Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Norborne, 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 were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In any case, juvenile court in Norborne, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without help, it’s easy to get caught up in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Norborne, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Get help today at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Norborne, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Norborne, 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. One situation with a different age of majority is consuming alcohol: 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 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Norborne
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Norborne, 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. Penalties can be as high as 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. 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. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
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: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
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 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. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Norborne, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Norborne, 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:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Protection During Police Interviews: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should guard them.
The sooner you find a leading juvenile crimes lawyer to take your case, the better your odds are of a positive outcome.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Norborne, MO?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. As adolescents see their friends engaging in risky behavior, they often feel compelled to take part themselves. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Finally, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Norborne, MO
Norborne, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, 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. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and often 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. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| 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 goes to adult court, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If this is the case for you, your Norborne, 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Norborne, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Norborne, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Norborne, MO, juvenile justice system, take advantage of the below Missouri-specific resources:
- 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 Norborne, MO
There are many lawyers in Norborne, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- 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
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as always-available phone lines, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Norborne, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Speak With an Attorney Today
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 build a defense, find sentencing alternatives, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Norborne, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
