Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Excelsior Estates, 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 hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Excelsior Estates, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Excelsior Estates, MO?
In Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. 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, you 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 Excelsior Estates
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Excelsior Estates court. If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Excelsior Estates, 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 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 and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “minor in possession” law. 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. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
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: Minor shoplifting charges are often treated more gently than adult theft, with orders of restitution instead of jail time.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto theft allegations are some of the most serious that our lawyers commonly defend. 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. 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 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 want to learn more about the intricacies of these cases, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Excelsior Estates, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- 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.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, 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 Excelsior Estates, MO?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Finally, 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 often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. A knowledgeable defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Excelsior Estates, MO
Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but there are several differences. 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. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
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 this is the case for you, your Excelsior Estates, 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 …
Impact of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Excelsior Estates, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Trouble at school
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right defense attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Excelsior Estates, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
If you or a loved one is in the Excelsior Estates, 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 Excelsior Estates, MO
There are many Excelsior Estates, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, but not all of them are equal. When picking who to defend your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous attitude
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
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.
Do You Need a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Excelsior Estates, MO? Talk to an Attorney Now
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Excelsior Estates juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Excelsior Estates, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a confidential case review.
