A Thornton charter school teacher was arrested recently for allegedly providing alcohol and marijuana to her students. While it has not been made clear whether she sold the marijuana and marijuana edibles to students, or just gave it to them, students have come forward and made statements about the teacher’s alleged illegal activities. The teacher supposedly broke many school policies by having students at her home and being friends with them on social media, and violated laws by giving three teens alcohol. Along with that, she is being accused of supplying marijuana and marijuana edibles to students ranging in age from 14 to 18. Because of the ages of the students, she is facing Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor charges.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Weld County
Colorado law defines C.R.S. 18-6-701 – Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – as:
Giving Alcohol to a Minor
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, an illegal behavior this teacher allegedly encouraged. Now, there is an exception to this rule. If a parent is providing the alcohol to their child, under their supervision, and on their property, it is not illegal. Under any other circumstances, giving alcohol to a minor is against the law in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County.
Marijuana is Still Illegal for Teenagers and Kids
It is always illegal for a minor to use recreational marijuana.
Even though marijuana has been legalized in Greeley, Evans, and Erie, it is always illegal for a minor to use recreational marijuana. This could add another count of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor if the investigation yields evidence that this teacher gave marijuana and marijuana edibles to her students.
This crime is classified as a class 4 felony, punishable with prison time served in the Colorado Department of Corrections. There is also a contingency with this charge where if a teacher pleads guilty to or is convicted of this crime, the court will report it to the Colorado Department of Education, basically eliminating the chances for the convicted party to ever be a teacher again.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009, or submit the “Get Help Now” form. We can also set up a Weld County Jail visit or lawyer meeting. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – johny_deff