PMCW Law

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. 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 individua...

The adolescent years is a challenging time in a young person's life. Emotions tend to run high as teenagers wage fierce battles to find the proper balance between self-reliance and dependency. They are growing and changing at a rapid rate. While many teens often think that they are "all grown up," research shows that the adolescent brain is still too immature to process information and rationalize decisions in the same manner as adults. Juvenile Crime From a legal perspective, the immaturity of the adolescent mind poses distinct challenges. Should they choose to do so, most teenagers are intelligent and/or strong enough to cause significant harm to people or personal property. In an effort to keep our communities safe and to teach juveniles that criminal acts will not be tolerated, many people believe that juveniles should be prosecuted for their crimes to the full extent of juvenile law. What punishments should be allowed under juvenile law, however, is a topic ...

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 c har ging criminal offense , any person age 17 or older...