Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Holden, 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 felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
In any case, juvenile court in Holden, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Holden, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and advocating for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and boosts the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Holden, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Holden, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: To legally drink, a person needs to be at least 21 years old. Thus, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Holden
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Holden, MO, we can help.
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. At the high end, you can be facing 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 laws vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
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: Minor shoplifting charges are often treated more gently than adult theft, with orders of restitution instead of jail time.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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. Punishments can range 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. 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.
If you want to learn more about the intricacies of these cases, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Holden, MO
Your Holden, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. Here’s what you should expect:
- 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
- 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 Defense Strategy Built for You: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement 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.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. 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 paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Holden, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Holden, MO, but they are not identical. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal 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 | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances 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 Holden, 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 Holden, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have major collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Holden, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right person doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Holden, MO, justice system:
- 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 Holden, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many Holden, 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, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- A client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
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.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Speak With an Attorney Today
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. 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 Holden. We help you build a defense, find sentencing alternatives, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Holden, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a private consultation.
