Being charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Colorado is serious. It’s a misdemeanor or felony offense that can carry jail or prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record, even if you didn’t realize your actions were illegal. Whether you’re a parent, older friend, or someone who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, understanding this charge and how to defend against it, is crucial.
Greeley Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Attorney: What Does Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Mean?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-6-701, a person commits the crime of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor if they encourage, aid, or cause a person under 18 to violate any law—whether it’s a felony, misdemeanor, petty offense, or even a municipal code violation.
Importantly, you don’t have to intend to break the law to be charged. If your actions knowingly lead to or enable illegal behavior by a minor, the Weld County DA’s office can pursue this charge.
Examples of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Milliken and Johnstown
In Milliken and Johnstown, this law is broad and can apply to a wide range of situations. Common examples include:
- Supplying alcohol or drugs to a minor
- Allowing minors to drink or use drugs in your home
- Helping a teen skip school (truancy)
- Driving a group of minors to commit shoplifting or vandalism
- Allowing a runaway to stay at your home without notifying authorities
- Encouraging illegal activity online or via text/social media
Even if you think it was “just a bad decision” or “harmless,” the law may view it as a criminal act.
Penalties for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Colorado
First Degree Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a class 4 felony in Colorado.
Potential consequences include:
- 2 to 6 years in Colorado Department of Corrections
- Fines from $2,000 to $500,000
- 3 years of mandatory parole
- Permanent felony record
- Loss of employment or professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Second Degree Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado.
Potential consequences include:
- Up to 364 in the Weld County Jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- Permanent felony record
- Loss of employment or professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Judges may also impose probation, community service, parenting classes, or drug/alcohol treatment, depending on the case.
What If I Didn’t Know They Were a Minor?
In many cases, people charged with this offense say they didn’t know the person was under 18, especially when dealing with older teens who lie about their age. Unfortunately, this is not a guaranteed defense. Colorado courts may hold you accountable if a “reasonable person” should have known the minor’s age. However, this can still be powerful evidence in negotiations or at trial, especially with a strong legal strategy.