Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lexington, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Maybe they didn’t think things through and made a bad choice. Or perhaps they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
In any case, juvenile court in Lexington, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Lexington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against negative consequences and boosts the odds of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Lexington, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Lexington, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders 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, you 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).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Lexington
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys are ready to defend Lexington youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Lexington, MO, contact us right away.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are often even tougher to fight than an of-age DWI. Penalties can be as high as 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.
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 and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “minor in possession” law. 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 have a wide range of penalties, depending on the type of drug, the amount, and whether or you were allegedly distributing it. Marijuana is frequently used by teens to manage stress and/or feel socially included.
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: 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. This can be 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 commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, with lifelong impacts after 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, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Lexington, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Lexington, 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 attorney can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Help 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 Defense Strategy Built for You: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney should enforce them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Lexington, 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. This is directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
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, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. A knowledgeable defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Lexington, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Lexington, MO, but there are several differences. 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. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-term collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re up against:
- Jailtime and fines
- Trouble at school
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Lexington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Lexington, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Lexington, 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 Lexington, MO
There are many lawyers in Lexington, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When picking who to defend your case, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a cold attitude
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Talk to an Attorney Now
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Lexington residents. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Lexington, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a no obligation review of your case.
