Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Edgerton, 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 perhaps they were misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Edgerton, MO, isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to get caught up in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Edgerton, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and increases the odds of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Edgerton, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Edgerton, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Edgerton, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys are ready to defend Edgerton youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Edgerton, 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 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 unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
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 offenses often differ greatly from one another, due to the number of different substances and related offenses. 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: 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: 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 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, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Edgerton, MO
Your Edgerton, 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:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your lawyer can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Protection During Police Interviews: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should guard 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?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. 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. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Finally, 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 can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. A knowledgeable defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Edgerton, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Edgerton, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
Despite these differences, there are times 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 in this situation, your Edgerton, 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 Edgerton, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have major collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Edgerton, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Use the following links for additional information and guidance regarding the juvenile justice system in Missouri:
- 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 Edgerton, MO
There are many lawyers in Edgerton, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When picking out the right attorney for your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Call Combs Waterkotte 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 Edgerton juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Edgerton, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a free review of your charges.
