Contributing to Delinquency of Minor

Is Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor A Serious Crime?

Absolutely. Depending on the circumstances, being charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor can carry severe penalties under Colorado law.

Typically, this offense is prosecuted as a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 6 years in prison and fines of $2,000 to $500,000—especially when it involves encouraging or helping a minor commit a felony-level offense. Even in less severe scenarios, the consequences are still significant:

• If the case involves encouraging or aiding a minor to commit misdemeanors or petty offenses, it may be prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Repeat offenses or cases involving prior convictions for crimes against children can lead to even harsher penalties, including elevated felony charges.

What Does It Mean to Contribute to the Delinquency of a Minor?

In Colorado, this crime broadly covers any act that helps, encourages, or induces a person under 18 to violate the law. This could include situations like:

• Providing alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to a minor

• Allowing minors to drive without a license

• Leaving firearms accessible to juveniles

• Giving shelter to a runaway knowing they’re evading the law

• Encouraging them to skip school, shoplift, or engage in other criminal acts

• Taking a minor across state lines for significant decisions, like medical procedures, without parental consent

Importantly, you can be charged even if you didn’t realize how serious the conduct was—simply helping or facilitating unlawful behavior is enough under Colorado law.

The Stakes Are Too High to Handle Alone

A conviction doesn’t just mean possible jail or prison time. It also creates a permanent criminal record that can ruin job prospects, affect professional licenses, housing, and even your ability to maintain custody or visitation rights with your own children. If you work in education or childcare, the court is required to notify the Colorado Department of Education, which could end your career.

Get Help from an Experienced Colorado Springs Defense Attorney

If you’re facing accusations of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, you need a skilled lawyer who knows how to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and fight to have charges reduced—or dismissed entirely.

Call McClintock Criminal Defense today at (719) 520‑3968 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to aggressively defend your future and your reputation.

Colorado CRS 18-6-701

Any person who aids or encourages a child to violate any federal or state law, municipal or county ordinance, or court order commits the crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. This is a class 4 felony (18-6-701). The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor is required to attend all court proceedings concerning the minor. Failure to do so may subject the parent, guardian, or legal custodian to contempt sanctions (19-2-109).

Any Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor charge must be immediately defended vigorously.  The implications of a conviction under this statute could negatively affect your life permanently.  Contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in defending clients against this potentially severe charge to discuss your case today – (719) 520-3968.