Missouri treats juveniles in its criminal justice system generally similar to other states. The usual juvenile law framework provides that a person under 18 is charged and prosecuted as a juvenile. Unlike the harsh penal sanctions of the adult criminal justice system,...
Missouri legislature passes major change in juvenile law
Missouri will be coming into line with 45 other states with respect to the age at which a person is automatically charged as an adult. For many years, the state criminal laws have set 17 as the age for being charged as an adult. That will change to age 18 due to a new...
Missouri juvenile law: Teen may face charges for school threat
A Missouri teenager was recently contacted by law enforcement authorities after word reached police that he made a threat against his high school by using the social media app Snapchat. At this point, charges have not been filed against the young man; however, that...
In Missouri, juvenile law may not apply to some 17-year-olds
Most children are not considered adults until they reach the age of 18, and even then, it is questionable if they are really ready to take on all the same responsibilities of an adult. When it comes to criminal law in the state of Missouri, it is at the age of 17 that...
Missouri juvenile law: Teen accused of posting threatening note
A Missouri teenager was recently arrested for allegedly posting a threatening message online. The message was reported to law enforcement officials by staff from the high school where the accused attends. Due to the age of the accused, this should be a juvenile law...
Missouri juvenile law: Get help with an underage drinking charge
You give your teenager permissions to go out and have fun with his or her friends. A few hours later, you get a phone call from one of many of Missouri's fine police departments. Your child has been arrested for underage drinking. Now what? A juvenile law attorney may...
Missouri juvenile law: Truancy affects kids and their parents
Every parent in Missouri is responsible for making sure that their children receive an education. This can be done in a number of ways, including enrolling in public or private schools, pursuing educational opportunities online or opting to utilize a home school...
Missouri juvenile law: MIP facts
The number of minors in Missouri who consume alcohol is somewhat alarming. Laws have been put in place to deter this behavior, some of which can affect for years those accused of violating them. A juvenile law attorney may be able to help minimize the consequences...
Missouri juvenile law: Help with hearings
If your child has been accused of a delinquency of some type, he or she will likely have to appear in juvenile court. In Missouri or elsewhere, juvenile law and criminal law have very different purposes. If your child's case stays within the juvenile system, the end...