Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Clinton, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Perhaps they weren’t thinking things through and made a bad choice. Or maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In any case, juvenile court in Clinton, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. Without help, it’s easy to get caught up in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Clinton, 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 fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and increases your chances of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Clinton, MO?
In Clinton, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. A common example is drinking alcohol: To legally drink, a person needs to be at least 21 years old. Thus, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Clinton
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Clinton court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Clinton, MO, we can help.
Here are some of the most common types of charges we’ve helped clients defend against:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI can be even harder to handle than a DWI for an adult. Penalties can be as high as 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are are taken care of in traffic court, rather than juvenile court. Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys are skilled in both arenas.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “minor in possession” law. First offenses only face fines of up to $500, but repeat offenses can result in up to a year of jailtime.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession offenses often differ greatly from one another, due to the number of different substances and related offenses. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
Truancy: Missouri requires juveniles to attend school (outside of special circumstances). If they don’t, they can be convicted of truancy. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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. 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 a social stigma that can follow long after any prison sentence. A second-degree rape conviction is a class D felony, while a first-degree rape conviction is a class A felony.
If you’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Clinton, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Clinton, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best way to move forward with your case. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your lawyer can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should protect 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 Clinton, 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. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. 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 can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. An experienced defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Clinton, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Clinton, MO, but they are not identical. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest and often release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Typically 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 is taken through the adult justice process, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If this is the case for you, your Clinton, 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 Clinton, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have major collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Clinton, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Clinton, MO, juvenile justice system, take advantage of the below Missouri-specific resources:
- 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 Clinton, MO
There are many lawyers in Clinton, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When picking out the right attorney for your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- 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
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, as well as 24/7 phone support, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Talk to an Attorney Today
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Clinton residents. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Clinton, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a confidential case review.
