Juvenile Justice at the Lake Of The Ozarks
Criminal offenders are lumped into one of two broad categories: "juveniles" and "adults." Though there are some exceptions, people who commit crimes while still under the age of 18 are tried typically as juveniles in most states. The juvenile justice system is gentler than the adult version, with more emphasis placed on reform. Our juvenile justice attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help educate you on the juvenile justice system and how it impacts today's delinquent youth.
A juvenile may be tried as an adult, if the crime in question is particularly heinous, such as murder and/or rape. However, individuals between the ages of 10 and 17 are typically tried in juvenile court. In forty-one states, once individuals turn 18 years old, they will be tried as adults no matter what crime they are alleged to have committed. Missouri, however, is one of seven states wherein individuals may be tried as adults once they turn 17. In the two remaining states (North Carolina and New York), the cut-off age is only 16.
There are a number of differences between the proceedings for a juvenile case and an adult case. Whereas adults commit crimes, undergo trials, and are delivered sentences upon being convicted, juveniles commit "delinquent acts," undergo "adjudication hearings," and may be delivered "dispositions" as well as sentences.
If an adult receives a criminal conviction, this conviction typically goes on a permanent public criminal record that is accessible by anyone. Conversely, a juvenile conviction typically only remains public until they turn 18, at which point the record may be expunged if the delinquent has displayed satisfactory behavior. Erasing the record in this manner rewards him or her for reforming by enabling him or her to move forward into adulthood without being held back by the wrongs he committed in his or her youth. The opportunity of having records expunged only applies to youths who have been tried as juvenile delinquents, however; if a teenager was tried as an adult and convicted of murder, for example, his record will stay with him into adulthood.
It is possible for young people to be tried for age-specific crimes - acts that would not be considered criminal if they were adults, called "status crimes." Status crimes are minor offenses that generally serve as warning signals that a child may be likely to commit more serious crimes if left to his or her own devices. Examples of status crimes include:
• Possessing alcohol or tobacco products while under the legal age requirement
• Routinely skipping school (truancy)
• Running away
• Violating a city or county curfew
Prior to the 1960s and 1970s, status crimes were addressed in the juvenile justice system. In the last fifty years, however, prosecutors have been allowed great discretion when it comes to handling young people who commit status crimes. Rather than inflicting harsh sentences, most of the individuals who commit status crimes are directed to government agencies that are designed to help at-risk youth.
If your child is facing accusations, you are likely dealing with a whirlwind of pressing questions and challenging emotions. Our juvenile attorneys in Camden County MO are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process from start to finish. We promise to treat your situation and your child with the same urgency, dignity, and respect that we would our own. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation, contact us by calling (573) 346-7231.
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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What is the Cut-Off Age to Classify as a “Juvenile Delinquent”?
A juvenile may be tried as an adult, if the crime in question is particularly heinous, such as murder and/or rape. However, individuals between the ages of 10 and 17 are typically tried in juvenile court. In forty-one states, once individuals turn 18 years old, they will be tried as adults no matter what crime they are alleged to have committed. Missouri, however, is one of seven states wherein individuals may be tried as adults once they turn 17. In the two remaining states (North Carolina and New York), the cut-off age is only 16.
Juvenile Court vs Adult Court
There are a number of differences between the proceedings for a juvenile case and an adult case. Whereas adults commit crimes, undergo trials, and are delivered sentences upon being convicted, juveniles commit "delinquent acts," undergo "adjudication hearings," and may be delivered "dispositions" as well as sentences.
If an adult receives a criminal conviction, this conviction typically goes on a permanent public criminal record that is accessible by anyone. Conversely, a juvenile conviction typically only remains public until they turn 18, at which point the record may be expunged if the delinquent has displayed satisfactory behavior. Erasing the record in this manner rewards him or her for reforming by enabling him or her to move forward into adulthood without being held back by the wrongs he committed in his or her youth. The opportunity of having records expunged only applies to youths who have been tried as juvenile delinquents, however; if a teenager was tried as an adult and convicted of murder, for example, his record will stay with him into adulthood.
Age-Specific Crimes
It is possible for young people to be tried for age-specific crimes - acts that would not be considered criminal if they were adults, called "status crimes." Status crimes are minor offenses that generally serve as warning signals that a child may be likely to commit more serious crimes if left to his or her own devices. Examples of status crimes include:
• Possessing alcohol or tobacco products while under the legal age requirement
• Routinely skipping school (truancy)
• Running away
• Violating a city or county curfew
Prior to the 1960s and 1970s, status crimes were addressed in the juvenile justice system. In the last fifty years, however, prosecutors have been allowed great discretion when it comes to handling young people who commit status crimes. Rather than inflicting harsh sentences, most of the individuals who commit status crimes are directed to government agencies that are designed to help at-risk youth.
PMCW Law Is Here to Help You Navigate The Juvenile Justice System
If your child is facing accusations, you are likely dealing with a whirlwind of pressing questions and challenging emotions. Our juvenile attorneys in Camden County MO are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process from start to finish. We promise to treat your situation and your child with the same urgency, dignity, and respect that we would our own. For more information or to schedule your initial consultation, contact us by calling (573) 346-7231.
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.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
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(573) 346-4411 - Fax
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