Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Freeman, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Maybe they didn’t think things through and made a bad choice. Or maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Freeman, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a seasoned attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Freeman, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and boosts 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 as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Freeman, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Freeman, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. A common example is drinking alcohol: 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 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Freeman, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Freeman, MO, we can help.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI is just as dangerous as an of-age DWI. Maximum penalties include 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are are taken care of in traffic court, rather than juvenile court. Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys are skilled in both arenas.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. A first offense is only a class D misdemeanor, but repeat offenses are elevated to a class A misdemeanor.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession laws vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Marijuana is frequently used by teens to manage stress and/or feel socially included.
Truancy: A child commits truancy if they skip school when they are required to go. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto theft allegations are some of the most serious that our lawyers commonly defend. 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. This can be 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. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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 want to learn more about the intricacies of these cases, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Freeman, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Freeman, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Police Interviews: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Personalized Defense: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer 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.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
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 directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
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. Additionally, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. An experienced defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Freeman, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Freeman, 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 | Typically taken directly to jail. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and normally release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- Jailtime and fines
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Freeman, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Working with the right person does more than defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Freeman, 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 Freeman, MO
There are lots of Freeman, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When picking out the right attorney for 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
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Freeman, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Speak With an Attorney Today
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. It won’t be easy, but an experienced defense attorney can help you make it through.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Freeman residents. We help you build a defense, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Freeman, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a private consultation.
