Proficient Juvenile Crimes Defense Attorneys Dedicated to Protecting Your Child’s Rights

Even the mere accusation of a crime can be a traumatic experience for anyone, but it can be much more damaging for teens. For most parents, the idea of their child being arrested terrifies them. The reality is however, that children can and sometimes do, make poor choices.

If your child makes a bad decision, and they’re arrested for committing a juvenile crime, you need to take immediate action to get them the help that they need and get them out of the custody of law enforcement.

If your child has been arrested and charged with a juvenile crime in Missouri you need legal help immediately. Finding an experienced juvenile crimes lawyer in Festus, MO, is vital.

Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law are highly skilled juvenile crimes lawyers in Jefferson County, MO. As passionate criminal defense lawyers, we have extensive experience handling juvenile crimes cases.

If you need us to work hard to help your child regain their freedom and be back home with you in no time, reach out to us at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation. Many of us are parents, too, and we understand the urgency of these cases. That’s why we will waste no time getting to work and representing your child immediately.

Can Your Teen Child Be Charged as an Adult in Missouri?

The severity of the charges depend on the severity of the crime, as well as a few other key factors. In Missouri, the official adult age is currently 17. Therefore, if your child is 16 or younger, they will likely be charged as a juvenile because they are legally still considered a minor.

However, a new bill passed in 2018 (which won’t go into effect until 2021) raised the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 17. Once the law changes, it will automatically raise the age of adulthood from 17 years to 18 years in Missouri.

That being said, minors between the ages of 12 and 16 years can sometimes be tried as adults under certain conditions. These include:

• Previous convictions of crimes
• 15 to 16 year olds who commit armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and/or murder
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Previous conviction of drug possession and distribution

Once they’re charged with these crimes, they’ll be tried in a court of general jurisdiction instead of the Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court.

What are the Types of Juvenile Crimes in Missouri?

Missouri currently has a list of crimes that can get a teen arrested and charged with juvenile crimes. These include:

• Arson
• Assault
• Gun possession
• Harassment
• Juvenile drug possession
• Juvenile DWI
• Juvenile marijuana possession
• Juvenile traffic violations
• Shoplifting
• Stalking
• Theft
• Trespassing
• Truancy
• Underage drinking
• Vandalism

While there are many others, these are some of the more common crimes that minors can be arrested for in the state of Missouri.

What are the Penalties for Juvenile Crimes in Missouri?

The range of penalties and punishments for minors who commit crimes in Missouri is wide. Penalties often depend on the child’s history, if they’ve been charged with any crime in the past, the presence and/or influence of parents, evidence of remorse, and a few other factors. Penalties for juvenile crimes in Missouri include:

• Mandatory counseling for the minor
• Strong warnings by the court if the offense is mild and the minor is a first offender
• Restitution and fines– anywhere from $25 a day for the parents of children responsible for their child’s truancy to $1,000
• Detention– Could be in a center, county jail, or confinement in the home
• Prison term– from 6 months to a year
• Suspension or revocation of driver’s license
• Probation
• Mandatory attendance of a diversionary program
• Community service

Please note that if the child is a repeat offender and has committed some grievous crimes there could be misdemeanor and/or felony charges.

How Can Grafe & Batchelor Help?

If you just found out that your child has been arrested on charges related to juvenile crimes you need to move quickly to get them out and back home.

With skilled juvenile crimes lawyers like Grafe & Batchelor Attorneys at Law in your corner, your child’s chances of being able to go home with you as soon as possible increase.

Call us today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your child’s case.