Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701 is commonly charged when an adult provides alcohol to teenagers in Larimer County. Because anyone under the age of 21 cannot legally possess alcohol, it is a criminal offense to provide alcohol to a minor in Fort Collins, Loveland or Estes Park. When you provide alcohol to minors, it causes them to violate alcohol possession laws; it is the same with helping a child steal a pack of gum (Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-401) or giving them marijuana (Drug Charges – 18-18-205). This crime is related to Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401. Crimes that involve children are serious – it is important that you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Larimer County to fight on your behalf in court.
What is Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Larimer County?
You will be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor if you:
- Induced, aided, or encouraged a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order.
A “child” is defined as any person who is under the age of 18.
What is the Sentence for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Fort Collins?
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a class 4 felony. If you are convicted of this offense in Larimer County, you could face imprisonment for 2-6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, and parole.
Defense Against Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Charges
There are a few defenses which we can use against charges of Contributing to a Delinquency of a Minor. There is an affirmative defense that can be used if you reasonably believed that the child involved in the case is over the age of 18. Parental permission for alcohol possession and consumption is another. These are powerful tools which we can use, if applicable.
Do Not Plead Guilty – It Can Destroy Your Future
Often, courts and judges in Larimer County are open to offering probation only (no prison time) for a first-time offender. This is very valuable if you are looking to avoid spending time in prison, but pleading guilty to avoid prison means that you will be have a felony on your record permanently. This can greatly limit your job options (you will be unable to pass security clearances and will be unable to be employed by national businesses). If you are employed by a school district, Colorado Statute requires that the court notify the Colorado Department of Education if you are convicted of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. We have defended dozens of clients successfully who have been charged with this offense – we work hard to defend your employability and future.
Be Smart: Be Silent
It is very important that you speak with no one but your lawyer about your criminal case. If you are being investigated for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Larimer County, it is essential to your defense that you do not speak with police. Remain silent. Our criminal defense attorneys have many more options available to get your case dismissed or to get a favorable plea agreement, but these options are very limited if you speak with the police.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Fort Collins, Loveland or Drake, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. Together, we can protect your future.
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Related Links:
- Learn More about Juvenile Crimes
- Child Abuse – C.R.S. 18-6-401
- Theft – C.R.S. 18-4-401
- Learn More about Drug Offenses