Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Rayville, 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 didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Rayville, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to be intimidated and confused by a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Rayville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and fighting for sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and maximizes the odds of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. 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 Rayville, MO?
In Rayville, MO, juvenile crimes are any crimes committed before the alleged offender turns 18. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different 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 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Rayville
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend Rayville youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Rayville, MO, we can help.
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 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. 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 vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Marijuana is frequently used by teens to manage stress and/or feel socially included.
Truancy: A child commits truancy if they skip school when they are required to go. This crime is unique in that the parent or guardian can be held primarily responsible, and convicted of 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 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 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.
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 Rayville, MO
Your Rayville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Interrogations: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- 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 guard them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Common Motivations Behind Rayville, 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. People aged 15-17 in particular are responsible for most juvenile crimes.
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, 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 consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Rayville, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Rayville, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. Here are some of the key differences to be aware of:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a 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. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Rayville, 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 Rayville, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you’re facing the following:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Family relationship challenges
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Rayville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Deciding on the right attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Rayville, 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)
What to Look for in Your Rayville, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Rayville, 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 client-first attitude where you’re treated like a person, not a case number
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- 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, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Speak With an Attorney Today
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Rayville juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you defend yourself, avoid jail if possible, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Rayville, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no-strings case review.
