Being charged with a crime is a terrible event that can have long-term consequences. Likewise, a seemingly small incident can grow into a larger, more serious incident in the future. This blog will illustrate an example of how one seemingly minor crime can turn into a life altering event.

Delinquency of a Minor

 

The crime of contributing to the delinquency of a minor may only be a misdemeanor, but it can lead to larger problems either in the near or distant future and may even require the services of a criminal defense attorney and law office like Haymaker & Heroux, P.C.


So what does it mean to contribute to the delinquency of a minor? Enabling a person under the age of 18 to break the law is considered contributing to the delinquency of a minor. These are some examples:

  • Using tobacco
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Selling or using drugs
  • Theft/Robbery

These actions are illegal and the guilty party may face fines and even jail time and will need a criminal defense attorney with experience in cases of crimes against minors. To some, these may not seem like major problems. They can, however, have long-term consequences. For the offending adult, you will have to forever explain your actions to potential employers. But the consequences extend far beyond personal punishment for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. For example, providing drugs to a minor can lead to serious addiction problems in the future for that minor. Or giving a minor alcohol, for example, may seem like harmless fun, especially if giving it to them for a party or at social gathering. Aside from the dangers of alcohol abuse, it can lead to more serious incidents such as DWI.

DUI/DWI

 

Driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated is negligent behavior and it puts yourself and others at risk. Accidents can occur resulting in serious injury or death.
Even if someone is not involved in an accident, but stopped by law enforcement for the suspicion of DUI or DWI, that person could be facing serious, long-term legal consequences that require the assistance of a DUI/DWI attorney. You may be arrested, charged, and have to appear in court with legal representation like that from the Law Office of Jeffrey D. Bramer, P.C. Some of the consequences you could be facing if convicted include:

  • Jail time
  • Fines
  • Losing of driver’s license
  • Ignition interlock installation

These are all serious consequences that forever change your life, especially if an accident does occur. To tie it all together, think about it this way: giving a 17 year old a beer or two may not seem like a big deal, but if that minor gets into a car and gets into an accident, or is even stopped by the police, that minor’s life will be dramatically altered for years to come. Furthermore, you could find yourself in trouble for being the person who initially gave alcohol to a minor.

Everything people do has consequences. Seemingly harmless actions can lead to bigger problems later in the day or later in life. Everyone’s best bet is to avoid situations of irresponsibility. Don’t help a minor break the law. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink. Don’t end up making a bad choice that can impact your life or someone else’s for years to come.