example, the traffic court judge will likely request the juvenile court to supersede.
Simple Assault: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Classified as assault in the fourth degree according to RSMo. § 565.056, this offense is categorized as a misdemeanor, potentially leading to consequences like jail time, community service, restitution, probation, counseling, or fines.
Arson: The penalties for juvenile arson vary wildly depending on the specific 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.
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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Osage Beach, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Osage Beach, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Osage Beach, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of types of cases, such as:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Osage Beach, MO?

If you have been charged with a serious crime as a juvenile, you need to have a conversation with a defense attorney in Osage Beach, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by contacting us online.

According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider 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 Osage Beach criminal defense lawyers will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. However, if you are found guilty, there are several things that could occur. 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.

Connect With a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Osage Beach, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable resolution for minors entangled in the legal system in Osage Beach or elsewhere in Missouri. With adept legal representation, Osage Beach, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.

Osage Beach, MO