Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is an extremely broad Florida law, which can include numerous actions. The text of the law defines contributing to the delinquency as any act that causes, encourages or contributes to a child becoming a delinquent or dependent child in need of services. The law also punishes inducing, threatening or persuading a child to commit an act that causes them to become or remain delinquent or dependent. In plain language it is difficult to understand what exactly the law is talking about, but that is the intent. Lawmakers created this statute to capture any type of conduct that places minors in situations where they are likely to commit crimes or be around other people committing crimes. One of the main issues with the law is that it can hold adults responsible for the actions of teenagers who are more than capable of making their own decision. We have seen numerous cases where adults are unfairly charged, and this will continue to happen when law enforcement knows their hands are tied when it comes to juveniles. Benjamin Herbst is a South Florida criminal defense lawyer who specializes in contributing to the delinquency of a minor cases. He fights to have his client’s charges dropped before they are filed and continues to fight until a fair resolution is reached. Benjamin handles cases in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, and is also an experienced Treasure Coast criminal defense lawyer for clients facing charges in Martin and St. Lucie County. Benjamin is available 7 days a week to offer a free consultation over the phone at (954) 543-0305, and is also available to meet anytime in his Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach office locations. Contact Benjamin today to discuss what defenses may be available in your case.

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law, which means it is punishable by up to one year in jail. These charges frequently arise from situations where a minor is caught with drugs, alcohol or weapons. Police will do anything in their power to locate the adult who may have been responsible for providing the drugs, alcohol or weapon to the minor, and charge accordingly. Charges are routinely filed when an adult brings a minor to a place where he or she commits a crime. For example, an adult who commits a theft with a juvenile present can be charged with theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. It is not a valid defense that the juvenile or juveniles involved in the case were found to be delinquent of committing a criminal act themselves.

County Court judges take contributing to the delinquency of a minor seriously, and anyone who is convicted faces the realistic chance of receiving a jail sentence. Any charge involving juveniles will be treated harshly by judges looking to unfairly make an example, but a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer will make sure this never happens. Benjamin’s two main priorities are keeping his clients out of jail and keeping their records clean, and he does whatever it takes to achieve these two goals. Benjamin also makes it a priority to stay in touch with his clients at all times, and he provides his cell phone number to all current and past clients. Going through a criminal prosecution is stressful enough as it is, and having a lawyer who does not respond to calls or emails can make it 10 times worse. Benjamin always responds to his clients, and gives frequent updates on the progress of the case. If you have been charged, or are being investigated for contributing to the delinquency of a minor anywhere in South Florida call Benjamin today and start preparing your defense.