In Louisiana, many laws are in place to protect minors from being influenced or harmed by an adult’s actions. One of these laws is related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. If a parent, guardian, or caretaker is involved in enticing or permitting a minor into any illegal behavior, they may face trouble with the law. At times, a defendant may be convicted for crimes involving minors and are penalized with monetary fines or jail time.
With a skilled criminal defense attorney in Louisiana, you may be able to navigate through your case with a reliable attorney on your side. At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, we investigate all aspects of the crimes and circumstances you are facing. Our attorneys work diligently to represent you and to work against the prosecution’s claims.
What Is Contributing to Child Delinquency in Louisiana?
Many different situations may warrant a charge for contributing to child delinquency. In some cases, adults bribe or convince young children and teenagers to engage in illegal activity. Other times, a child’s delinquency is attributed to various other causes. These cases may become complex because a parent or guardian may be considered at fault.
However, this law applies to anyone above seventeen and their involvement in child delinquency. Louisiana Law statute RS 14: 92 explains contributing to child delinquency as follows:
“Contributing to the delinquency of juveniles is the intentional enticing, aiding, soliciting, or permitting, by anyone over the age of seventeen…”
Whether you are the guardian or parent, these charges are taken seriously in a court of law. Different circumstances may lead to a charge for contributing to child delinquency, such as:
- Allowing a child to drink alcoholic beverages
- Permitting a child to be around people committing crimes such as stealing
- Enticing a child to leave their home or any setting without parental consent
- Allowing a child to trespass anywhere
- Enticing a child to commit or participate in sexual acts
- Permitting or enticing a child to use drugs
- Allowing a child to continue illegal acts after discovering them
You may face charges for contributing to child delinquency depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest and the accusations made against you. If convicted, crimes involving minors often damage an individual’s record and are punishable with monetary fines and jail time.
Category Charges and Penalties for Contributing to Child Delinquency in Louisiana
Crimes involving minors are taken very seriously in Louisiana, and contributing to child delinquency may significantly affect your life. While parents, guardians, and caregivers are typically found responsible for a child’s immoral acts, any person may be found to have permitted a child’s delinquency, depending on the case.
In Louisiana, contributing to child delinquency may be punishable according to the following categories:
- Whoever is charged with contributing to child delinquency: Fined no more than $500 or improvised for no more than six months, or both.
- Whoever is charged and then convicted of contributing to child delinquency: Fined no more than $1,000 or imprisoned with or without hard labor for no more than two years or both.
Child delinquency cases can range from minor to severe. A parent or guardian may alternatively or jointly be charged with improper supervision in Louisiana. Every state has its rules for child delinquency, and there may be additional penalties such as probation, community service, court costs, and other court suggestions.
Different offenses contributing to child delinquency can cause complexity within a case. Generally, the crime can result in a misdemeanor if convicted. Depending on the child’s age, the criminal acts, and other pertinent details of your case, you may greatly benefit from a defense attorney’s help.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me Fight Criminal Charges Involving Minors?
There are different ways to approach building a defense strategy for contributing to child delinquency in Louisiana. Additionally, defendants often face the consequences when the prosecution presents evidence that they are guilty of a crime. Alongside a criminal defense attorney, you may better understand your rights and how the statutes and laws affect a judge’s decision.
To prove guilt for contributing to child delinquency in Louisiana, the prosecution must prove either of the following:
- The defendant intentionally and knowingly encouraged the delinquency.
- The defendant threatened or commanded a child to perform delinquent acts and caused them to remain a delinquent.
With an attorney on your case, you’ll find the best chance to review the evidence against you and develop a strategy to lessen or drop charges. In these cases, lack of knowledge of a juvenile’s age is not permitted as a defense. However, eliminating this strategy does not entirely absolve the possibility of an innocent verdict. An attorney with experience in criminal defense may help you with vital legal resources.
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm May Navigate Your Case to Help You Avoid Penalties or Lessen Charges
Facing criminal charges, in any case, is challenging. Especially as a parent or guardian, you may experience life changes and stressors if convicted of a crime. However, with a dedicated criminal defense attorney on your case, you may find a better chance at refuting the prosecution’s claims and resolving your trouble with the law.
At John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, attorney Eric G. Johnson brings a strong defense and valuable skill set to every client’s case. Our legal team is available to consult with you and review your case. We’re eager to help direct clients within Louisiana to take the necessary steps to resolve a charge for contributing to child delinquency and help in any way we can. To schedule a free consultation, complete our online contact form or give us a call at (318) 377-1555 today.