Juvenile Defense Lawyer Poplar Bluff, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Poplar Bluff, 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 compassionate Poplar Bluff, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes of the utmost importance.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Poplar Bluff and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Poplar Bluff, MO and their families receive fair treatment and are provided with the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We realize that good people can find themselves in challenging situations, and we are dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide assistance.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Poplar Bluff, MO attorneys 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 Poplar Bluff, MO

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and more. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Poplar Bluff, 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’s consideration. Call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact 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, such as:

For driving purposes, there is a range between 15 ½ and 18 depending on the type of driver’s license.
To possess or consume 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 Poplar Bluff, MO | Poplar Bluff, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

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

Don’t leave it to chance in Poplar Bluff, MO; reach out to the attorneys 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 often include counseling, community service in Poplar Bluff, MO, or educational components.

Probation

Probation stands as a common resolution for juvenile offenders in Poplar Bluff and across Missouri. It typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer, compliance with specified conditions, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Our experienced Poplar Bluff, 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 Poplar Bluff, MO, juvenile offenders may be required to make restitution to the victim(s), whether via financial payments or community service.

Juvenile Detention

In instances of severe or repeated offenses, the court may mandate juvenile confinement or placement outside of the home in the Poplar Bluff, 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 specified duration. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is crucial to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Poplar Bluff, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. 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 Poplar Bluff and Missouri are crafted with a main concentration centered on the well-being of the juvenile, prioritizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will be contingent upon the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in Poplar Bluff and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile crimes in Poplar Bluff, MO can encompass a range of offenses and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Some of the more common types of juvenile crimes in Poplar Bluff and throughout Missouri include:

Truancy: According to Revised Statutes of Missouri § 167.031, also known as the Compulsory Attendance Law, parents must ensure that a 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: 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 by your side.
Shoplifting and Theft/Burglary: Thankfully, 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. The approach is geared toward correcting juvenile behavior, often 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. This charge must be proven to have been purposeful and, similar to shoplifting, there are a range of penalties, including restitution and fines, probation, or even detention in severe cases.
Trespassing: In most cases, juvenile trespassing is done with far different intentions than adult trespassing. Consequently, the courts apply 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, but 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: Due to recent law changes, a juvenile may now be charged with simple assault for causing injury to another individual or making serious threats. Referred to 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 fines.
Arson: Penalties for juvenile arson cases can vary widely based on the circumstances. In less severe instances, juveniles might be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
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 Poplar Bluff, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our experienced legal team ensures that the residents of Poplar Bluff, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Poplar Bluff, MO, our lawyers are experienced in several types of cases, including:

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Poplar Bluff, MO?

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

Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, looking at your record, and after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the gravity of the charges, the need to protect the community, the presence of force or violence in the crime, whether you hurt another individual, whether you have a record of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our Poplar Bluff criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, various outcomes might 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 Poplar Bluff, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is crucial for ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for young individuals entangled in the Poplar Bluff or Missouri legal system. With adept legal representation, Poplar Bluff, MO juveniles can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We understand the unique challenges and pressures faced by today’s youth, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. At Combs Waterkotte, we ardently advocate for our clients, irrespective of the severity of their charges. Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us for a free, commitment-free consultation.

Poplar Bluff, MO