Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Riverside, MO. It’s normal for adolescents to get into trouble at some point, and in particularly difficult cases, this can also include legal trouble. Perhaps they acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or maybe they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In any case, juvenile court in Riverside, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get lost in a complicated juvenile justice system.
A Riverside, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the long-term consequences and boosts the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Get help now at (314) 900-HELP or through our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Riverside, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Riverside, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Crime Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Riverside
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 Riverside, MO, we’re ready for your call.
Here are some of the most common types of charges we’ve helped clients defend against:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. At the high end, you can be facing 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 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: 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: While a juvenile shoplifting conviction rarely results in jail time, don’t underestimate its long-lasting effects.
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 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: Minors engaged in sexting can find themselves in violation of child pornography laws in Missouri. These can range from being a class D felony to a class A felony, depending on the circumstances.
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.
How a Riverside, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Riverside, 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: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your lawyer should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and give you respect.
- Help During Interrogations: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evaluation of Evidence: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Customized, Strong Defense Plan: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer should guard 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 Riverside, 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.
Social pressure is a major cause of juvenile delinquency. If one person in a group instigates risky behavior, others are more likely to follow. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. Finally, 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 might only break the law in order to protect themselves. An experienced defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Riverside, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Riverside, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Typically taken directly to jail. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest 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 | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Riverside, 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Riverside, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have major collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Trouble at school
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Riverside, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Working with the right defense attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Riverside, 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 Riverside, MO
There are lots of Riverside, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- 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, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
The Right Riverside, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Makes All the Difference. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Juvenile crime accusations aren’t something you can ignore. They need to be addressed head on. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Riverside residents. We help you craft a defensive strategy, find sentencing alternatives, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Riverside, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a private consultation.
