Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Fort Collins, Colorado

If you've been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the O’Malley Law Office.

Being charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a serious offense in Colorado, and one that can catch people off guard. Many people charged with this crime had no intention of harming anyone and often didn’t realize their actions could be illegal.

But under C.R.S. § 18-6-701, even seemingly minor actions can lead to felony charges if they involve a child under 18. Here’s what you need to know if you’re facing this charge or trying to help someone who is.

Larimer County Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Lawyer: What Is Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor?

In simple terms, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor means encouraging, helping, or allowing a person under 18 to engage in illegal or delinquent behavior.

According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-6-701, a person commits this crime if they:

Induce, aid, or encourage a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order.

That’s a broad definition, and it’s why this law can apply in more situations than many people expect.

Common Examples of Conduct That Can Lead to Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Charges in Loveland

Some of the most common scenarios where people are charged include:

  • Buying or providing alcohol or marijuana to a minor
  • Allowing minors to drink or use drugs in your home
  • Encouraging a minor to shoplift or steal
  • Letting a minor skip school or violate curfew
  • Helping a minor run away from home
  • Involving a minor in any criminal activity—even indirectly

In some cases, you don’t have to physically hand the substance or commit the act yourself. Even failing to stop delinquent behavior under your supervision (especially as a parent, guardian, or adult present) could result in charges.

Is Contributing a Misdemeanor or Felony in Estes Park, Colorado?

Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor can be charged in the First Degree or the Second Degree. First Degree Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is charged when someone encourages a minor to violate a felony victims rights act crime. This crime is a class 4 felony and is punishable by:

  • 2 to 6 years in prison
  • Fines of $2,000 to $500,000
  • Mandatory parole for 3 years

Second Degree Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is charged when a person encourages a minor to violate a felony that’s not a victim rights act crime or any misdemeanor or petty offense. This crime is a class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by:

  • Up to 364 days in the Larimer County Jail
  • Fines of up to $1,000

This means a conviction could seriously affect your future, your job, your family, your right to vote or possess a firearm, and more.


If you or someone you love has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

Photo by cottonbro studio