Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Odessa, 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 acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or maybe they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Odessa, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Odessa, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and maximizes the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Odessa, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Odessa, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, a person 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).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Odessa
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Odessa court. If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Odessa, MO, we can help.
Here are some of the most common types of charges we’ve helped clients defend against:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. 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 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. 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 vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
Truancy: Truancy is when a youth doesn’t attend school under Missouri’s legal requirements. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Minor shoplifting charges are often treated more gently than adult theft, with orders of restitution instead of jail time.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Juvenile auto crimes are commonly motivated by an adrenalin rush. 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: 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 commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, 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 Odessa, MO
Your Odessa, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Protection During Interrogations: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: 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 attorney should guard them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
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.
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. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Additionally, 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 often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. An experienced defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Odessa, MO
Odessa, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but they are not identical. 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 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. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Odessa, 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 …
Impact of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Odessa, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re facing the following:
- Jailtime and fines
- Education setbacks
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Odessa, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Picking the right defense attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
Use the following links for additional information and guidance regarding the juvenile justice system in Missouri:
- 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)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Odessa, MO
There are many lawyers in Odessa, MO, who defend juveniles, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following 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 to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Talk to an Attorney Now
You need help to secure a path forward. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Odessa. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Odessa, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no-strings case review.
