Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Waverly, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe they weren’t thinking things through and made a bad choice. Or maybe they were just hanging out with the wrong group of people and didn’t do anything wrong themselves.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Waverly, MO, isn’t always a nice place. Without a skilled attorney, it’s easy to get lost in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Waverly, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and exploring diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against lifelong consequences and increases the odds of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Talk to an attorney today at (314) 900-HELP or through our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Waverly, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Waverly, MO, that is a juvenile crime. Most of the time, after reaching the age of 18, crime allegations are handled in standard criminal court.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. 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 (these accusations are handled in adult court, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Waverly, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Waverly court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Waverly, MO, contact us right away.
We can help with the following criminal charges, and more:
Juvenile DWI: An underage DWI are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. Maximum penalties include 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. 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: Truancy is when a youth doesn’t attend school under Missouri’s legal requirements. Rather than the juvenile themselves being charged, often their parent/guardian is accused and can face 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 crimes are commonly motivated by an adrenalin rush. Auto theft 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. Punishments can range up to a class E felony for first-degree cyberharassment, while second-degree cyberharassment is a class A misdemeanor.
Sexting: In Missouri, there is no dedicated law regarding minors sexting, so these actions fall under child pornography laws. 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.
To read more about individual case types, read our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
How a Waverly, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Your Waverly, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will help you navigate the ins and outs of juvenile court. This is what Combs Waterkotte’s attorneys can offer you:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney should help you understand the accusations
- A Chance to Tell Your Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like a person.
- Help During Police Interviews: You don’t need to face investigators alone.
- Evidence Analysis: Your attorney will comb through the evidence and help conduct their own investigation.
- A Personalized Defense: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should enforce 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?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. This is especially prominent in the later teen years.
A lot of juvenile delinquency is the result of peer pressure. 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.
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 consider this and argue it as a mitigating factor in court.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Waverly, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Waverly, 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 notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Often there is no jury, and instead there is a bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Frequently centered around rehabilitation. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Only felonies are publicly accessible, in most cases. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile is taken through the adult justice process, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If you’re in this situation, your Waverly, 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 Waverly, MO
Juvenile criminial accusation and convictions can have long-term collateral consequences. Without professional legal help, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Family relationship challenges
- Denial of public assistance for families in need
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Waverly, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer maximize your chances of avoiding these outcomes. Picking the right attorney doesn’t just defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Missouri Juvenile Justice Resources
If you or a loved one is in the Waverly, 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 Waverly, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are many lawyers in Waverly, MO, who defend juveniles, but not all of them are equal. When picking out the right attorney for your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience in juvenile court
- Knowledge about the statutes involved
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a cold attitude
- A support team that helps build the case for you
- 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.
You Need an Experienced Waverly, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
You need help to secure a path forward. An expert defense attorney will advocate for you and help you find the best path forward.
Combs Waterkotte offers expert legal assistance to all the residents of Waverly. We help you build a defense, avoid jail if possible, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To speak to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Waverly, MO, today, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
