Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Sweet Springs, 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 felt like they didn’t have a choice. Or perhaps they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Regardless of why you’re there, juvenile court in Sweet Springs, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without help, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Sweet Springs, 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 advocating for diversionary methods, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and boosts the possibility of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Get help as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or through our web 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 Sweet Springs, MO?
In Sweet Springs, 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.
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, 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 Sweet Springs
At Combs Waterkotte, our juvenile criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend Sweet Springs youths against a variety of criminal charges. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Sweet Springs, MO, we can help.
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 are often even tougher to fight than an of-age DWI. Penalties can be as high as 6 months in jail, $500 in fines, and the loss of driving privileges.
Juvenile Traffic Violation: Juvenile traffic violations are are taken care of in traffic court, rather than juvenile court. Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys are skilled in both arenas.
Underage Drinking/Minor in Possession: Underage drinking includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. First offenses only face fines of up to $500, but repeat offenses can result in up to a year of jailtime.
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: Truancy is when a youth doesn’t attend school under Missouri’s legal requirements. 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 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: Some states have dedicated laws for minors sexting, but Missouri considers this to be an act of child pornography. The punishments for these charges can vary greatly, from a class D felony to a class A felony.
Rape: Rape is one of the most devastating accusations a juvenile can face, with lifelong impacts after a conviction. A second-degree rape conviction is a class D felony, while a first-degree rape conviction is a class A felony.
To read more about individual case types, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Sweet Springs, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Sweet Springs, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- An Explanation of 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 plain English
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your lawyer should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Help 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 Personalized Defense: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should protect them.
Bringing a juvenile crimes lawyer in early can set your case up for a positive outcome in the long-run.
Why Do Juveniles Break the Law?
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. As adolescents see their friends engaging in risky behavior, they often feel compelled to take part themselves. Youths from lower-income families are sometimes motivated to steal if they cannot afford something. Additionally, underlying mental health issues can influence a youth to act out and/or look for ways to self-medicate.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. An experienced defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Sweet Springs, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Sweet Springs, MO, but there are several differences. 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 inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| 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. |
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 Sweet Springs, 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 …
Collateral Consequences of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Sweet Springs, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have life-lasting collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Educational issues as schooling is disrupted
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Sweet Springs, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Deciding on the right attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Sweet Springs, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Sweet Springs, 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 Sweet Springs, MO
There are lots of Sweet Springs, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When deciding who to represent you or your child, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- 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 help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Prepared to fight your case at trial
Our firm is dedicated to providing you with all of this, as well as 24/7 phone support, insights from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Get Help from Sweet Springs, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte 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 ready to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom. We help you build a defense, avoid jail if possible, and don’t back down, no matter what you’re facing.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Sweet Springs, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to schedule a no obligation review of your case.
