Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer
Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

Denver Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Lawyer | The Legal Age Matters in Court

On Behalf of | Dec 18, 2015 | Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor |

Jefferson County, Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney

It is not an uncommon for underage teens and young adults to get alcohol. Whether they use a fake id or get a legal-aged person to buy it for them, if they want it bad enough, they will find a way. It may not seem like a big deal to give some high school kids a couple beers, but in Denver, Aurora, and all across Colorado, it is a serious felony offense. One instance of this was when a, now former, high school teacher in Thornton was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, after providing marijuana edibles and alcohol to students. As a result, she lost her job and, as this happened in Adams County, she faced the possibility of a class 4 felony.

Lawyer’s Definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Adams County – Brighton Court

The Colorado law definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701 – is:

“Any person who induces, aids, or encourages a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order commits contributing to the delinquency of a minor. For the purposes of this section, the term “child” means any person under the age of eighteen years.”

The terms “inducing, aiding, or encouraging” are key in the Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor statue, and can be interpreted in many ways. If you leave your teenagers home with alcohol in the house is this considered inducing, aiding, or encouraging them to drink? I wouldn’t think so, but that doesn’t mean the law agrees. We have defended clients charged with this crime under similar situations. If there is a way, the government will stretch the law to fit their facts.

Sentence for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Arapahoe County

As a class 4 felony, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is punished at the same level as much more serious crimes, like Sexual Assault on a Child. This level felony is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines. What may seem like not a big deal, can put years of your life at risk. Don’t leave your situation to chance. Contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office to defend you today.

If you or someone you love has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Douglas County, always remain silent when approached by law enforcement. Call us today at 303-731-0719 to schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can help you. Together, we can protect your future.