Kansas City JUVENILE CRIMES Attorneys

Expert Juvenile Crime Defense Attorneys - Protecting the Rights of Young People

Minors who commit crimes in Kansas face serious consequences that may affect their future, including employment, schooling, the ability to obtain student loans, and more. If you or your child is facing criminal charges, seek the advice of a lawyer immediately.

With an experienced Kansas City juvenile criminal defense attorney by your side, you are providing yourself with the best opportunity to avoid a conviction or minimize penalties.

For over 25 years combined, our Kansas City criminal defense lawyers have worked with dedication to protect the rights of juveniles in juvenile court and the adult criminal system. We have extensive trial experience, including having worked in the past as a federal and state prosecutor. Put my experience to work for you.

National Association Criminal Defense Attorneys
National Association Of Distinguished Counsel
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National Association Criminal Defense Attorneys top ranking attorneys
AVVO top federal crimes attorney
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AVVO rating 10 top criminal defense attorney

Juveniles May be Prosecuted as Adults

Juvenile courts handle most minor offenses, such as:

  • Minor in possession
  • Underage drinking
  • Destruction of property charges
  • Petty theft

However, it is possible for a juvenile to be "waived" into the adult criminal system.

This most often happens when the juvenile is older and the crime committed is more serious, such as:

When a juvenile case is waived into the adult criminal division, the juvenile will be charged and prosecuted as an adult. If this happens, you need counsel who understands how the adult criminal system works, as well as how the juvenile criminal defense process works.

Put Our Experience to Work for You

Phil Stein, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Phil Stein, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When it comes to juvenile criminal defense, hiring the right attorney can make all the difference. Phil Stein, a criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC, has the expertise and experience necessary to help you and your child navigate the complexities of the juvenile criminal justice system.

Phil's extensive trial experience, gained from working as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, has prepared him to handle a wide range of criminal matters, including those involving minors. As an active participant in the Defender Project, Phil has gained vast knowledge and experience in handling unique evidentiary and legal issues. He knows how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a case, and he will fight to ensure that his clients receive the best possible representation.

In addition to his trial experience and legal knowledge, Phil's positive professional relationships with law enforcement and prosecutors make him a valuable asset for clients facing juvenile criminal charges or with juvenile criminal records. He understands the importance of working collaboratively with all parties involved in a case, and he will use his relationships to help ensure that his clients and their child receive the best possible outcome.

Phil believes that each case should be handled individually, with a strong commitment to fighting for his clients' rights. He knows how to work within the juvenile criminal justice system to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients, and he is not afraid to take a case to trial if necessary.

If your child is facing a juvenile criminal charge or has a juvenile criminal record, hiring Phil Stein and SRC Law Group as your criminal defense attorneys can help ensure that you receive the best possible representation. His extensive trial experience, legal knowledge, and positive professional relationships with law enforcement and prosecutors make him the best choice for your defense needs. Contact us today at SRC Law Group, LLC to schedule a consultation with Phil Stein.

Ashley E. Repp, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Ashley E. Repp, Criminal Defense Lawyer

If your child is facing criminal charges related to sex crimes or crimes against other minors, it is critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Ashley E. Repp, a criminal defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC, specializes in these areas and has the expertise and knowledge necessary to provide effective representation.

Ashley's dedication, organization, honesty, and hard work make her a strong advocate for her clients and their minor children. She understands the emotional and legal complexities that arise when dealing with juvenile criminal charges and will fight to ensure that her client's rights are protected. She believes that each case should be handled individually, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients and their minor children.

As a former assistant prosecutor, Ashley has experience on both sides of the juvenile criminal justice system. She spent over five years as an assistant prosecutor, specializing in sex crimes and crimes against children. During that time, she received specialized training, including becoming a certified forensic interviewer. This experience has given her a deep understanding of how prosecutors approach juvenile cases, and she knows how to develop effective defense strategies to counter the prosecutor's arguments.

When it comes to juvenile defense, working with an attorney who specializes in sex crimes and crimes against children can make all the difference. Ashley has the knowledge and experience necessary to guide her clients through the complexities of the juvenile criminal justice system, and she will work tirelessly to ensure that they receive the best possible representation available.

If your minor child is facing criminal charges, Ashley Repp is the top choice for your juvenile criminal defense needs. Contact us today at SRC Law Group, LLC to schedule a consultation with Ashley.

Adam Chingren, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Adam Chingren, Criminal Defense Lawyer

When it comes to juvenile criminal defense, having an attorney with experience in all aspects of the law is crucial. Adam Chingren, a juvenile defense attorney at SRC Law Group, LLC, has experience in family law and civil litigation, as well as extensive trial experience in all aspects of juvenile criminal cases.

Adam's knowledge and expertise in juvenile criminal cases, including those related to sex offenses, make him a valuable asset for clients facing juvenile criminal charges or with juvenile criminal records. He has worked on over 500 felony cases, ranging from DUIs to off-grid sex crimes and first-degree murder. His successful track record as a trial attorney has given him extensive knowledge of all aspects of juvenile cases, including evidence gathering, case analysis, and courtroom tactics.

