Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Pleasant Valley, 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 felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Pleasant Valley, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. On your own, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Pleasant Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the long-term consequences and maximizes the odds of a positive outcome.
Don’t let a bad choice in the moment or a false accusation lead to lifelong consequences. Get help today at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Pleasant Valley, MO?
In Pleasant Valley, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: 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 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Pleasant Valley
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte are ready to defend Pleasant Valley youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Pleasant Valley, MO, we can help.
We have experience defending against all of the below criminal charges:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI is just as dangerous as an of-age DWI. At the high end, you can be facing 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 and attempts to purchase alcohol are covered by the same “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 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. 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 crimes are commonly motivated by an adrenalin rush. 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. This can be 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 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.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Pleasant Valley, MO
Your Pleasant Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. 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 an easier to understand way
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney 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 Personalized Defense: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your attorney 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 Pleasant Valley, MO?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This is directly correlated with juvenile crime, as most juvenile crimes are commited by youths aged 15/17.
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. Additionally, youths facing mental health challenges may lack self-control, and/or feel additional pressures to break the law.
On an unfortunate note, 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 Pleasant Valley, MO
Pleasant Valley, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but there are several differences. 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. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
While these differences are important, there are cases 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 Pleasant Valley, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Pleasant Valley, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re up against:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Family relationship challenges
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Pleasant Valley, 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 Pleasant Valley, 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 Pleasant Valley, MO
There are lots of Pleasant Valley, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking who to defend your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- 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
Combs Waterkotte brings all of this to your case, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Don’t Let One Mistake Cause Lifelong Setbacks. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Pleasant Valley. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To talk to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Pleasant Valley, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a private consultation.
