Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Buckner, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Maybe they acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or perhaps they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Buckner, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without help, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Buckner, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and increases the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Get help as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Buckner, MO?
In Buckner, 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.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. A common example is drinking alcohol: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, a person 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 Buckner
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Buckner, MO, we can help.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
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 loss of driving privileges.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are treated differently than other alleged juvenile offenses, in that they are tried in traffic court, not juvenile 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: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto theft allegations are some of the most serious that our lawyers commonly defend. Stealing a car 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. Penalties can include up to 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 lifelong impacts after 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.
How a Buckner, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Buckner, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. Here’s what you should expect:
- Help Understanding the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Protection During Interrogations: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evidence Analysis: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney should guard them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. This is directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. As adolescents see their friends engaging in risky behavior, they often feel compelled to take part themselves. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Finally, youths facing mental health challenges may lack self-control, and/or feel additional pressures to break the law.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. A knowledgeable defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Buckner, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Buckner, MO, but there are several differences. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile goes to adult court, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Buckner, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer can argue that the case should be kept 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Buckner, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you’re up against:
- Jailtime and fines
- Education setbacks
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Buckner, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Working with the right attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
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)
How to Pick a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Buckner, MO
There are many Buckner, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking out the right attorney for your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Buckner, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
You need help to secure a path forward. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Buckner residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, avoid jail if possible, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To talk to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Buckner, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a free review of your charges.
