Douglas County Lawyer for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Charges
C.R.S. 18-6-701
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701, charges occur in Castle Rock, Parker, or anywhere in Douglas County when someone believes you may have helped, encouraged, or allowed someone under the age of 18 to commit a crime. Whether the crime was a simple petty offense or a serious felony, this law still applies. Police may charge you with this criminal offense after your child committed a crime, even if you had no idea that the crime was happening. They want someone to blame and they will search for a way to put that blame on you.
Colorado Definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701:
(1)(a) Any person who induces, aids or encourages a child to violate any state law that is a felony victims rights act crime as defined in section 24-4.1-302(1) commits first degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor.(b) Any person who induces, aids, or encourages a child to violate any municipal or county ordinance, court order, or state or federal law that is not a felony victims rights act crime as defined in section 24-4.1-302(1) commits second degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor.(c) As used in this section, the term “child” means any person under the age of eighteen years. (2)(a) First degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a class 4 felony. (b) Second degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Penalty for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Douglas County
In Douglas County and throughout Colorado, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is either a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 4 felony. If convicted, you could be sentenced to up to a year in county jail or anywhere between 2-6 years in prison and fines between$1,000 and $500,000. If a felony criminal conviction occurs in your case, you will also have to serve a term of mandatory parole.
Example of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Parker, CO
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor can involve any crime committed by a minor in Parker, CO. We most frequently see charges occur after a minor is caught drinking beer or wine, or smoking marijuana. Here is an example of how one could be charged with this crime:
A boy invites his girlfriend over to his parent’s annual holiday party. The two sneak alcoholic drinks when the adults are not paying attention. The girl goes home drunk, and the parents, angry that their daughter drank, call the police, blaming the boy’s parents for giving her alcohol. Law enforcement, typically quick to believe the “victim,” charge the boy’s parents with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. They are now facing the possibility of jail time for something that they didn’t even know was happening.
Defenses for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Highlands Ranch
Charges of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Highlands Ranch can be fought, and an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you put forward the best possible defense for your case. If you have questions about your particular case, contact us to set up a free initial consultation or to schedule a jail visit. Some of the ways in which these charges can be fought include:
- You were not aware of the crime being committed
- You had reasonable belief that the minor was at least 18
- Your child was acting outside of your control
- You were falsely accused
- Your child was falsely accused of a crime
Charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Douglas County?
Call us at 303-265-1950
Many unsuspecting parents meet with Castle Rock Police Officers, and unknowingly provide them with information that police can use against them in court. If you are facing charges of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Douglas County, make sure to exercise your and your child’s right to remain silent. As soon as possible, contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC today at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.