Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701, is charged in Greeley, CO whenever an adult helps or encourages a child to commit a crime. Our top Greeley criminal defense lawyers usually see this offense charged for offering alcohol to a minor. Generally, there will be a party where the alcohol is flowing freely, and there are several teens in attendance. When a neighbor calls the Greeley Police to complain about the noise, they then arrive and arrest the adult(s) who gave the alcohol to the minors. However, it is important to know that there are some times where it is appropriate to give alcohol to minors in Colorado – just in limited circumstances. If you’ve been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a minor, act now to protect your future, and contact our top Weld County criminal defense lawyers today.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701 at the Weld County Court
Colorado’s law on Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, C.R.S. 18-6-701, is as follows at the Weld County Court:
(b) Any person who induces, aids, or encourages a child to violate any municipal or county ordinance, court order, or state or federal law that is not a felony victims rights act crime as defined in section 24-4.1-302 (1) commits second degree contributing to the delinquency of a minor. (c) As used in this section, the term “child” means any person under the age of eighteen years.
Contributing to Delinquency can be charged for helping or encouraging a child commit any crime, but it is usually charged for providing alcohol to a minor. A person who is under 21 and is found in possession of alcohol can be charged with Illegal Possession or Consumption of Ethyl Alcohol by an Underage Person, C.R.S. 18-13-122, also known as Minor in Possession.
Can I Give Alcohol to a Minor in Greeley?
It may surprise you that there are some limited circumstances in which alcohol can be provided to a minor in Greeley. Under C.R.S. 18-13-122 (5), alcohol may be legally consumed by minors if:
- They were legally on private property with the owner’s consent, and the minor consumed or possessed the alcohol with their parent or legal guardian’s consent, and the parent or guardian was present on the property during the consumption.
- They consumed a confectionary that contained alcohol or another substance intended for consumption for medicinal or hygienic purposes (e.g., cough syrup).
- They are a student at a culinary school, university, or other similar place of education; they are under the control of the instructor; and they taste but do not imbibe the alcohol.
Weld County Jail Time for Contributing to Delinquency in Dacono and Eaton
When charged for offering alcohol to a minor, Contributing to Delinquency is charged as a class 1 misdemeanor in Dacono and Eaton. A defendant convicted of this offense may face a maximum of 364 days in the Weld County Jail and/or a fine of $1,000.
If you have been charged with Contributing to Delinquency, know that your future is at stake, even if you have been charged with a misdemeanor. Don’t wait, and contact our top Greeley criminal defense lawyers today if you have been charged so you can protect your future at the Weld County Court.
If you have been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor remember to be smart, and exercise your right to remain silent. Never discuss your case with the Greeley Police or any other law enforcement officer. Then call 970-616-6009 to discuss your case with a top Greeley criminal defense lawyer today. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Court is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Edward Eyer