Juvenile Defense Lawyer Union, MO

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

The legal professionals at Combs Waterkotte specialize in representing minors involved in criminal or delinquency proceedings in Union and throughout Missouri. Our legal team plays a vital role in ensuring that our young clients in Union, 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 immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review. Our Union, 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 Union, 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 Union 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 Union, MO defense attorney familiar with its intricacies.

The Combs Waterkotte Union, 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 today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to 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, 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.
An individual must be 18 to buy a long gun, or 21 for a handgun.

Juvenile Defense Lawyer Union, MO | Union, MO Criminal Defense Law Firm | Combs Waterkotte

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

Don’t leave the outcome to chance in Union, 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 often include counseling, community service in Union, MO, or educational components.

Probation

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

Restitution

Some Union, 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 major or repeated offenses, the court may order juvenile confinement or out-of-home placement in the Union, MO area. This often happens when rehabilitation within the community is deemed unfeasible.

Record Expungement

Some juvenile records may be expunged or sealed upon reaching a certain age, successfully finishing required programs, or maintaining a clean record for a defined duration. However, some offenses may persist on the record even after reaching adulthood. It is vital to consult with a Combs Waterkotte juvenile defense lawyer in Union, MO to understand the jurisdiction-specific guidelines. Our team is available 24/7. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online.

It is crucial to note that the juvenile justice systems in Union and Missouri are crafted with a primary focus 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 Union and Throughout Missouri?

Juvenile crimes in Union, MO can encompass a spectrum of offenses that vary in severity, from nonviolent to violent offenses. Common types of juvenile crimes in Union 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. 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 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 recognize that children may not 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: 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: Juvenile trespassing is commonally driven by 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, 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. Referred to 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 minor cases, juveniles might be required to pay 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.

Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Union, MO | Combs Waterkotte

Our knowledgeable legal team makes sure that the residents of Union, MO receive the best possible legal presentation in any situation. Along with juvenile defense in Union, MO, our attorneys are experienced in several forms of law, such as:

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

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

According to RSMo. § 211.071, a juvenile court judge determines whether you will be tried as an adult after reading the charges, your record, and following a hearing. The judge will consider the seriousness 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 Union criminal defense attorneys will vigorously work to establish your innocence. In the event of a guilty plea or verdict, various 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 Union, MO Right Away at Combs Waterkotte

Finding the right juvenile defense lawyer is paramount to securing a fair and just resolution for minors entangled in the legal system in Union or elsewhere in Missouri. With knowledgeable legal representation, juveniles in Union, MO can have a fighting chance at rehabilitation and a promising future.

We understand the pressures and challenges of being a kid these days, 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 reach out to us for a free, no-obligation case review.

Union, MO