Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or maybe they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
In any case, juvenile court in Lathrop, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Lathrop, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Talk to an attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Lathrop, MO?
In Lathrop, 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. 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 Lathrop, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Lathrop, 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. 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 unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking is made illegal under Missouri’s “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. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
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: 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 very easy for youths to engage with in the modern era. Penalties can include 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Lathrop, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Lathrop, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Protection During Interrogations: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Personalized Defense: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should protect 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 Lathrop, MO, Juvenile Crimes
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Finally, 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 might only break the law in order to protect themselves. 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 Lathrop, MO
Lathrop, 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 Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, 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, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Lathrop, 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 …
Impact of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Lathrop, 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
- Trouble at school
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Lathrop, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right defense attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Lathrop, 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)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Lathrop, MO
There are lots of Lathrop, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- 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
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
You Need an Experienced Lathrop, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Speak With an Attorney 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 offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Lathrop. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Lathrop, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
