Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Wellington, MO. It’s easy for adolescents and juveniles to find themselves in tough situations. Maybe 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.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Wellington, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. On your own, it’s easy to get lost in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Wellington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can help get a youth’s life back on the right track. Between defending juvenile rights, challenging the prosecution, and fighting for diversionary methods, your attorney is essential. Working with an expert defense attorney minimizes the lifelong consequences and maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Fight for a second chance to avoid long-term repercussions. Speak with a lawyer now at (314) 900-HELP or through our web contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Wellington, MO?
If you’re accused of a crime before turning 18 in Wellington, MO, that is a juvenile crime. After turning 18, in Missouri, an alleged offender is typically tried in adult court.
This can be a little complicated in special circumstances. Laws relating to alcohol are a good example: The legal age to drink is 21, not 18. Thus, a person can be accused of “underage drinking” even if you are 19-20 years old (you likely would not be tried in juvenile court for this, though).
Juvenile Criminal Charges a Wellington, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte’s juvenile crimes defense attorneys will fight for children’s rights in Wellington court. If you or a family member has been accused of a crime in Wellington, 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 are tricky because MIssouri has a “zero tolerance” BAC threshold for youths. 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 includes actually consuming alcohol while underage and/or attempting to purchase it. Repeat offenses can be punished by up to a year in jail.
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. Peer pressure and stress management are common motivations for teen drug use.
Truancy: Missouri requires juveniles to attend school (outside of special circumstances). If they don’t, they can be convicted of truancy. Their parent or guardian can be held responsible for unexcused absences and be sentenced to 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 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. This can be 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. Convictions can result in a wide range of penalties (class D to class A felony), depending on the specifics.
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.
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 Wellington, MO
Your Wellington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. When you work with a juvenile criminal defense attorney from our firm, you can expect the following:
- An Explanation of the Charges: Missouri criminal law isn’t always clear, and your attorney can explain them to you in plain English
- Space for Your Side of the Story: Your attorney should take a client-centered approach and treat you like more than a case number.
- Help During Police Interviews: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evidence Analysis: Your lawyer will look at the evidence against you and any exculpatory evidence.
- A Personalized Defense: Your attorney should build a unique defense on top of proven strategies.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights can make the difference in your case, and your lawyer should guard 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?
Most people experience an increase in risk-taking behavior during adolescence. 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. These issues are compounded with poverty issues, where some youths feel like they have to steal if they want to own certain things. 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 often don’t feel like they have a choice but to also break the law. A knowledgeable defense attorney will highlight environmental factors and leverage them to find diversion options.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Wellington, MO
Wellington, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but they are not identical. These are some of the most important ways they are different:
| Adult Court Process | Juvenile Court Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | Often taken to jail for processing. | Police are required to notify parents/legal guardians and often release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Typically a less formal bench trial. |
| Sentencing | Often focused on punishment. | Often focused on reform. |
| Criminal Records | Typically public, unless sealed or expunged. | Misdemeanors are ordinarily sealed, while felonies are publicly accessible. |
Despite these differences, there are times when a juvenile can be tried as an adult, typically in felony cases where the youth is at least 12 years old. If you’re in this situation, your Wellington, 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 Wellington, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have long-term collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you’re up against:
- Months in jail
- Education setbacks
- Strained family relationships both during and after the court process
- Trouble applying for government assistance
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Wellington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right defense attorney doesn’t just protect your freedom; it also defends your future.
Resources for Wellington, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
Below are some resources available to assist juveniles and parents who find themselves involved in the Wellington, 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)
What to Look for in Your Wellington, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
There are lots of Wellington, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers around, but some aren’t as prepared as others. When picking out the right attorney for your case, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience with juvenile cases
- Experience with the specific charges in the accusation
- A personable demeanor where you’re treated like a human being
- A support team to help with investigation, communication, and logistics
- Defense that is built to be trial-ready
At Combs Waterkotte, we pride ourselves in fulfilling all of these qualities, as well as always-available phone lines, support from former prosecutors, and connections in courthouses across Missouri.
Do You Need a Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Wellington, MO? Talk to an Attorney Now
You didn’t want to be in this situation, but now you need to find the best way out. It won’t be easy, but an experienced defense attorney can help you make it through.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Wellington residents. We help you defend yourself, explore diversion options, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To connect with a juvenile crimes lawyer in Wellington, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a no-strings case review.
