Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Braymer, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Braymer, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and exploring sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Don’t let a bad choice in the moment or a false accusation lead to lifelong consequences. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Braymer, MO?
In Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. A common example is drinking alcohol: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are over 18, but younger than 21 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Braymer
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte are ready to defend Braymer youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Braymer, MO, contact us right away.
Whatever you’re facing, we’re ready for you. Here are some of the case types we’ve handled in the past:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. At the high end, you can be facing 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. A first offense is only a class D misdemeanor, but repeat offenses are elevated to a class A misdemeanor.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession laws have a wide range of penalties, depending on the type of drug, the amount, and whether or you were allegedly distributing it. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
Truancy: Truancy is when a youth doesn’t attend school under Missouri’s legal requirements. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Minor shoplifting charges are often treated more gently than adult theft, with orders of restitution instead of jail time.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto theft allegations are some of the most serious that our lawyers commonly defend. Auto theft is a class B felony, while joyriding is only a class D felony.
Cyber Harassment: Cybercrimes like online harassment and bullying are very easy for youths to engage with in the modern era. This can be a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: In Missouri, there is no dedicated law regarding minors sexting, so these actions fall under child pornography laws. These can range from being a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the circumstances.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to face, with long-lasting impacts from a conviction. A second-degree rape conviction is a class D felony, while a first-degree rape conviction is a class A felony.
To read more about individual case types, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Braymer, MO
Your Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- Help Understanding the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your lawyer can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer should enforce them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Braymer, MO?
An increase in risk-taking behavior is normal for most adolescents to go through, and as a result, many will engage in some form of criminal activity. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Finally, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. The right defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Braymer, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Braymer, MO, but they are not identical. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If this is the case for you, your Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer can fight to keep the case in juvenile court.
Legal Videos
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For?
What Types Of Crimes Can Juveniles Get Arrested For? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers, "What types of crimes can juveniles get arrested for?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers …
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public?
Are Juvenile Criminal Or Arrest Records Public? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are juvenile criminal or arrest records public?" Juvenile Criminal Defense …
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police? Attorney Matt Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "Are children obligated to speak to the police?" Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyers in …
Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
Do juvenile courts lose jurisdiction over youth when they turn 18? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn …
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile Will They Go To Jail?
If My Child Is Arrested As A Juvenile, Will They Go To Jail? Attorney Christopher Combs from Combs Waterkotte answers the question, "If my child is arrested as a juvenile, will they go to jail?"
Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?
Can a juvenile criminal case turn into an adult case? Attorney Matthew Brown from Combs Waterkotte answers the question "Can A Juvenile Criminal Case Turn Into An Adult Case?" Juvenile Criminal …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Braymer, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re up against:
- Jailtime and fines
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right defense attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Braymer, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Use the following links for additional information and guidance regarding the juvenile justice system in Missouri:
- Missouri Juvenile Courts Collected Statutes (Justia)
- A Parent’s Guide to the Juvenile Justice System (Missouri Legal Services)
- Missouri Division of Youth Services (MO Department of Social Services)
- Missouri Juvenile Justice Protections Program (MO Department of Public Safety)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Braymer, MO
There are lots of Braymer, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
The Right Braymer, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Speak With an Attorney Today
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you craft a defensive strategy, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To talk to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Braymer, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential case review.
