Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lake Lotawana, 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 acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or perhaps they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Lake Lotawana, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get lost in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and boosts the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Speak with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Lake Lotawana, MO?
In Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are over 18, but younger than 21 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Lake Lotawana, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Lake Lotawana court. If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Lake Lotawana, MO, we’re ready for your call.
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. 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 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 includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. 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. 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: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto theft allegations are some of the most serious that our lawyers commonly defend. 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. Penalties can include up to a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. 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 a social stigma that can follow long after any prison sentence. 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 Lake Lotawana, MO
Your Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your lawyer can explain them to you in plain English
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Protection During Interrogations: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Personalized Defense: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney 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 Lake Lotawana, 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. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Finally, youths facing mental health challenges may lack self-control, and/or feel additional pressures to break the law.
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 paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Lake Lotawana, MO
Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| 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. |
Despite these differences, there are times 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 Lake Lotawana, 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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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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Lake Lotawana, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have life-lasting collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Working with the right person doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Lake Lotawana, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
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 Lake Lotawana, MO
There are lots of Lake Lotawana, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. 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 that helps build the case for you
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a confidential case review.
