Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Kansas City. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Perhaps they weren’t thinking things through and made a bad choice. Or perhaps they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
In any case, juvenile court in Kansas City isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Kansas City juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the long-term 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. Get help now at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, 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.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. 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 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Kansas City, we can help.
Here are some of the most common types of charges we’ve helped clients defend against:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI is just as dangerous as an of-age DWI. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 one of the most devastating accusations a juvenile can 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.
If you want to learn more about the intricacies of these cases, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Kansas City juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your lawyer should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- 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 Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should protect them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Common Motivations Behind Juvenile Crimes
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.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. 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. Finally, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. The right defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Kansas City, 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 | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances 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 Kansas City 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 …
Impact of a Juvenile Crime Conviction
A juvenile crime conviction can have long-lasting collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re facing the following:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Kansas City juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Working with the right person doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Kansas City 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)
What to Look for in a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are lots of Kansas City juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- A client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Call Combs Waterkotte 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 ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Kansas City today, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a confidential case review.
