Contributing to the delinquency of minor occurs in Aurora, CO when a person contributes to anyone under 18 violating the law. Some may believe this charge is limited to providing minors with alcohol. However, a great deal of conduct can lead to devastating consequences. Back in March 2019, a Colorado family was charged with 41 total counts as a result of hosting parties for high school students where alcohol and cocaine were allegedly provided. Representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial when facing contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges.
What is Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor?
C.R.S. 18-6-701 describes the conduct of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Arapahoe County. A person commits this crime when they:
- induce, aide, or encourage,
- a child under the age of 18,
- to violate a federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order
Charges resulting from parents hosting a party for their teenage children and their friends aren’t uncommon. In addition, parents simply supplying minors with alcohol is also seen frequently. While you might prefer that your teenage son or daughter experiment with alcohol in the safety of your own home, the law simply doesn’t see it that way. Charges can mount fast and when pressured by police, minors tend to spill the beans and even embellish the truth.
Is Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor a Felony or Misdemeanor?
Conviction of contributing to the delinquency of a minor results in a class 4 felony in Centennial, Englewood, and Greenwood Village. Possible punishments can include 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of $2,000 – $500,000. Occasionally, judges will rule in favor of a lesser sentence that might include county jail or even probation if the circumstances weren’t particularly dangerous. However, if anyone was injured or put in harms way due to an adult aiding a minor in this way, a prison sentence can result. Thankfully, sometimes the more appropriate alternative of a ticket for Providing Alcohol to Minors is utilized, resulting in a smaller fine and up to a year in county jail.
What happens if you provide alcohol to minors?
In short, a great deal. As mentioned in the case above, sometimes a party that starts with alcohol can escalate to the presence of opioids and other harmful substances. Maybe the parent only supplied the alcohol, unaware that another teenager brought drugs. Simply put, the combination of a group of teenagers, alcohol, and social media can go a lot of different places that can result in a devastating criminal record for parents. Fortunately, experts are here to help. Our capable and aggressive defense attorneys have decades of experience defending clients charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. We recommend that you exercise your right to remain silent when dealing with police and contact our office for a free consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique situation and provide next steps.
If you or someone you know is facing contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges, be smart. Contact the expert defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group 303-731-0719. Together, we can protect your future.
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