Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lone Jack, 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 weren’t thinking things through and made a bad choice. Or perhaps they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Lone Jack, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. Without a knowledgeable attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Lone Jack, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and maximizes the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Get help now at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Lone Jack, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Lone Jack, MO, that is a juvenile crime. 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 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Lone Jack
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Lone Jack court. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Lone Jack, MO, we’re ready for your call.
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. 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 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 is made illegal under Missouri’s “minor in possession” law. 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. 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: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. Auto theft 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. 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Lone Jack, MO
Your Lone Jack, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, 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 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 Defense Strategy Built for You: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer 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 Lone Jack, 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. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. 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.
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 paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Lone Jack, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Lone Jack, MO, but there are several differences. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest and will typically release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full 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 | Visible to the public, 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, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re in this situation, your Lone Jack, 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?
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Are Children Obligated To Speak To The Police?
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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 Lone Jack, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Lone Jack, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Deciding on the right defense attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Lone Jack, 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)
What to Look for in Your Lone Jack, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Lone Jack, MO, who defend juveniles, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When deciding who to represent you or your child, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous attitude
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, as well as always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Speak With an Attorney Now
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Lone Jack juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Lone Jack, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a no obligation review of your case.
