Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Blue Valley, 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 misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Blue Valley, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. Without a seasoned attorney, it’s easy to get lost in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Blue Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the long-term consequences and maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Talk to an attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
What Are Juvenile Crimes in Blue Valley, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Blue Valley, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. 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. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: To legally drink, a person needs to be at least 21 years old. 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).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Blue Valley, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys are ready to defend Blue Valley youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Blue Valley, 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 are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. Maximum penalties include 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. 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: Missouri requires juveniles to attend school (outside of special circumstances). If they don’t, they can be convicted of truancy. 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: 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 common charges youths face, given the amount of time they spend on social media. Punishments can range up to a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: Some states have dedicated laws for minors sexting, but Missouri considers this to be an act of child pornography. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Blue Valley, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Blue Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, 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 keep you updated on your case.
- 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 attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, 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.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
This increase in risky behavior is compounded by peer pressure. If one person in a group instigates risky behavior, others are more likely to follow. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Finally, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. A knowledgeable defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Blue Valley, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Blue Valley, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians 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. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the 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 can be tried as an adult, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Blue Valley, 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 Blue Valley, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have major collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Blue Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Picking the right defense attorney does more than defend 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 Blue Valley, 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)
What to Look for in Your Blue Valley, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are lots of Blue Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When deciding who to represent you or your child, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- 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
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. Speak With an Attorney 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 Blue Valley juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Blue Valley, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a confidential case review.
