Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Garden City, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Perhaps they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In any case, juvenile court in Garden City, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Garden City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between defending juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and exploring sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and boosts the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Speak with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Garden City, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Garden City, 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. 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 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Garden City, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend Garden City youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Garden City, MO, we’re ready for your call.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI can be even harder to handle than a DWI for an adult. Maximum penalties include 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
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 offenses often differ greatly from one another, due to the number of different substances and related offenses. 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. 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. 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 very easy for youths to engage with in the modern era. 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. These can range from being a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the circumstances.
Rape: Rape is commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Garden City, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Garden City, 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:
- 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
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and keep you updated on your case.
- Protection During Police Interviews: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should guard them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This is directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. If one person in a group instigates risky behavior, others are more likely to follow. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Additionally, youths facing mental health challenges may lack self-control, and/or feel additional pressures to break the law.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. An experienced defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Garden City, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Garden City, MO, but they are not identical. 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 inform parents/guardians of the arrest 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. | 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 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 Garden City, 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 …
Impact of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Garden City, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Family relationship challenges
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Garden City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right person doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Garden City, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
If you or a loved one is in the Garden City, 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)
What to Look for in Your Garden City, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are lots of Garden City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
You Need an Experienced Garden City, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Garden City residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, explore diversion options, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Garden City, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a free consultation.
