Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Kansas City, 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 maybe they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
In any case, juvenile court in Kansas City, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get caught up in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Kansas City, 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 advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. 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 Kansas City, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Kansas City, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. 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. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Kansas City
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Kansas City court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Kansas City, MO, we can help.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI can be even harder to handle than a DWI for an adult. 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. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession laws vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
Truancy: A child commits truancy if they skip school when they are required to go. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face 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. 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 common charges youths face, given the amount of time they spend on social media. 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
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.
If you’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Kansas City, MO
Your Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. 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 plain English
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Police Interviews: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Personalized Defense: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should enforce them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
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.
This increase in risky behavior is compounded by peer pressure. As adolescents see their friends engaging in risky behavior, they often feel compelled to take part themselves. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Additionally, 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. An experienced defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but they are not identical. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
Despite these differences, there are times 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re up against:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Kansas City, MO, justice system:
- 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 Kansas City, MO
There are many Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When deciding who to represent you or your child, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Speak With an Attorney Today
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Kansas City juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you build a defense, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Kansas City, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a free review of your charges.
