Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Orrick, 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 acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or perhaps they were misinformed by someone else, and didn’t do anything wrong on purpose.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Orrick, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Orrick, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against negative consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Orrick, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Orrick, MO, that is a juvenile crime. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. A common example is drinking alcohol: 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 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Orrick, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys are ready to defend Orrick youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Orrick, 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 tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. Maximum penalties include 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the suspension or loss of your driver’s license.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are unique in that they are not handled in juvenile court – instead, they are handled in traffic court.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. 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: 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: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
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 common charges youths face, given the amount of time they spend on social media. Punishments can range up to a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: Some states have dedicated laws for minors sexting, but Missouri considers this to be an act of child pornography. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is one of the most devastating accusations a juvenile can 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.
To read more about individual case types, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Orrick, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Orrick, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Police Interviews: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evidence Analysis: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney should guard 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 Orrick, 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.
This increase in risky behavior is compounded by 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. Finally, 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 consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Orrick, MO
Orrick, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | 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 is taken through the adult justice process, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Orrick, 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 Orrick, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have major collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Orrick, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Working with the right attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also defends 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 Orrick, MO
There are many lawyers in Orrick, MO, who defend juveniles, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Speak With an Attorney Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Orrick residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Orrick, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no-strings case review.
