Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Stewartsville, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they acted on an impulse without thinking about the long-term consequences. Or maybe they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Stewartsville, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a seasoned attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Stewartsville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an experienced defense attorney protects against long-term consequences and boosts the possibility of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Get help today at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Stewartsville, MO?
Juvenile crimes are considered any crimes that were alleged to be committed while under the age of majority. In Stewartsville, MO, the age of majority is 18 years old. After reaching the age of 18, Missouri will normally try alleged offenders in adult court.
There are situations where 18 isn’t considered the age of majority, though. 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, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (but you would be tried in adult court).
Common Juvenile Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against in Stewartsville
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Stewartsville, MO, we’re ready for your call.
Whatever you’re facing, we’re ready for you. Here are some of the case types we’ve handled in the past:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI can be even harder to handle than a DWI for an adult. Penalties can be as high as 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 includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. 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. 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. 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: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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. 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. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is an incredibly difficult charge to 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.
If you’re wondering about the details of these criminal charges, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Stewartsville, MO
Your Stewartsville, 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 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 treat you like more than a case number.
- Protection During Police Interviews: Your lawyer can help you decide what to say and what not to say to the police.
- 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.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your attorney 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.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
It’s normal for people to engage in riskier behavior during their teenage years. 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. 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. Finally, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
To compound the above factors, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and can feel forced into criminal activity as a result. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Justice Process vs. Adult Justice Process in Stewartsville, MO
The juvenile justice process has a lot in common with the adult justice process in Stewartsville, MO, but they are not identical. 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. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | 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 can be tried as an adult, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If you’re worried about going to adult court, your Stewartsville, 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 Stewartsville, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- A potential jail sentence or fine
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that creates education and employment hurdles
Your Stewartsville, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Working with the right attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Stewartsville, 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)
What to Look for in Your Stewartsville, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Stewartsville, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When picking out the right attorney for your case, be sure to find someone with the following qualities:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a cold attitude
- A support team to back up the attorney’s work
- A willingness to go to trial to defend you
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Protect Your Child’s Future. Speak With an Attorney Today
Nobody wants to face the juvenile justice system alone. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To meet with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Stewartsville, MO, now, call (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a free review of your charges.
