Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Perhaps they didn’t think things through and made a bad choice. Or perhaps they were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Weatherby Lake, MO, can be challenging to navigate. Without a seasoned attorney, it’s easy to get caught up in an unfriendly juvenile justice system.
A Weatherby Lake, 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 critical. Working with an experienced defense attorney minimizes the negative consequences and boosts your chances of a positive outcome.
Protect yourself, your family, and your future. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or via our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Weatherby Lake, MO?
In Weatherby Lake, 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.
That said, Missouri uses different ages to determine adulthood in different circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, you can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are over 18, but younger than 21 (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Weatherby Lake, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting Missouri youths against charges. If you or your child is facing criminal charges in Weatherby Lake, MO, we can help.
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. 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 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. 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. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to a class C misdemeanor.
Shoplifting: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
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 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: 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 an incredibly difficult charge to 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.
The Role of a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO
Your Weatherby Lake, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will advise you on the best way to move forward with your case. Here’s what you should expect:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri’s criminal statutes can feel like they are written in a foreign language, and your lawyer can explain them to you in plain English
- 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 law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Personalized Defense: Your lawyer should draw on their experience to find the best defense for your case.
- Protection of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should guard 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 Weatherby Lake, 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.
This increase in risky behavior is compounded by peer pressure. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. 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 paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Weatherby Lake, MO
There are many parallels between the adult and juvenile justice process in Weatherby Lake, MO, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Law enforcement must notify parents/legal guardians and normally release the youth to their custody. |
| Trial | Normally a formal jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Publically available, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
While these differences are important, there are cases when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, most notably for youths at least 12 years old who are charged with a felony. If you’re in this situation, your Weatherby Lake, 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 Weatherby Lake, MO
A juvenile crime conviction can have life-lasting collateral consequences. When you don’t work with a seasoned defense attorney, you could end up with:
- Months in jail
- Trouble at school
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A criminal record that gets in the way of future employment opportunities
Your Weatherby Lake, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer is here to help you avoid these consequences. Deciding on the right attorney does more than protect your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Weatherby Lake, 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)
How to Pick a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO
There are lots of Weatherby Lake, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but not all of them are equal. When deciding who to represent you or your child, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience defending juveniles
- 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 that helps build the case for you
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
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 Weatherby Lake, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Speak With an Attorney Today
You need help to secure a path forward. 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 craft a defensive strategy, avoid jail if possible, and won’t stop fighting until you get the justice you deserve.
To review your charges with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to set up a free consultation.
