In Greeley and Weld County, Colorado, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is charged when an adult persuades or helps a child under the age of 18 commit a crime.  This offense can be a misdemeanor or felony and often comes with devastating consequences, including incarceration at the Weld County Jail or Colorado Department of Corrections.  If you have been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, you will need the best criminal defense lawyer to represent you at your Weld County Court hearings. Our criminal defense lawyers know the court rules and have a good understanding of the court process.  Let us put that knowledge and experience to work for you.

Weld County Court Definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701

The Weld County Court definition of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701, is as follows:

Whenever an adult encourages or helps any person under the age of 18 commit a criminal offense, he will be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

Examples of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Greeley

Some examples of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Greeley could include the following actions:

• Offering to pay an 11-year-old to steal from a convenience store
• Providing marijuana to a 15-year-old
• Asking a 17-year-old to buy materials for the adult to engage in Kidnapping
• Persuading a 16-year-old to keep driving after he accidentally caused a car accident

It is important to understand that even if the child does not agree to any encouragement or enticement to commit a crime, the adult can still be charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. The juvenile’s completion of the crime does not need to occur.

What is the Difference Between Misdemeanor and Felony Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Weld County?

The difference between misdemeanor and felony Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor in Weld County depends on the crime the adult encouraged the child to commit.  Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is charged as a felony when an adult convinces a child to commit a felony offense listed under C.R.S. 24-4.1-302 (1) [See examples below].  These offenses are Victim’s Rights Act crimes in Weld County and throughout Colorado.  All other acts of Contributing to Delinquency are charged as misdemeanors.  Misdemeanor crimes involving a victim, or offenses where there is no victim, are charged as misdemeanor Contributing.

Felony Victim Rights Act Crimes in Weld County

When an adult encourages or convinces a minor to commit a felony crime that involves the Victim’s Rights Act in Weld County, the adult is charged with felony Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.  Felony Victim’s Rights Act crimes are outlined under C.R.S. 24-4.1-302 (1) and include:

• Menacing, C.R.S. 18-3-206
• Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-202+
• Sexual Assault, C.R.S. 18-3-402
• Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301
• Careless Driving, C.R.S. 42-4-1402 (when it results in another person’s death)
• First Degree Arson, C.R.S. 18-4-102
• Domestic Violence, C.R.S. 18-6-800.3 (1) (either prior to or after filing of charges)
• Child Abuse, C.R.S. 18-6-401

Weld County Court Sentences and Penalties for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

At the Weld County Court, sentences and penalties for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor depend on whether the Contributing offense is a misdemeanor or a felony.  As a class 1 misdemeanor, sentences for Contributing to the Delinquency include a maximum of 364 days in the Weld County Jail and a $1,000 fine.  Penalties for class 4 felony Contributing to the Delinquency are much more severe.  A defendant convicted of felony Contributing to the Delinquency will face 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections, a fine of $2,000 to $500,000, and 3 years of mandatory parole after incarceration.  He will also be prohibited from legally purchasing any firearms and ammunition in the future.

Hire a Top Greeley Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor charges, you need to hire a Top Greeley criminal defense attorney.  Even a conviction for misdemeanor Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor can be permanently life-altering.  Incarceration at the Weld County Jail will result in employment loss with an inability to pay your bills.  Later, when you are released, you will still experience trouble buying a house or finding another job because of your Weld County Court criminal record.  These difficulties increase exponentially if you are convicted of felony Contributing.  We can help minimize these effects if you contact us promptly.

Only an experienced private criminal defense attorney can provide the support you need during this terrifying time.  Your defense lawyer can help you develop a solid defense for your charges at the Weld County Court.  Your charges can be reduced or completely dismissed, allowing you to live a normal life in freedom again.  Don’t try to take on the Weld County judges or District Attorneys on your own.  Seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer with more than three decades of experience.