Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Indiana
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana is a serious offense, encompassing actions that lead or encourage a minor to engage in illegal or harmful behavior. Being charged with this crime can have severe legal consequences. Under many circumstances, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a felony offense and thus may lead to jail time and significant fines.
It’s important to remember that the best outcomes in criminal cases are often secured when defendants hire an experienced, aggressive criminal defense attorney in Indiana. Given this, it’s vital that if you or a loved one is facing such charges related to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana, it’s critical to seek legal counsel immediately. This will better ensure that everything is being done to protect your freedom and future.
Not sure who to call? The experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyers at Keffer Hirschauer LLP are here to help protect your rights and provide the strong defense you need. Our managing partners, Bradley Keffer and Tom Hirschauer III, are former deputy prosecutors who understand both sides of the criminal justice system and have extensive experience in negotiation as well as inside the courtroom. Our esteemed law firm takes a teamwork-based approach to criminal defense cases. This means that your Indiana attorney from Keffer Hirschauer LLP will have the time and resources required to thoroughly investigate the charges and see your case through to the best possible outcome.
To begin addressing this matter today, contact our firm at 317-857-0160 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
As clearly stated in Indiana Code 35-46-1-8, a person at least eighteen (18) years of age who knowingly or intentionally encourages, aids, induces, or causes a child to commit an act of delinquency commits contributing to delinquency, a Class A misdemeanor. That said, if the delinquent act would be a felony if committed by an adult, the offense is a felony of the same level as the delinquent act would be if committed by an adult.
In addition, there are some circumstances where, even if delinquent act would NOT be a felony if committed by an adult, a person may be charged with a felony for contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana. These circumstances include:
Level 5 Felony: the person committing the offense is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and knowingly or intentionally furnishes an alcoholic beverage to a child when the person committing the offense knew or reasonably should have known that the person furnished the alcoholic beverage was a child; or a controlled substance or a drug in violation of Indiana law; AND the consumption, ingestion, or use of the alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, or drug is the proximate cause of the death of any person.
Level 6 Felony: The person committing the offense is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; the child who commits the delinquent act is less than sixteen (16) years of age; AND the act would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult.
Finally, there is an enhancement for adults who are at least 21 years old who contribute to delinquency of a minor who is under the age of 16, and the delinquent act would be felony if committed by adult. This means that if the delinquent act would be a Level 6 felony if committed by an adult, the adult who contributed to the delinquency would be charged with a Level 5 felony; or a Level 4 felony for an act that would be considered a Level 5 felony; and so on.
Potential Penalties and Consequences for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
The potential criminal penalties for those charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana vary, depending on the circumstances of the crime. At its lowest level, this criminal offense is considered to be a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by 0-12 months incarcerated and fines of up to $5,000. However, if certain circumstances apply, a person could be charged with a felony offense. Under the Indiana Sentencing Guidelines, outlined in Indiana Code 35-50-2, the potential penalties for felony offenses are as follows:
Level 6 Felony: 6-18 months incarceration; $10,000
Level 5 Felony: 1-6 years’ incarceration; $10,000
Level 4 Felony: 2-12 years’ incarceration; $10,000
Level 3 Felony: 3-16 years’ incarceration; $10,000
Level 2 Felony: 10-30 years’ incarceration; $10,000
Level 1 Felony: 20-40 years’ incarceration; $10,000
Murder: 45-65 years’ incarceration; $10,000
In addition to the potential criminal penalties listed above, a person who is convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana will undoubtedly encounter a variety of collateral consequences, even after successfully completing their sentence. In general, collateral consequences are both legal and social sanctions imposed on individuals as a result of a criminal conviction, but not directly part of the sentence. For example, a person convicted of a serious crime in Indiana may experience some of the following consequences:
- Employment Barriers: Employers can be hesitant to hire a person with a criminal record, and some convictions may automatically disqualify individuals from specific types of work. Thus, many convicted individuals often experience significant challenges when trying to secure employment post-conviction. This is especially true in fields requiring professional licensure in Indiana or security clearance.
- Loss of Professional Licensure: Select professionals, such as nurses, doctors, teachers, social workers, etc., must obtain and continually hold a professional license in Indiana to practice their profession; and when these individuals are convicted of a crime, they risk having their professional licenses revoked or suspended. This impacts both current employment and long-term career prospects.
- Ineligibility for Public Benefits: Certain criminal convictions can lead to ineligibility for public benefits. This includes ineligibility for housing assistance, educational loans, and other government programs, which can be crucial support mechanisms.
- Restrictions on Voting Rights and Firearm Ownership: Indiana felony level convictions result in the loss of voting rights and prevent individuals from owning or possessing firearms, significantly impacting their civic engagement and personal rights.
Finally, in addition to the criminal penalties and collateral consequences explained above, individuals who have been convicted of contributing to the delinquency of a minor may experience some difficulties in their personal life. For instance, many Hoosiers with a criminal past face social stigma and isolation. This can impact personal relationships and community integration, potentially leading to estrangement and complicating custodial and marital relationships. On top of that, the stress, shame, and isolation often associated with a criminal conviction may lead to long-term psychological impacts, including depression and anxiety.
Charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Indiana?
Facing charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Indiana can be overwhelming and stressful, but there’s no reason to navigate the criminal justice process alone. Hiring an experienced Indiana criminal defense lawyer offers numerous benefits that can make a crucial difference in the outcome of your case. A skilled attorney can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and advocate aggressively on your behalf in court. They can also negotiate with prosecutors, potentially reducing charges or penalties, and provide expert guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you make informed decisions.
At Keffer Hirschauer LLP, our team of dedicated Indiana criminal defense attorneys is committed to providing you with the robust defense you deserve. When you choose to hire one of our Indianapolis-based attorneys, you’re choosing to enlist the services of an attorney who is invested in the work of securing the best results for you—whether that is dismissal, reduction of charges, or a not-guilty verdict. From the initial consultation through investigation, negotiation, arguments to the court, and appeals, an Indiana defense attorney from Keffer Hirschauer LLP will provide the high-quality, dedicated criminal defense you need to minimize Indiana criminal penalties and protect your rights and future.
To begin working on your defense, contact our firm today at 317-857-0160 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
