Oak Brook Attorney for Defense of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Lawyers Defending Clients Charged With Contributing to Criminal Juvenile Delinquency In Elmhurst

A criminal conviction can have drastic consequences on anyone's life, affecting their freedom, their ability to find a job and housing, and their personal relationships. Because of these consequences, actions taken to convince or induce someone to commit a crime are taken very seriously, and especially so when a child is involved. People who influence young people in this way may face charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, which can lead to harsh punishments in Illinois.

At the law offices of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we understand the serious nature of criminal offenses involving children, and our skilled attorneys can help you understand your options for defense against these charges. We will work with you to protect your rights and minimize the negative consequences to your family.

Contributing to Juvenile Delinquency in Illinois

A person is considered a delinquent minor if they have violated any state or federal laws or county or city ordinances prior to reaching the age of 18. A person commits the offense of contributing to the delinquency of a minor if they cause or encourage a child to become a delinquent minor. Contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor, a more serious charge, occurs when a person over the age of 21 causes a minor under the age of 18 to commit a misdemeanor or a minor under the age of 17 to commit a felony.

Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, which can be punished by a maximum of one year in prison and a fine of $2,500. The sentences for contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor depend on the severity of the crime the minor committed:

• Petty offenses (such as speeding or possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana) - Class C misdemeanor, which can be punished by a maximum of 30 days in prison and a fine of $1,500.
• Class C misdemeanor (such as assault and battery)- Class B misdemeanor, which can be punished by a maximum of six months in prison and a fine of $1,500.
• Class B misdemeanor (such as possession of 10-30 grams of marijuana) - Class A misdemeanor.
• Class A misdemeanor (such as aggravated speeding) - Class 4 felony, which can be punished by one to three years in prison.
• Class 4 felony (such as retail theft of property worth more than $300) - Class 3 felony, which can be punished by two to five years in prison.
• Class 3 felony (such as employee theft of property worth $500-1,000) - Class 2 felony, which can be punished by three to seven years in prison.
• Class 2 felony (such as possession of less than five grams of ecstasy) - Class 1 felony, which can be punished by four to 15 years in prison.
• Class 1 felony (such as possession of 15-100 grams of methamphetamine) - Class X felony, which can be punished by six to 30 years in prison.
• Class X felony (such as aggravated criminal sexual assault) - Class X felony.

In addition to prison sentences, all felonies may be punished by a maximum fine of $25,000.

Contact a DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, you need an experienced attorney who can provide you with a strong defense. At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., we will work to protect your rights and minimize the consequences to your life. Contact a Lombard criminal defense attorney at 630-472-9700 to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients in Oak Brook, Wheaton, Hinsdale, and Westmont.