Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Butler, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Maybe they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Butler, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a seasoned attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Butler, 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 critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and boosts the odds of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or via our web 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 Butler, MO?
In Butler, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. 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 Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Butler
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend Butler youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Butler, 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 is just as dangerous as 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 includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. 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 laws vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Marijuana is frequently used by teens to manage stress and/or feel socially included.
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: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto crimes are commonly motivated by an adrenalin rush. 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 commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Butler, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Butler, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your lawyer can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and keep you updated on your case.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Personalized Defense: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should guard them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Butler, MO?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
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. Additionally, 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 might only break the law in order to protect themselves. A knowledgeable defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Butler, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Butler, 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 notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the 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 goes to adult court, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Butler, 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 Butler, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you could end up with:
- Jailtime and fines
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Butler, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Deciding on the right defense attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Butler, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
If you or a loved one is in the Butler, 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)
How to Pick a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Butler, MO
There are many lawyers in Butler, MO, who defend juveniles, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking who to defend your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- 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 that helps build the case for you
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Talk to an Attorney Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. 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 Butler, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a no-strings case review.
