Contributing to the Delinquency is charged in Fort Collins and Larimer County, when a person is accused of encouraging a minor to break the law. But, what happens when the minor is found not guilty of breaking any laws? Well, that’s the situation with the man who purchased the gun that Kyle Rittenhouse used. According to the report, the man ended up taking a plea deal, pleading to Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor for buying the rifle for Rittenhouse. While I understand taking a plea deal, I wonder how can you be charged with helping a minor break the law, when at trial the gun possession charge was dropped and he was found not guilty of all the other crimes? Where is the delinquency?
Larimer County Rittenhouse Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Attorney: Definition of Contributing to the Delinquency in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – C.R.S. 18-6-701 – is:
Because, originally, Rittenhouse was charged with Possession of a Weapon by a Juvenile, it would make sense that the person who provided the weapon would be charged with the crime. But, when the juvenile hasn’t committed a crime by possessing a weapon, then how could the adult be held responsible? The other part about it is that he purchased the gun for Rittenhouse with the understanding that the gun would be kept at his house and Rittenhouse wouldn’t possess it until he was 18. That doesn’t seem like he was encouraging him to possess the weapon. It would be the same as buying a car for someone who doesn’t have their license yet, but the teen takes the car without permission
Sentence for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Loveland and Estes Park
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is a class 4 felony in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. This level felony is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. Right now, the class 4 felony is the only charge for this crime. However, in March of 2022 Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor may be charged as a misdemeanor if the crime that the juvenile was encouraged to commit was a misdemeanor.
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 free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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