Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Platte Woods, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Maybe they didn’t think 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 Platte Woods, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get lost in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Platte Woods, 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 exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Platte Woods, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Platte Woods, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. 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: 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 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Platte Woods, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child has been accused of a crime in Platte Woods, 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. 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. A first offense is only a class D misdemeanor, but repeat offenses are elevated to a class A misdemeanor.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession offenses often differ greatly from one another, due to the number of different substances and related offenses. 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: 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. 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.
To read more about individual case types, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Platte Woods, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Platte Woods, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will provide you with expert legal assistance to fight any allegations. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- Help Understanding the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your lawyer can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should enforce them.
It’s never ‘too soon’ to call a juvenile crimes lawyer – contact one right away to set your case up for success.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Platte Woods, 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. This is directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. 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. 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 Platte Woods, MO
Platte Woods, 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 Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| 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 goes to adult court, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If this is the case for you, your Platte Woods, 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 …
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Do Juvenile Courts Lose Jurisdiction Over Youth When They Turn 18?
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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 Platte Woods, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have major collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- Months in jail
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Platte Woods, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Picking the right person does more than defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Platte Woods, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
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 Platte Woods, MO
There are many lawyers in Platte Woods, MO, who defend juveniles, 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 helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous 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 24/7 phone support, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
You Need an Experienced Platte Woods, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Talk to an Attorney Now
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. It won’t be easy, but an experienced defense attorney can help you make it through.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Platte Woods residents. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Platte Woods, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a no obligation review of your case.
