7 Common Questions About Juvenile Law
Unfortunately, adults are not the only perpetrators of crime in our area; juveniles have been known to commit various crimes on multiple occasions. Depending on the severity of their crimes, the consequences of their convictions can impact these young people's lives for years to come.
Because of the potential for lifetime consequences, juvenile law at the Lake of the Ozarks can be more than a little scary and overwhelming. This week, the team at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to answer some of the questions you may have about this important legal discipline.
1. Can A Juvenile Ever Be Charged As An Adult?
In some situations, yes. For example, a juvenile who is at least 12 years old may be charged as an adult if he/she has been charged of a felony.
2. At What Age Is Someone Considered An Adult Under Missouri Law?
Under certain sections of Missouri statutes related to charging criminal offense, any person age 17 or older is considered an adult, and any person under age 17 is considered a child.
3. Will A Juvenile's Records Follow Them For Life?
The fear that their children will have a criminal record that follows them for life is often a major concern for parents whose children have been charged with a crime. Fortunately, most juvenile court records in Missouri are hidden from the public. For maximum security, however, you may be able to apply to seal your court records.
4. Can A Juvenile Be Put In Jail?
Generally, juveniles are not be held in jail or facility designed for adults. Juveniles are typically held in juvenile detention facilities and for a maximum of 24 hours, but courts may authorize continued detention for longer periods of time.
5. What Is Considered A "Delinquent Act"?
Delinquent acts are, in many cases, acts that would be considered crimes if they had been committed by adults. Examples of delinquent acts can include possession of drugs, stealing, shoplifting, and assault.
6. Can Juveniles Get Into Trouble If Their Friends Commit Crimes?
Just as adults can be charged for aiding and abetting criminal acts, juveniles can face legal consequences for being with their friends who commit delinquent acts.
7. Is There A Juvenile Sex Offender Registry In Missouri?
Yes. Just as adults who have been convicted of sex offenses have their names put on a sex offender list, juveniles who have been charged with committing or (or attempting to commit) these same types of offenses often have their names added to a juvenile sex offender registry. Depending on their situation, some juveniles may also have to have their names added to the adult sex offender registry once they become 21 years old.
Questions About Juvenile Law?
If you have questions about juvenile law or if you have reason to believe that your child may be charged with delinquent offense in the near future, we strongly encourage you to contact one of our experienced juvenile attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks. Your child's future may depend on it.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
Because of the potential for lifetime consequences, juvenile law at the Lake of the Ozarks can be more than a little scary and overwhelming. This week, the team at the Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C. are here to answer some of the questions you may have about this important legal discipline.
1. Can A Juvenile Ever Be Charged As An Adult?
In some situations, yes. For example, a juvenile who is at least 12 years old may be charged as an adult if he/she has been charged of a felony.
2. At What Age Is Someone Considered An Adult Under Missouri Law?
Under certain sections of Missouri statutes related to charging criminal offense, any person age 17 or older is considered an adult, and any person under age 17 is considered a child.
3. Will A Juvenile's Records Follow Them For Life?
The fear that their children will have a criminal record that follows them for life is often a major concern for parents whose children have been charged with a crime. Fortunately, most juvenile court records in Missouri are hidden from the public. For maximum security, however, you may be able to apply to seal your court records.4. Can A Juvenile Be Put In Jail?
Generally, juveniles are not be held in jail or facility designed for adults. Juveniles are typically held in juvenile detention facilities and for a maximum of 24 hours, but courts may authorize continued detention for longer periods of time.
5. What Is Considered A "Delinquent Act"?
Delinquent acts are, in many cases, acts that would be considered crimes if they had been committed by adults. Examples of delinquent acts can include possession of drugs, stealing, shoplifting, and assault.
6. Can Juveniles Get Into Trouble If Their Friends Commit Crimes?
Just as adults can be charged for aiding and abetting criminal acts, juveniles can face legal consequences for being with their friends who commit delinquent acts.
7. Is There A Juvenile Sex Offender Registry In Missouri?
Yes. Just as adults who have been convicted of sex offenses have their names put on a sex offender list, juveniles who have been charged with committing or (or attempting to commit) these same types of offenses often have their names added to a juvenile sex offender registry. Depending on their situation, some juveniles may also have to have their names added to the adult sex offender registry once they become 21 years old.
Questions About Juvenile Law?
If you have questions about juvenile law or if you have reason to believe that your child may be charged with delinquent offense in the near future, we strongly encourage you to contact one of our experienced juvenile attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks. Your child's future may depend on it.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
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Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
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