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 Ohio, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a criminal offense outlined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2919.24. This statute makes it an offense for any person, including but not limited to parents or guardians, to act in a way that causes a child to become an unruly or delinquent child, or to be a juvenile traffic offender. Examples of such behavior include providing alcohol or illegal drugs to minors, facilitating a minor's engagement in unlawful activities, or aiding a minor in committing a crime. The offense can range from a misdemeanor of the first degree to a felony, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the act that contributed to the delinquency of the minor. Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or both. It is important for adults in Ohio to be aware of their actions and their potential influence on minors to avoid legal repercussions under this statute.
