Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Higginsville, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Perhaps they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or maybe they were misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
In any case, juvenile court in Higginsville, MO, isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Higginsville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and boosts the possibility 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 through our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Higginsville, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Higginsville, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. One situation with a different age of majority is consuming 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 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Higginsville
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Higginsville court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Higginsville, MO, we can help.
We have experience defending against all of the below criminal charges:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI can be even harder to handle than a DWI for an adult. At the high end, you can be facing 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “minor in possession” law. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession laws have a wide range of penalties, depending on the type of drug, the amount, and whether or you were allegedly distributing it. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
Truancy: Missouri requires juveniles to attend school (outside of special circumstances). If they don’t, they can be convicted of truancy. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face 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 crimes are commonly motivated by an adrenalin rush. 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. 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. 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 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 Higginsville, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Higginsville, 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 lawyer 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 treat you like more than a case number.
- Protection During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- 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.
The sooner you find a leading juvenile crimes lawyer to take your case, the better your odds are of a positive outcome.
Common Motivations Behind Higginsville, MO, Juvenile Crimes
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. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. Additionally, 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 can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. An experienced defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Higginsville, MO
Higginsville, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, 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. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal 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. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Higginsville, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Higginsville, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have life-lasting collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Higginsville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right person does more than protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Higginsville, 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 Higginsville, MO
There are many Higginsville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking out the right attorney for your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- 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.
Get Help from Higginsville, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Higginsville, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation.