In addition to his trial experience and legal knowledge, Adam understands the importance of working closely with his clients and their families. He knows that dealing with juvenile charges can be a stressful and emotional experience, and he is committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation to every client. His ability to empathize with his clients and understand your needs makes him a strong advocate for families dealing with the complexities of the juvenile criminal justice system.

Adam believes that each case should be handled individually, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. He has a proven track record of success in juvenile criminal defense, and he will work relentlessly to ensure that you and your children receive the best possible representation.

If your child is facing juvenile criminal charges, Adam Chingren and SRC Law Group is the best choice for your defense. His extensive trial experience, legal knowledge, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable asset in the courtroom. Contact us today at SRC Law Group, LLC to schedule a consultation with Adam.

Will a Juvenile Crime Stay On My Criminal Record for the Rest of My Life?

When it comes to criminal records, a mistake made in youth can become an embarrassment in adulthood. These types of incidents can also become public if law enforcement gets involved. However, the short answer to the question of whether a juvenile offense can stay on your criminal record forever is "not really."

Kansas law says that juvenile adjudication is eligible for expungement, which means hiding a criminal record from public view, although not destroying it entirely. SRC Law Group attorneys specialize in expungement and have helped hundreds of people clear or seal their records.

Those with juvenile criminal records may be eligible for expungement once they reach 23 years of age or once two years have passed since the case ended. Juvenile records will not be expunged in the case of convictions for various serious crimes, such as homicide or sexual battery. If you or a loved one qualify for expungement, the first step is to obtain and complete the appropriate Petition for Expungement form. The docket fee for expungement is $195 for each juvenile case, regardless of the disposition. Ensure your money order is payable to the "Clerk of the District Court."

If you are facing a juvenile criminal charge or have a juvenile criminal record, contact Phil Stein, Ashley E. Repp, or Adam Chingren at SRC Law Group, LLC for expert criminal defense representation. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you determine your eligibility for expungement and guide you through the process.

When Juveniles Are Tried in Adult Court

There are some cases involving juvenile offenders that are serious enough to be transferred to adult criminal court.

In most states, a youth offender must be at least 17 years of age to be tried as an adult. There are a number of states in which minors as young as 13 years old. A few states, such as Kansas, Arkansas, and Washington, allow any minor who has committed a serious crime like murder to be tried as an adult, no matter what age.

The Following Are Common Factors To Determine Under Which Court System To Try a Minor Defendant:

  • The age of the minor (if he or she is close to reaching adulthood)
  • The serious nature of the crime
  • The criminal history of the minor
  • Have past rehabilitation efforts proven to be unsuccessful?
  • How much time would youth services need to work with the minor?

Some juvenile cases get transferred to an adult criminal court through a process known as a “waiver.” This is when a judge waives the protections that juvenile court provides, which often happens when cases involve more serious crimes or minors who have committed crimes before.

The most common way that transfer proceedings begin is through the prosecutor’s request. However, the juvenile court judge can also initiate transfer proceedings. If the prosecutor or judge seeks to transfer the case to adult court, the minor is entitled to a waiver hearing and legal representation.

On the other hand, some states have “automatic transfer” laws which make it mandatory for certain juvenile cases to be transferred to adult criminal court. So if the minor is a specific age or older (typically 16) and the charges involve a felony or violent offense, such as homicide or rape, then an automatic transfer could occur.

Common Summer Juvenile Crimes

Every summer, young students throughout Kansas and the rest of the United States are out of school for a few months, spending more time at home, on the road, and out and about with friends for long periods of time. However, all this free time can also lead to trouble with the law.

The most common juvenile crimes during summer include, but are not limited to, the following:

DUI

Since summer parties and get-togethers typically involve alcohol, which means teenagers and young adults are more likely to drive under the influence. If a driver who is under 21 years of age has a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of at least .02 percent, he/she can be charged with a DUI in Kansas. However, if a young driver’s BAC is at least .08 percent, he/she will face more severe penalties, including jail time.

Drug possession

A substantial number of juvenile arrests over the summertime involve cannabis and other drugs. Although a conviction for simple drug possession can lead to harsh penalties, having a drug crime on your criminal record can potentially derail your educational and career plans.

Theft

Because many people leave their homes unoccupied throughout the day or while on vacation and the malls are more bustling with activity, there is a significant increase in theft and shoplifting crimes during the summer.
There is plenty of room for social interaction and romantic relationships during the summertime, but sometimes teens misconstrue certain situations and end up committing sex crimes. Unfortunately, Kansas prosecutors are tough on sexual assault, which means it is possible for a teenager to be tried as an adult and face extremely harsh penalties, such as imprisonment.

Curfew

Each city and town in Kansas has certain curfew laws and age restrictions, which means youths are not allowed to be outside without adult supervision during specific hours. In Kansas City, Kansas area youths under 18 years of age cannot be outside unsupervised between 11 PM and 6 AM Sunday through Thursday and between 1 AM and 6 AM Friday through Saturday. When a minor under 16 years old violates the curfew law, his/her parents are subject to a fine of up to $500. If the minor is over 16, he/she may be summoned to juvenile court.
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