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

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

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701

On Behalf of | Oct 7, 2013 | Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor |

A Jefferson County man was sentenced on September 3, 2013, for Providing Alcohol to Minors. He dodged the more serious felony of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor when he was acquitted of that charge by a jury. He was the third of three people sentenced for providing alcohol at a party where teens were drinking and resulted in a fatal car crash killing two and seriously injuring two others. The other charged adults were convicted of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Providing Alcohol to Minors. Not only were all three given jail time, several years of probation, and community service, there are many other consequences that the news papers don’t talk about.

It is reasonable to assume all three of the convicted adults will need to live with the guilt from the outcome of events on the evening of that party. All three will have a permanent felony on their records which will impact future job opportunities, gun rights and housing options. I am aware many would say, “sure, but what about the people that died, and their families!” Yes, absolutely, they will be impacted for a very long time, but I question the degree of responsibility hosts and hostesses should have when a person, who is considered an adult in every other way, chooses to ingest alcohol. The outcome in this case is devastating, but this is not a situation where alcohol was given to little children that did not know right from wrong. We live in a legal climate where there is never a shortage of government prosecutors looking for someone to blame when tragedy strikes.

In Adams, Denver, Douglas County, or anywhere in Colorado, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a class 4 felony. It is defined as inducing, aiding, or encouraging a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order. That means it is possible to be charged with this crime if you permit an under-aged teen to be out after curfew in many municipalities. If you are convicted, you will join the thousands of others who will never be permitted to own a firearm again.

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Providing Alcohol to a Minor in Colorado are very serious crime with terrible consequences. If you are charged or are under investigation for either, I urge you to “be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call us at 303-731-0719. Together we can protect your future.”