Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a criminal offense that is generally governed by state laws, and located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes). The crime is usually defined as an adult knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, encouraging, assisting, or facilitating a minor to engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of state or federal law, or of a municipal or local ordinance.

Some common examples of contributing to the delinquency of a minor include:

• purchasing or providing alcoholic beverages for minors;

• providing illegal drugs to minors;

• allowing minors to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol in your presence;

• providing a fake ID to enable a minor to enter a bar, casino, or other adult-only establishment;

• accompanying a minor while the minor commits a criminal act;

• asking, encouraging, or persuading a minor to commit a crime;

• asking or allowing a minor to assist you in committing a crime; and

• encouraging or assisting a minor in driving a vehicle without a license or permit.

In some states the criminal offense of contributing to the delinquency of a minor only applies to parents, guardians, or other adults who had custody and control of the minor at the time of the crime. But in other states any adult who contributes to the delinquency of a minor—as defined by the relevant state statute—may be subject to criminal prosecution.

In Nevada, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a criminal offense outlined under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 201.110. The statute makes it unlawful for any person to do any act or to fail to perform any duty, which act or failure to act causes, encourages, or contributes to a child becoming a juvenile delinquent or a child in need of supervision as defined by the law. This includes providing alcohol or illegal drugs to minors, facilitating their consumption of such substances, or aiding them in any illegal activities. The offense is not limited to parents or guardians; any adult who engages in conduct that leads to the delinquency of a minor can be charged under this statute. Penalties for contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Nevada can include fines and imprisonment, and the severity of the punishment can vary depending on the nature of the offense and the adult's role in the delinquency of the minor.