Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Gower, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Perhaps they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In any case, juvenile court in Gower, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Gower, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between protecting juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and increases 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 web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Gower, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Gower, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. A common example is drinking alcohol: To legally drink, a person needs to be at least 21 years old. Thus, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are over 18, but younger than 21 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Gower, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend Gower youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Gower, MO, we’re ready for your call.
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. 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 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 is made illegal under Missouri’s “minor in possession” law. 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. 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. This crime is unique in that the parent or guardian can be held primarily responsible, and convicted of 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 very easy for youths to engage with in the modern era. Penalties can include up to a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. 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 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.
To read more about individual case types, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Gower, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Gower, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- 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.
- Help 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 attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney 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.
Common Motivations Behind Gower, MO, Juvenile Crimes
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. 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. Finally, 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 can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Gower, MO
Gower, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but there are several differences. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal 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 can be tried as an adult, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Gower, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Gower, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have major collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re facing the following:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Gower, 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.
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)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Gower, MO
There are many Gower, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking out the right attorney for your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- 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, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Do You Need a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Gower, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today
You need help to secure a path forward. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Gower, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
