Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Greenwood, 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 acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or maybe they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
In any case, juvenile court in Greenwood, MO, isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Greenwood, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and exploring sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and boosts the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Greenwood, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Greenwood, 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, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Greenwood
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Greenwood court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Greenwood, 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 often even tougher to fight than an of-age DWI. Penalties can be as high as 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 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 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: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
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. Punishments can range up to 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is one of the most devastating accusations a juvenile can face, 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.
How a Greenwood, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Greenwood, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and keep you updated on your case.
- Help During Interrogations: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should protect 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 Greenwood, MO?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. 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. 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, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
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. The right defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Greenwood, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Greenwood, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Greenwood, 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?
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Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
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Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
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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 Greenwood, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have major collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Greenwood, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Greenwood, 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 Greenwood, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Greenwood, MO, who defend juveniles, 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 with juvenile cases
- 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
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
The Right Greenwood, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Greenwood. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Greenwood, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation.
