Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Kearney, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they weren’t thinking things through and made a bad choice. Or maybe they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Kearney, MO, isn’t always a nice place. On your own, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Kearney, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and exploring sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and increases the odds of a positive outcome.
Don’t let a bad choice in the moment or a false accusation lead to lifelong consequences. Get help as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Kearney, MO?
In Kearney, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. 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 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Kearney, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Kearney court. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Kearney, MO, contact us right away.
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 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 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 laws have a wide range of penalties, depending on the type of drug, the amount, and whether or you were allegedly distributing it. 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. This crime is unique in that the parent or guardian can be held primarily responsible, and convicted of 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. 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. 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. These can range from being a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the circumstances.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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 Kearney, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Kearney, 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: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your lawyer can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney 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 law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Personalized Defense: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should guard 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 Kearney, 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.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. 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, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
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 Kearney, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Kearney, MO, but they are not identical. 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 normally 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 | 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 goes to adult court, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Kearney, 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 Kearney, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have life-lasting collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Kearney, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right defense attorney doesn’t just 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)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Kearney, MO
There are lots of Kearney, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, in addition to always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
The Right Kearney, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Kearney. We help you craft a defensive strategy, avoid jail if possible, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Kearney, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a free review of your charges.
