Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Perhaps they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or maybe they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
In any case, juvenile court in Cleveland, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a knowledgeable attorney, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Cleveland, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and advocating for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Cleveland, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Cleveland, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. One situation with a different age of majority is consuming alcohol: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Cleveland
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Cleveland, MO, we’re ready for your call.
Whatever you’re facing, we’re ready for you. Here are some of the case types we’ve handled in the past:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. 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 unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking is made illegal under Missouri’s “minor in possession” law. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
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: 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: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
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. Penalties can include 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. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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.
What to Expect From Your Cleveland, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Cleveland, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best way to move forward with your case. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Protection During Interrogations: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evidence Analysis: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer should protect them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
Common Motivations Behind Cleveland, MO, 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. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
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. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Finally, 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 often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Cleveland, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Cleveland, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Police are required to 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 | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If you’re in this situation, your Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have major collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Cleveland, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right attorney doesn’t just 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 Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, MO
There are lots of Cleveland, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- 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
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, in addition to 24/7 phone support, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Talk to an Attorney Now
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 offers legal expertise for all Cleveland residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Cleveland, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a confidential consultation.
