Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Drexel, 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.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Drexel, MO, isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Drexel, MO, 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 sentencing alternatives, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and boosts your chances of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Drexel, MO?
In Drexel, 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, 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 in Drexel
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Drexel court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Drexel, MO, contact us right away.
We have experience defending against all of the below criminal charges:
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 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. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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: In Missouri, there is no dedicated law regarding minors sexting, so these actions fall under child pornography laws. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Drexel, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Drexel, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your lawyer should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your 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.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney should enforce 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 Drexel, MO?
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. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. 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.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. An experienced defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Drexel, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Drexel, MO, but there are several differences. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile goes to adult court, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Drexel, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Drexel, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have long-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- Jailtime and fines
- Education setbacks
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Drexel, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right defense attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Drexel, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Drexel, 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 Drexel, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Drexel, MO, who defend juveniles, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking who to defend your case, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous attitude
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to 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
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Drexel juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you build a defense, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Drexel, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no-strings case review.
