Juvenile Defense Lawyer Randolph County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in Randolph 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 Randolph County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Randolph County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a crucial role in making sure that our young clients in Randolph County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best chance for rehabilitation. We realize that good people find themselves in difficult 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 case review. Our Randolph County, MO lawyers 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 Randolph County, MO

In Missouri, the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court exclusively handles juvenile crimes, as well as cases of abuse, neglect, adoptions, and other things. This is extremely beneficial to you due to the fact that when a juvenile is accused of a crime in Randolph County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, this also means that you should have a seasoned Randolph County, MO defense attorney by your side who understands the intricacies of the juvenile court proceedings.

The Combs Waterkotte Randolph 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’s consideration. 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 circumstances under the laws of, 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 buy a long gun, an individual must be 18; for a handgun, it’s 21.

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

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Randolph County, MO; call the lawyers at Combs Waterkotte right now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online. Here are some of the potential outcomes:

Diversion Programs

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

Probationary Period

This is a common outcome for juvenile offenders in Randolph 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 Randolph County, MO legal team is proficient in championing reasonable probation conditions, offering valuable guidance and assistance throughout the probationary period.

Restitution

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

Juvenile Detention

In cases of severe or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or placement outside of the home in the Randolph County, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

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

It is important to note that the Randolph County and Missouri juvenile justice systems are designed to focus on the best interests of the juvenile, emphasizing rehabilitation and treatment. The specific outcome will depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

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

Juvenile crimes in Randolph County, MO can encompass a spectrum of activities and can vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent acts. Common types of juvenile crimes in Randolph 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. 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 hours can vary by jurisdiction, so it is crucial to have an experienced juvenile defense lawyer by 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. 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 severe cases, detention.
• 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 severe 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 over that age. However, if a traffic violation is serious enough to warrant jail time, such as a juvenile DWI charge, the traffic court judge will likely request the juvenile court to supersede.
• 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. Referred to 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 based on the specific 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.
• 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.

Our experienced legal team ensures that the citizens of Randolph County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. In addition to juvenile defense in Randolph County, MO, our lawyers are experienced in a variety of forms of law, including:

• Child Abuse & Neglect Lawyer
• Homicide Lawyer
• Assault Lawyer
• Rape Defense Lawyer
• Sex Offense Lawyers
• DWI Attorney
• Crime Defense Lawyers
• Domestic Violence Defense Attorneys
• Child Pornography Defense Lawyer
• Criminal Lawyer

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in Randolph 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 Randolph County, 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, looking at your record, and after a hearing. Factors considered by the judge include the seriousness of the charges, the need to protect the community, 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 Randolph County criminal defense attorneys will do everything in their power to prove your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, a variety of outcomes might unfold. 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 scenario, you may be immediately sent to an adult prison.

Contact a Juvenile Defense Lawyer in Randolph County, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Securing the services of an adept juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and equitable outcome for minors entangled in the legal system in Randolph County or elsewhere in Missouri. With adept legal representation, Randolph County, MO juveniles stand a better chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

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