Skip to Content Top
Juvenile Crimes

St. Louis Juvenile Crime Attorney

Defending Against Juvenile Crime Charges in St. Charles, St. Louis, & Chesterfield

In Missouri, matters involving minors who allegedly commit status offenses (like truancy or running away) or crimes (like theft or vandalism) are handled in Juvenile or Family Court, depending on the county in which the alleged offense occurred. In St. Louis County, these matters are handled in Family Court. In St. Charles County, these cases are handled by the Juvenile Division of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court.

If your child has been taken into custody or accused of any type of crime, it is imperative that you involve an attorney who can protect his or her interests. At Cavanagh & Associates, we represent minors who have become entangled with the juvenile justice system. Our founder, St. Louis juvenile crime lawyer Jack Cavanagh, has well over half of a century of legal experience, and this includes hundreds of trials in front of judges and juries. He also spent four years as a prosecutor in St. Louis County.

To find out how we can help you and your child, call (314) 309-2799 to arrange a consultation.

What Cases Are Handled in Juvenile Court?

Juvenile Court or Family Court, depending on the location of the alleged offense and where you live, will handle proceedings related to minors. This may include:

  • Child abuse or neglect and state protective custody proceedings related to these.
  • Status offenses, such as underage drinking, truancy, or running away.
  • Delinquency (criminal violations) such as gang crimes, property offenses, or theft.

In these cases, the State of Missouri is an active participant, through the county’s juvenile officer and, in some cases, through the prosecuting attorney in criminal matters, and through the Children’s Division and the county’s juvenile officer in protective custody proceedings. In all three types of cases, the State is the party who initiates the matter.

In Juvenile Court proceedings, you can count on the experience and resolve of St. Louis juvenile crime attorney Jack Cavanagh and our team here at Cavanagh & Associates. We always provide legal counsel tailored to each client’s goals, while putting his or her interests first.

Contact us today at (314) 309-2799 to learn more. We serve St. Louis, St. Charles, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas.

Our Clients Mean Everything to Us

Read Stories Directly From People We've Helped
    "Attorney Cavanagh is a fantastic lawyer"
    Attorney Cavanagh is a fantastic lawyer. His experience is unparalleled. He does an excellent job of keeping his clients informed, and he is an outstanding advocate in court. He is kind and patient, and genuinely cares about his clients. I am proud to know him, and grateful for his help!
    - Rick V.
    "Great Team! Highly Recommended."
    I worked with Jack and Eka recently and must say they exceeded my expectations. Great communication and compassion for what you’re dealing with. I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to them for any of my legal matters.
    - Donald Salisbury
    "The best there is in the Biz"
    Jack has been a lawyer for a long time. He values his clients and sees them as people with individual circumstances, and not just dollar bills like other attorneys. Anyone that knows anything about the law knows it’s about making and keeping good rapport with all parties involved. And for a defense attorney, being familiar with the judge to the prosecutor and being on a friendly basis with them is exceptionally important. And Jack knows everyone! He should as he’s been doing this for probably over 40 years. He’s not only a great attorney but I consider him a friend. Don’t make the mistake of choosing an unknown rookie attorney who may be a couple bucks cheaper. Choose Jack!
    - Paige
    "We won a battle like David against Goliath"
    Jack is great lawyer with lots of experience. I’m glad we I hired him to represent me. We won a battle like David against Goliath.
    - Rolles G.
    "Truth will always prevail."
    First of all, it was hard to find a lawyer that works with grandparents rights. Jack did a great job and we get to see our grand-daughter for the first time in a year. We are very thankful to him.
    - Mr. Callaway
    "I was beyond satisfy"
    Mr. Jack Cavanagh was my attorney getting me removed from an child birth certificate that wasn’t my child. He made the process very easy and timely manner the communication was very good and I was beyond satisfy with the outcome and service Thank you Mr.Jack and Ms.English
    - Demetric L.
    "I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future."
    Mr. Cavanagh was very patient in dealing with all of the difficulties of my case. He was pleasant to work with to get the child support and custody worked out in a way that was fair. He showed real concern for the welfare of my son. He was professional in guiding me with regards to counseling and getting my sons voice heard throughout the case as well. Lastly he was thorough in that he went through the original divorce decree and made sure I received what I should have gotten during the divorce. I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future.
    - Former Client
    "Would recommend"
    Jack resolved a case from 1500 miles away in a timely manner. Professional throughout the entire process, took the time to understand my needs as a client and fulfilled them without ever wavering in his commitment or price. Would recommend.
    - Patrick S.