Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lawson, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Perhaps 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 Lawson, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a knowledgeable attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Lawson, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between protecting juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and boosts the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Get help as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our web contact form.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
What Are Juvenile Crimes in Lawson, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Lawson, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: 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).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Lawson
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Lawson court. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Lawson, MO, we can help.
Whatever you’re facing, we’re ready for you. Here are some of the case types we’ve handled in the past:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are often even tougher to fight than an of-age DWI. 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. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
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. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
Truancy: A child commits truancy if they skip school when they are required to go. 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 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: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. These can range from being a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the circumstances.
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 Lawson, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Lawson, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- An Explanation of the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, 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 treat you like a person.
- Protection During Police Interviews: 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 attorney should enforce them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. 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. The right defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Lawson, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Lawson, MO, but they are not identical. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | 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 | Often focused on punishment. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Lawson, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Lawson, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you could end up with:
- Jailtime and fines
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Lawson, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Picking the right person does more than defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Lawson, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Lawson, 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)
How to Pick a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lawson, MO
There are many Lawson, 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, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Lawson, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Speak With an Attorney Today
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. It won’t be easy, but an experienced defense attorney can help you make it through.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Lawson residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Lawson, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential case review.
