Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Polo, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
In any case, juvenile court in Polo, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Polo, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and increases the odds of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney now at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Polo, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Polo, 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Polo
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Polo court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Polo, MO, contact us right away.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are often even tougher to fight than 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 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 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: Missouri requires juveniles to attend school (outside of special circumstances). If they don’t, they can be convicted of truancy. 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. 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. Penalties can include up to 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.
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 Polo, MO
Your Polo, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and keep you updated on your case.
- Protection During Interrogations: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- 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 lawyer should enforce them.
The sooner you find a leading juvenile crimes lawyer to take your case, the better your odds are of a positive outcome.
What Causes Juvenile Crime in Polo, 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.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. If one person in a group instigates risky behavior, others are more likely to follow. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. Additionally, 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 often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Polo, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Polo, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians 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 | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| Criminal Records | Visible to the public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
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 Polo, 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 …
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 Polo, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re up against:
- Jailtime and fines
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Polo, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Working with the right attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Polo, 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 Polo, MO
There are many lawyers in Polo, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, keep an eye out for the below 5 qualities:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- 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 relationships in courts all across Missouri.
The Right Polo, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Polo. We help you build a defense, avoid jail if possible, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Polo, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to schedule a no obligation review of your case.
