Juvenile Criminal Defense
A juvenile arrest doesn’t have to define your child’s future. Missouri’s juvenile justice system is designed to focus on rehabilitation, but navigating it alone can be confusing and stressful. We help families protect their child’s rights and work toward a positive resolution.
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Has Your Child Been Arrested?
If your child has been arrested, we encourage you to immediately contact our experienced juvenile criminal attorneys at The Lampin Law Firm. The sooner you speak to us, the sooner we can get to work protecting your child.
We believe that a mistake made by your child now should not haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Juvenile arrest warrants can be issued for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the following.
- Failure to appear in court
- Probation violations
- Serious criminal offenses
Missouri’s juvenile justice system is very different from adult court
The process for juvenile cases often differs significantly from that for adults, and the terminology may vary as well. For instance, some jurisdictions might not refer to it as an “arrest warrant” but rather use other terms like “take into custody order” or “pick-up order.” Additionally, juvenile cases are typically handled in a separate court system, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Because the procedures for juveniles are different and typically more confidential, it is crucial for parents or guardians to seek specialized legal advice if they believe their child may have a warrant for their arrest. Legal procedures and options may vary based on state laws, the age of the juvenile, and the type of offense committed.
Committed to Helping Kids in the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Systems
Children’s criminal cases are handled differently than those of adults in the state of Missouri. The criminal courts have long recognized that children’s developing minds are not able to comprehend their actions and understand consequences in the same manner as an adult’s mature brain. Juvenile offenders, therefore, warrant a unique approach focused on rehabilitation. With compassion for the children accused of crimes, The Lampin Law Firm zealously represents them in the juvenile justice system.
Our Juvenile Defense Lawyers Will Vigorously Defend Your Child.
- Keep your child’s record clean
- Mitigate punishment
- Work to find solutions for your child now and in the future
Our experienced Juvenile Defense Lawyers will fight for your child.
Legal information for parents
Juvenile Law in Missouri
A juvenile is guaranteed by the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution and by the United States Supreme Court Decision of In re Gault, to be represented by an attorney in juvenile court. In Missouri, juveniles are entitled to counsel at all stages of the proceedings, including in-custody interrogation, detention hearings, adjudications, motions to modify, and certification hearings.
Despite the existence of juvenile courts, many youths are still tried as adults. Missouri has two ways that juveniles can be prosecuted as adults:
- Discretionary waiver: Juvenile court may order a transfer hearing for youth twelve and older, on any party’s (or its own) motion, for any felony offense. For statutorily-delineated violent offenses, the court must hold a transfer hearing.
- If the child has been previously certified and prosecuted as an adult, he will from then on always be under adult court jurisdiction.
Calling a lawyer can prevent your child from getting arrested.
The age of a child who comes within the jurisdiction of the state’s juvenile courts is defined by state law. In Missouri: no statute specifies the youngest age at which a juvenile can be adjudicated, delinquent. The Juvenile court has jurisdiction over a child whose crime occurs prior to the child’s 17th birthday. The juvenile court can retain jurisdiction over the child until the age of 21, provided that the offense has been alleged to have been committed before the child turned 17.
It is crucial for your child to have competent legal representation from the time the juvenile is notified to meet with a Deputy Juvenile Officer when the child is taken into custody and throughout the proceedings. This is particularly true for a meeting with a Deputy Juvenile Officer or at a hearing in Juvenile court.
Juvenile records are confidential in most cases. However, they are always available to law enforcement and other government agencies. It is essential to obtain reliable and high-quality legal advice from an experienced lawyer who regularly appears in Juvenile court before you meet with a Deputy Juvenile Officer or appear with your child in court.
Important information about age
The age of a child under the jurisdiction of Missouri’s juvenile courts is set by state law. In Missouri, there is no statute that specifies the youngest age at which a child can be adjudicated delinquent. The juvenile court has jurisdiction over any offense committed before a child’s 17th birthday and, if necessary, can retain that jurisdiction until the child turns 21. Missouri courts have also allowed juveniles—sometimes at surprisingly young ages—to be certified and tried as adults in serious cases such as homicide or violent felonies. Appellate courts have consistently upheld this discretion when the required factors are considered.
Because of this, it is crucial that your child has skilled legal representation from the very beginning—whether at the first meeting with a Deputy Juvenile Officer, when taken into custody, or during any hearing in juvenile court. These early moments can set the tone for the entire case.
With so much at stake, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the unique complexities of juvenile law and will fight to protect your child’s rights. The experienced attorneys at The Lampin Law Firm have represented countless juveniles over the years, and we know how important it is to prevent one mistake from defining the rest of a young person’s life.
Notable Legal Precedents in Juvenile Certification
Appellate rulings confirm that judges have broad discretion—meaning in serious cases, your child could face the adult system far earlier than you might expect.
State v. Tate (1981) – The Missouri Supreme Court confirmed that certification decisions rest on the juvenile court’s discretion, as long as statutory factors are considered. This established that there is no set minimum age — it depends entirely on the judge’s findings.
State v. Nathan (1993) – A 14-year-old was certified to stand trial as an adult for first-degree murder. The Court upheld the decision, showing that even very young teens can face adult prosecution in serious cases.
In re T.J.H. (2000) – An appellate court addressed certification of a 12-year-old, affirming that Missouri law does not bar certification at such a young age if the judge makes proper findings under § 211.071.
Explore your options
Contact Our Criminal Defense Legal Team
When your child is facing a criminal accusation, you shouldn’t have to navigate the system alone. Juvenile cases move quickly, and early decisions can shape your child’s future, schooling, and opportunities. During your free consultation, we’ll review what happened, explain how the juvenile process works, and outline the steps we can take to protect your child’s rights.
You deserve clear information, steady support, and a legal team that understands what’s at stake. Reach out today—your child’s future is too important to wait.
Our Attorneys Have Over 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience.
37
Years of Experience
Charles E. Lampin
16
Years of Experience
Michael Boyd
38
Years of Experience
Ross Buehler
17
Years of Experience
