Juvenile Defense Lawyer Harrison County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Harrison County, MO. Facing legal hurdles and difficulties as a juvenile can be a daunting, overwhelming experience both for you and your family. If you are facing charges, regardless of the severity, having a skilled, knowledgeable, and empathetic Harrison County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.

The juvenile defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Harrison County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Harrison County, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people can find themselves in difficult 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-strings-attached case review. Our Harrison 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 Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Harrison County, MO

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, along with cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a minor is accused of a crime in Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Harrison County, MO juvenile defense lawyer team has an abundance of experience in defending young clients. We can work with the court to get the best possible decision on your behalf, as well as provide things such as character statements and mitigating factors for the judge to consider. Give us a call today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

Who is a Juvenile or an Adult Under Missouri Law?

For purposes of the juvenile code, an adult is an individual 18 years of age or older while a child is anyone under 18. It’s crucial to note that age distinctions may vary for different situations under the laws of, 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 buy a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

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

What Are Some Possible Outcomes of a Juvenile Accused of a Crime in Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO juvenile defense lawyer by your side, tirelessly advocating for your rights and future.

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Harrison 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 scenarios:

Diversion Programs

Juveniles may qualify for alternative programs aimed at diverting them from formal court proceedings. These initiatives, like counseling, community service opportunities in Harrison County, MO, or educational components, provide alternatives to traditional legal pathways.

Probationary Period

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Harrison 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 Harrison County, MO legal team excels in advocating for reasonable probation terms and offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

In some cases in Harrison County, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether through financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In cases of major or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Harrison County, MO area. This decision is frequently made when community-based rehabilitation appears 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 defined 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 Harrison 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 realize that the Harrison County and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The final resolution will be contingent upon the distinct situations of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile crimes in Harrison County, MO encompass a range of activities and can vary in severity, ranging from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Harrison County 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 vary by jurisdiction, highlighting the importance of having an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by 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, like shoplifting and theft, fall under the purview of the Juvenile Division. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, frequently involving release to parents, restitution, probation, diversionary programs, counseling, or in more severe cases, 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 serious 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 beyond that age, yet 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.
Simple Assault: Recent legislative changes mean that a juvenile may now face charges of simple assault for injuring another person or for seriously threatening to harm another person. Classified 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: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might 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 Harrison County, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our knowledgeable legal team ensures that the residents of Harrison County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Harrison County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several types of cases, such as:

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

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

Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and after a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness 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 Harrison County criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty verdict, a variety of outcomes may 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 Harrison County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable resolution for juveniles navigating the legal system in Harrison County or elsewhere in Missouri. With the right legal representation, juveniles in Harrison County, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a successful future.

We comprehend the pressures and challenges faced by today’s youth, and we leverage this understanding for your benefit. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Give us a call now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, no-obligation case review.

Harrison County, MO