Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Perhaps they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Pleasant Hill, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Pleasant Hill, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the long-term consequences and maximizes the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. 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 Pleasant Hill, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Pleasant Hill, MO, that is a juvenile crime. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. One situation with a different age of majority is consuming 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 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Pleasant Hill, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte are ready to defend Pleasant Hill youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Pleasant Hill, MO, we can help.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are often even tougher to fight than an of-age DWI. 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 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 and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “minor in possession” law. 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. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
Truancy: Truancy is when a youth doesn’t attend school under Missouri’s legal requirements. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
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: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is one of the most devastating accusations a juvenile can 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 want to learn more about the intricacies of these cases, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Pleasant Hill, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Pleasant Hill, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best way to move forward with your case. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- 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 Defense Strategy Built for You: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney should enforce them.
The sooner you find a leading juvenile crimes lawyer to take your case, the better your odds are of a positive outcome.
Common Motivations Behind Pleasant Hill, MO, Juvenile Crimes
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
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. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. Additionally, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. The right defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Pleasant Hill, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Pleasant Hill, MO, but they are not identical. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally 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 | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Pleasant Hill, 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Pleasant Hill, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Pleasant Hill, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right defense attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also defends 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)
What to Look for in Your Pleasant Hill, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are lots of Pleasant Hill, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking out the right attorney for your case, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous attitude
- 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, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
You Need an Experienced Pleasant Hill, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Now
You need help to secure a path forward. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Pleasant Hill juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you build a defense, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a no-strings case review.
