Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Perhaps they acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Ivanhoe, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. On your own, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Ivanhoe, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and advocating for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against negative 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. Get help today at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Ivanhoe, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Ivanhoe, 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, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Ivanhoe, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys are ready to defend Ivanhoe youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Ivanhoe, MO, we’re ready for your call.
Here are some of the most common types of charges we’ve helped clients defend against:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. 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 includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. 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. 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. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to 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: 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. 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. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
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’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Ivanhoe, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Ivanhoe, 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 criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- 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 lawyer should enforce them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Ivanhoe, MO?
An increase in risk-taking behavior is normal for most adolescents to go through, and as a result, many will engage in some form of criminal activity. 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. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. Finally, 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 might only break the law in order to protect themselves. A knowledgeable defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Ivanhoe, MO
Ivanhoe, 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 Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| 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, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Ivanhoe, 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 Ivanhoe, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re up against:
- Jailtime and fines
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Ivanhoe, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Deciding on the right attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also protects 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)
How to Pick a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO
There are many lawyers in Ivanhoe, MO, who defend juveniles, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- 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
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
The Right Ivanhoe, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Speak With an Attorney Now
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. It won’t be easy, but an experienced defense attorney can help you make it through.
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 talk to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation.
