Juvenile Defense Lawyer St. Charles County, MO

Juvenile defense lawyer in St. Charles 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, no matter the severity, having a skilled, experienced, and compassionate St. Charles County, MO juvenile defense lawyer quickly becomes paramount.

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing individuals involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in St. Charles County and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in making sure that our young clients in St. Charles County, MO and their families receive equitable treatment and the best opportunities for rehabilitation. We recognize that good people can find themselves in challenging situations, and we will do whatever it takes to help.

Call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached consultation. Our St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO

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 St. Charles County or anywhere else in Missouri the Juvenile Division provides rehabilitative measures rather than punishment. However, navigating the juvenile court system requires the expertise of an experienced St. Charles County, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte St. Charles County, 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 to consider. Give us a call now 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. 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 possess or consume 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.

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

Don’t leave it to chance in St. Charles County, MO; call 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 frequently include counseling, community service in St. Charles County, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some St. Charles County, 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 serious or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile detention or out-of-home placement in the St. Charles County, MO area. This decision is often made when community-based rehabilitation seems impractical.

Record Expungement

Certain juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully finishing 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 St. Charles County, MO for guidance on the specific guidelines per jurisdiction. Our staff is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online.

It is crucial to recognize that the St. Charles 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 depend on the unique circumstances of each case and the discretion of the court.

What Are the Different Types of Juvenile Crimes in St. Charles County and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile crimes in St. Charles County, MO 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 St. Charles County and throughout Missouri include:

• Truancy: Under 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: 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 severe 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 cannot 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 may request the juvenile court to supersede.
• Simple 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 under 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 might be required to fulfill restitution or perform community service and undergo counseling, but it can certainly become a major charge.
• 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 knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of St. Charles County, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in St. Charles County, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several types of cases, including:

• Gun Crime Lawyer
• 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

Who Decides if a Juvenile Can Be Tried as an Adult in St. Charles 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 St. Charles County, MO as soon as possible. The Combs Waterkotte legal team is available for free case reviews at (314) 900-HELP or by reaching out to us online.

Under RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge decides whether you will be tried as an adult based on the charges, your record, and following 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, harm inflicted on others, your history of of breaking the law, and your age.

If you are tried as an adult, our St. Charles County criminal defense lawyers 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 St. Charles County, MO Today at Combs Waterkotte

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

We recognize the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, and we use this knowledge to your advantage. 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, commitment-free consultation.