David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney
Call For A Free Consultation:
Kansas City: 816-221-5900 | Lee’s Summit: 816-525-1500
David M. Lurie Criminal Defense Attorney

Kansas City:
816-221-5900

Lee’s Summit:
816-525-1500

Experienced Criminal Defense Services Focused On Mitigation And Solutions

Kansas City Juvenile Defense And Underage Offense Attorney: Protecting Your Child’s Future

Quick Answers

The Importance Of Immediate Counsel

If your child faces an underage offense or juvenile charge in the Kansas City area, secure experienced legal representation immediately to protect their future. Do not let your child speak to investigators without a criminal defense lawyer present; save all citations and stay off social media. As a defense lawyer, I help families navigate local mitigation programs and courts to minimize the long-term impact on their record.

While committing a criminal offense as a teenager may seem like a minor issue, a single conviction can have long-lasting consequences. I have seen time and time again how unchallenged criminal charges have returned as a barrier later in life. If your son or daughter is facing a shoplifting, minor in possession, or another teenage offense charge, I can provide a strong defense to help prevent or minimize any negative effects on his or her future. You only get one defense; let’s make sure it counts. I can help throughout the Kansas City area.

What To Do Next

When your child faces criminal charges, the steps you take immediately can drastically impact the outcome of their case. I advise parents and teenagers to follow these critical steps:

  • Save all paperwork: Keep every citation, court summons and official document in a safe place.
  • Exercise the right to remain silent: Do not let your child speak to law enforcement or investigators without counsel present.
  • Stay offline: Avoid discussing the incident on social media or messaging apps.

Taking these actions helps me build a stronger defense for your family.

Strong Representation When You Most Need It

I represent teenagers who face all types of violations and criminal charges. Local courts divide these offenses into distinct categories based on the age of the offender and the local statutes involved, starting with juvenile offenses.

Juvenile offenses (Under 17/18 in Kansas City and Jackson County)

  • Shoplifting and theft: Local juvenile court systems handle these offenses
  • Vandalism: I defend teenagers against property damage charges
  • Sexting: I build delicate defense strategies for these serious charges

It is also important for families to understand the charges commonly faced by young adults.

Under-21 Adult Offenses (College Students and Young Adults)

  • Minor in possession (MIP): Prosecutors often apply Missouri’s MIP Law for these charges.
  • Using fake IDs: University administrators can revoke college enrollment and financial aid over these charges.
  • Drunk driving offenses (DUI/DWI): Young drivers face serious consequences for these offenses.
  • Drug possession: Judges issue severe penalties for young adults caught with drugs.
  • Under 21 traffic offenses: I handle permit violations and texting while driving.

Judges treat many of these offenses differently for juveniles than for adults, but they remain just as serious. While judges may issue less severe punishments initially, college admissions boards can deny acceptance based on an underage drinking charge or minor in possession. I work to prevent these long-term negative effects.

Easing Consequences By Participating In Teenager Offender Programs

For every case, I try to reduce the negative effects of a criminal charge by enrolling my clients in local Kansas City municipal traffic mitigation and educational programs. For example, the localized Alive at 25 educational traffic program teaches teenagers safer driving habits to prevent devastating accidents. By having my client complete this program, I may be able to help get a speeding ticket charge reduced to a nonmoving violation. This strategy can often help prevent my clients from losing their driver’s license.

The Jackson County Youth Traffic Offender Program offers a day-long experience where teens usually visit the morgue. This program gives teenage offenders a dose of reality if they continue with their bad habits. If authorities charge the teen with drinking and driving, completing this local program may mitigate some of the consequences of more serious traffic offenses.

Contact My Firm Right Away

You spent years helping your child plan their future; do not let that go to waste after one mistake. I can help mitigate both the long- and short-term damage done by criminal charges.

If you need experienced representation for your son or daughter for a violation in Kansas or Missouri, call David M. Lurie for a free, completely confidential case evaluation. You can also email my criminal defense firm, and a representative from my office will contact you.

Kansas City Office: 816-221-5900
Address: 1100 Walnut St.
Suite #2940
Kansas City, MO 64106

Lee’s Summit Office: 816-525-1500
Address: 688 S.E. Bayberry Ln. #105
Lee's Summit, MO 64063