Juvenile Crimes Lawyer in Weston, MO. Whether it’s fair or not, adolescents have a reputation for misbehaving. Maybe they didn’t think things through and made a bad choice. Or perhaps they didn’t realize what they were doing was wrong in the first place.
Whatever the reason, juvenile court in Weston, MO, isn’t a fun place to be in. Without help, it’s easy to get caught up in a difficult juvenile justice system.
A Weston, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer from Combs Waterkotte can give you a guide through the legal process. Between protecting juvenile rights, dissecting the prosecution’s case, and exploring sentencing alternatives, your attorney is invaluable. Working with an expert defense attorney protects against negative consequences and maximizes the odds of a positive outcome.
Don’t let a bad choice in the moment or a false accusation lead to lifelong consequences. Get help now at (314) 900-HELP or via our online contact form.
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What Are Juvenile Crimes in Weston, MO?
In Weston, 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. 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, 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 Weston, MO, Defense Lawyer Can Help Fight
The juvenile defense lawyers from Combs Waterkotte will fight for children’s rights in Weston court. If you or a family member is facing criminal charges in Weston, 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 is made illegal under Missouri’s “minor in possession” law. 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 vary greatly in scope, depending on the substance and amount allegedly held. Teens often use marijuana and other drugs to fit in and/or cope with stress.
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: Juvenile shoplifting charges frequently result in restitution, community service, and/or probation.
Auto Theft/Joyriding: Auto theft is a serious charge for adults, and the same goes for juveniles. 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. 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 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.
To read more about individual case types, check out our ultimate guide to juvenile crimes in Missouri.
What to Expect From Your Weston, MO, Juvenile Crimes Lawyer
Your Weston, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will defend your rights from day one. Here’s what you should expect:
- Help Understanding the Charges: The language in Missouri’s statutes can be unclear, 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 a person.
- Protection During Police Interviews: You’ll get more than just advice to stay silent – you’ll get someone by your side.
- Evidence Analysis: Your law firm should analyze existing evidence and work with an expert investigator to find more.
- A Defense Strategy Built for You: Your defense should be tailored to you, not a cookie-cutter strategy.
- Enforcement of Your Rights: Juvenile rights matter, and your lawyer should enforce 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. 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. This could either be the result of groupthink or one ringleader. Poverty can also be a factor, particularly in theft cases. Finally, people with mental health challenges can struggle to obey the law, and may try to self-medicate as a result.
On an unfortunate note, many juvenile delinquents are also crime victims and might only break the law in order to protect themselves. A knowledgeable defense attorney will paint the full picture for the court and advocate for sentencing alternatives.
Juvenile Court vs. Adult Court in Weston, MO
Weston, MO, juvenile court may look similar to adult court, but you still need to know about what distinguishes them. The table below goes over several of the key distinctions:
| Adult Justice Process | Juvenile Justice Process | |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest/Custody Procedure | After an arrest, the alleged offender is taken to jail. | Police are required to inform parents/guardians of the arrest and normally release the youth to them. |
| Trial | Typically a full jury trial. | Generally a bench trial with a less formal attitude. |
| Sentencing | Typically under an attitude of retribution. | Normally treat rehabilitation as a priority over punishment. |
| 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 is taken through the adult justice process, particularly for felony allegations when the accused person is at least 12. If this is the case for you, your Weston, 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 …
Long-Term Effects of a Juvenile Crime Conviction in Weston, MO
Being convicted of a crime as a youth can have major collateral consequences. When you try to handle it alone, you’re facing the following:
- Jailtime and fines
- Trouble at school
- Family relationship challenges
- Rejection from government assistance programs
- A negative reputation that doesn’t go away
Your Weston, MO, juvenile crimes lawyer will fight to protect you against all of this. Picking the right attorney does more than defend your freedom; it also protects your future.
Resources for Weston, MO, Juveniles in the Justice System
If you or a loved one is in the Weston, 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)
Top 5 Juvenile Crimes Lawyer Qualities in Weston, MO
There are many Weston, MO, juvenile crimes lawyers available, and you need to know how to pick the right one. When deciding who to represent you or your child, you need someone with the following:
- Prior experience helping juvenile defendants
- Knowledge of the specific charges in question
- Care for your wellbeing, rather than a callous 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, insights from former prosecutors, and relationships in courts all across Missouri.
Get Help from Weston, MO’s Leading Juvenile Crimes Lawyer. Talk to an Attorney Today
Your life or your child’s life shouldn’t be determined by one bad decision. And with the right defense attorney, you can successfully find a positive outcome for your case.
Combs Waterkotte offers legal expertise for all Weston residents. We help you build a defense, find sentencing alternatives, and maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
To talk to a juvenile crimes lawyer in Weston, MO, as soon as possible, call (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to set up a no-strings case review.
