Contributing To Delinquency Of A Minor
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Defense
Key Info About This Charge
Two degrees now: Colorado divides “Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (CDM)” into 1st‑degree (class 4 felony) and 2nd‑degree (class 1 misdemeanor)—depending on whether the child is induced to commit a felony VRA crime or something else (law/court order/ordinance).
Typical penalties: Class 4 felony presumptive 2–6 years in prison (fines can reach $500,000); class 1 misdemeanor up to 364 days and up to $1,000. (Ranges vary with case specifics.)
Examples prosecutors use: daring a teen to shoplift, asking a youth to deliver drugs, or keeping a child truant without justification.
Knowledge of age isn’t required: Colorado case law notes the state doesn’t have to prove you knew the person was under 18 (mistake‑of‑age arguments can still matter in negotiations).
Local court: Most El Paso County cases are heard at El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S. Tejon St., with a Self‑Help Center in Room S116.
What The Law Says
Under CRS 18‑6‑701, it’s a crime to induce, aid, or encourage a person under 18 to violate law or a court order.
1st‑degree CDM (class 4 felony): Inducing a child to violate a felony that is a Victims’ Rights Act crime (see CRS 24‑4.1‑302(1)).
2nd‑degree CDM (class 1 misdemeanor): Inducing a child to violate any other law, ordinance, or court order.
The statute also requires court reporting to the Department of Education if the defendant is a current/former school‑district employee or licensed educator and is convicted or receives a deferred sentence.
delinquency of a minor Lawyer
Practice Areas
Elements The Prosecutor Must Prove
To convict on CDM, the state generally must show:
You induced, aided, or encouraged the conduct;
The person was a “child” (under 18); and
The induced conduct violated a qualifying law, ordinance, or court order (and if charged as 1st degree, that it was a felony VRA crime).
Note on “age mistake”: Colorado appellate decisions indicate the prosecution doesn’t need to prove you knew the person’s age. This narrows formal mistake‑of‑age defenses, though counsel can sometimes leverage a reasonable‑belief showing in plea negotiations.
Penalties & Sentencing Exposure
1st‑degree CDM → Class 4 felony: presumptive 2–6 years in DOC, plus fines that can reach $500,000 (with parole tail and potential enhancements in some scenarios).
2nd‑degree CDM → Class 1 misdemeanor: up to 364 days in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines (higher caps exist only for specific, separate misdemeanors).
If the court knows the defendant is a current/former school‑district employee or licensed educator, it must notify the Colorado Department of Education upon conviction or deferred sentence.
Common Fact Patterns We See In El Paso County
A teen is asked to shoplift or vandalize to “prove” loyalty to friends.
An older peer uses a minor to deliver marijuana or pills.
A parent/guardian figure keeps a child truant or pushes them to ignore a court order.
Each scenario rises or falls on evidence of inducement/encouragement, the child’s age, and what law or order was allegedly violated.
CDM Defenses We Develop
Every case is different, but recurring defense themes include:
No inducement or encouragement: Your conduct didn’t cause or encourage the child’s act; the teen made an independent choice.
Age / identity / timing disputes: Uncertainty on age, mis-identification, or timelines that undercut causation. (Remember: knowledge of age isn’t an element, but factual age still matters.)
Scope of the alleged violation: The supposed underlying law/ordinance/court order wasn’t actually violated—or wasn’t in effect.
False accusation / credibility issues: Motive to lie, contradictions in statements, or social‑media context that reshapes the narrative.
Our team also litigates motions to suppress illegally obtained statements or evidence and, when advantageous, negotiates charge reductions or diversion where eligible.
What To Expect During The Court Process
Most CDM cases in this region flow through the 4th Judicial District (El Paso County) at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Arraignments, settings, and negotiations occur there, supported by a publicly accessible Self‑Help Center (Room S116).
If you were contacted or charged:
Do not discuss the case with police or on social media.
Save messages (texts/DMs), call logs, and posts—these often determine whether “inducement” is provable.
Bring paperwork (summons, complaint, prior orders) to your consultation.
Call us promptly to preserve defenses and start negotiating from strength. (719) 447‑1923.
Why choose Mike Moran
30+ years in Colorado Springs courts; former municipal judge (Victor, 1995–1998).
Thousands of CDM matters defended across Southern Colorado; free consultations and direct, practical advice.
Office near the courthouse: 220 E Costilla St, Colorado Springs.
FAQs: Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (Colorado Springs)
Q1) Is CDM always a felony in Colorado?
A: No. Since 2022 reforms, CDM has two degrees: 1st‑degree is a class 4 felony; 2nd‑degree is a class 1 misdemeanor.
What are the typical penalties?
A: Class 4 felony: presumptive 2–6 years and fines that can reach $500,000; class 1 misdemeanor: up to 364 days and up to $1,000. Judges can consider probation in appropriate cases.
Q3) What if I honestly thought the person was 18?
A: Colorado courts say the state doesn’t have to prove you knew the person’s age; a mistake‑of‑age claim usually doesn’t defeat the charge outright—though it can still matter in strategy and negotiations.
Q4) Where will my hearing be in Colorado Springs?
A: El Paso County Combined Courts at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (Self‑Help Center Room S116).
Q5) What are common examples of CDM?
A: Encouraging a child to shoplift, deliver drugs, trespass, or ignore a court order, among others.
Call for a free case review
Criminal Defense Colorado Springs, P.C.
(719) 447‑1923 • 220 E Costilla St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Ask for attorney Mike Moran.