Utah Criminal Lawyer - Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Under Utah law, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a criminal charge that can result in up to six months in jail and nearly two thousand dollars in fines and surcharge. If you are facing prosecution for criminal charges, it is important to have an experienced Utah criminal attorney on your side. Based in Salt Lake City, Stephen Howard provides legal services throughout Utah. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.

Elements of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Utah

A criminal charge for contributing to the delinquency of a minor involves allegations that an adult defendant did something to cause or encourage a minor to commit an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult. The language of the Utah statute states that the defendant may be found guilty if he engages in conduct "which he knows or should know would have the effect of causing or encouraging a minor to commit an act which would be a misdemeanor or infraction criminal violation of any federal or state statute or any county or municipal ordinance if committed by an adult."

Common charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor involve furnishing tobacco to a person under the age of 18, participating in shoplifting where a minor is present or involved, or charges of criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, or assault. But the language of the Utah Code is broad, covering a wide spectrum of potential criminal activity. Note, however, that providing alcohol to a minor is covered specifically under a separate section of the Utah Code.

Consequences of Conviction for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Utah

A criminal charge for contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a class B misdemeanor under Utah law. This is punishable by up to six months in jail plus nearly $2,000 in fines and surcharges.

But a case involving contributing to the delinquency of a minor often involves other criminal charges for an offense committed along with the minor. This can substantially increase the potential penalties.

Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Utah

If you are facing prosecution for contributing to the delinquency of a minor or any other criminal charge in Utah, you deserve to have an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer on your side.  Stephen Howard has achieved a track record of achieving real results for his clients. He has defended clients in Utah in thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases in both the district and justice courts. He has achieved not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and appellate reversals on some of the most serious charges on the books in Utah.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard represents clients throughout Utah. Contact us now to schedule your initial consultation and case analysis.