Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Peculiar, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Maybe they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Peculiar, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get lost in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Peculiar, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between protecting juvenile rights, building a strong defense, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the long-term consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Don’t let a bad choice in the moment or a false accusation lead to lifelong consequences. Speak with a lawyer today at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
What Are Juvenile Crimes in Peculiar, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Peculiar, MO, that is a juvenile crime. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal 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, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Peculiar
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Peculiar, 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 is just as dangerous as 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 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. 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. Marijuana is frequently used by teens to manage stress and/or feel socially included.
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: 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. 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. 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
Rape: Rape is commonly regarded as one of the most serious criminal accusations, with lifelong impacts after 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, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Peculiar, MO
Your Peculiar, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best way to move forward with your case. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- Help Understanding the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your attorney can explain them to you in an easier to understand way
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Help 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 Personalized Defense: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should protect them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
Common Motivations Behind Peculiar, 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 especially prominent in the later teen years.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. If one person in a group instigates risky behavior, others are more likely to follow. 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.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. The right defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Peculiar, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Peculiar, MO, but they are not identical. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to them. |
| 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 | 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, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-term collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- Jailtime and fines
- Education setbacks
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Peculiar, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Deciding on the right defense attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, MO
There are many Peculiar, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When deciding who to represent you or your child, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a cold attitude
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, in addition to 24/7 phone support, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Do You Need a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Peculiar, MO? Speak With an Attorney Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Peculiar juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you build a defense, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Peculiar, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation.
