Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Smithville, 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 perhaps they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Smithville, MO, can be challenging to navigate. On your own, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Smithville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help you find the right path forward. Between defending juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and increases the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Smithville, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Smithville, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. 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 over 18, but younger than 21 (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Smithville
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte are ready to defend Smithville youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Smithville, 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 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. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
Juvenile Drug Possession: Drug possession offenses often differ greatly from one another, due to the number of different substances and related offenses. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
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: 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 common charges youths face, given the amount of time they spend on social media. Penalties can include 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. 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 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’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Smithville, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Smithville, 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 attorney should help you understand the accusations
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Help During Police Interviews: 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 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.
Common Motivations Behind Smithville, MO, Juvenile Crimes
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
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. 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.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. An experienced defense attorney will consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Smithville, MO
Smithville, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, 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. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and will typically release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
It’s important to note that there are circumstances when a juvenile goes to adult court, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Smithville, 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 Smithville, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have long-term 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
- Familial separation and difficulties
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Smithville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Deciding on the right attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Smithville, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Smithville, MO, justice system:
- 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 Smithville, MO
There are lots of Smithville, 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 defending juveniles
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous attitude
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, as well as 24/7 phone support, support from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Smithville, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. A seasoned defense attorney can guide you through the justice system.
Combs Waterkotte is dedicated to providing Smithville juveniles with high-quality legal advice. We help you build a defense, explore diversion options, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Smithville, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a no-strings case review.
