Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in East Side KC, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Maybe they acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. 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 East Side KC, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to get lost in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A East Side KC, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert 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. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in East Side KC, MO?
In East Side KC, 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. One situation with a different age of majority is consuming 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 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in East Side KC
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in East Side KC, MO, contact us right away.
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 is just as dangerous as an of-age DWI. Penalties can be as high as 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 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: 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. 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: Some states have dedicated laws for minors sexting, but Missouri considers this to be an act of child pornography. 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 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, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a East Side KC, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your East Side KC, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. Here’s what you should expect:
- Help Understanding 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
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: 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 lawyer 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.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in East Side KC, 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. 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. Additionally, youths facing mental health challenges may lack self-control, and/or feel additional pressures to break the law.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. The right defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in East Side KC, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in East Side KC, 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 | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile goes to adult court, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your East Side KC, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in East Side KC, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-lasting collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your East Side KC, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Working with the right defense attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for East Side KC, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the East Side KC, 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 East Side KC, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in East Side KC, MO, who defend juveniles, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- 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 connections in courthouses across Missouri.
The Right East Side KC, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Speak With an Attorney Now
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing East Side KC 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 meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in East Side KC, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a confidential consultation.
