7 Things Your Didn't Know About Juvenile Law: Part 2

Our experienced juvenile law attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are continuing our blog series on juvenile law. Last week, we covered the difference between juvenile court and other courts, whether it's okay or not for a juvenile to be questioned by a police officer, jurisdiction of juvenile court, and if religion is considered in the placement of a child. For more information on those topics, please see 7 Things You Didn't Know About Juvenile Law: Part 1. This week we will be finishing up with the 3 commonly asked questions about juvenile law.


What can be done, if I need to get help for my child that is beyond my control?


You may complete a "juvenile complaint form" pertaining to your child. This can be filed at your local juvenile office. Once the form is complete, it will be assigned to a Deputy Juvenile Officer (DJO). The DJO will schedule a time to meet with you and your child to gather information and possibly apply initial screenings or assessments. The DJO may develop a plan of intervention, which may include one or more of the following:
  • a probation officer may be referred for informal supervision. If your child is referred to probation, the officer may set up a schedule of supervision to be in regular contact with your child. 

  • various community resources may be referred. (drug/alcohol intervention programs, family counseling, tutoring, anger management classes, or drug/alcohol intervention programs)



If I was adopted as a child, can I see my court file?


For the protection and privacy of all involved, Missouri adoption records are closed, but you may be able to request a search be done for information regarding your birth parents. Please note all requests for information MUST be in writing and include proof of identification. It may be necessary for adoptive parents to give consent for this search. If there was an adoption agency they used, you may consider contacting them for help. This request should indicate whether you are seeking non-identifying information or identifying information. 

Examples of non-identifying information include:
  • education level
  • medical history
Examples of identifying information include:
  • social security number
  • date of birth
The Children's Division maintains a list of biological parents, siblings and adoptive parents who may indicate their wish to be contacted by each other.


Who is considered an adult under Missouri law?


This answer is some what complicated because the age varies depending on the circumstance. For example, you must be 18 to:

  • register to vote
  • make a will, sign a contract or a lease
  • to get married without your parent's permission

However, at age 17, if you commit any crime you may be tried as an adult. If you commit a crime at age 16 or younger, you may be referred to the juvenile court.

Juvenile law is not something to be taken for granted. It's serious business, especially when your children are involved. Our juvenile law office at the Lake of the Ozarks can plot a course of action based on your specific needs. Contact us today to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.


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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