Even if you are not caught with drugs or arrested for possession, if you deal drugs to a minor or even share your own personal stash, you can be prosecuted. This is because you contributed to the delinquency of a minor, which is a serious offense in almost all 50 states. Every single state has some statute that provides a punishment for adults who aid a minor in an act of delinquency. The actual penalties for this crime can vary depending on the jurisdiction that the case is being tried in and the offense that was committed. For example, if you are an adult that committed an act or failed to perform a duty you can be charged with this crime.
One of the most common reasons that adults contribute to the delinquency of a minor is when they allow them to try illegal drugs. This can encourage the teens towards addiction, and eventually lead to their arrest. As the perpetrator of the crime, you can also be charged. In some states, only parent and legal guardians can be charged with this offense but in other locations it is legally to prosecute a co-worker, older friend, or even a stranger who contributes to the delinquency of a minor. The term “contributing” is often very broad and the judge has the right to use his or her own discretion in determining when a person has actually contributed to the minor’s crime in some way.
In most states, a minor is anyone who is under the age of 18. Colorado was the first state to establish this law that created contributing to the delinquency of a minor charges, but since then the charges have been used frequently. If you aided a teenager or child in obtaining illegal narcotics, or even if you have merely been accused of this crime, then you need to contact an attorney promptly to assist you in your case. Discuss your situation with a Plano drug defense lawyer at the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC today!
