Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in North Kansas City, 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 maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in North Kansas City, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A North Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is critical. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and maximizes the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Get help today at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in North Kansas City, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in North Kansas City, MO, that is a juvenile crime. 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. A common example is drinking 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a North Kansas City, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in North Kansas City court. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in North Kansas City, MO, contact us right away.
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 loss of driving privileges.
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 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 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: 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: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. 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’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a North Kansas City, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your North Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. Here’s what you should expect:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your lawyer should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Help During Police Interviews: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Personalized Defense: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer should enforce 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 North Kansas City, MO, Juvenile Crimes
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.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. 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. Additionally, 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. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in North Kansas City, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in North Kansas City, MO, but they are not identical. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your North Kansas City, 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in North Kansas City, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-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
- Family relationship challenges
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your North Kansas City, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right person doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the North Kansas City, 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 North Kansas City, MO
There are many lawyers in North Kansas City, MO, who defend juveniles, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, in addition to 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Do You Need a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in North Kansas City, MO? Talk to an Attorney Today
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing North Kansas City juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in North Kansas City, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a no obligation review of your case.
