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Penal Code 272 PC | Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
March 21, 2024
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Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor: An Overview of California Penal Code 272 PC
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a serious offense in California that can lead to criminal penalties. This article provides an in-depth look at California Penal Code 272 PC, which defines and penalizes this crime. We’ll cover the legal definition, common examples, penalties, and defenses.
Examples of Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor
Some common examples of acts that could lead to charges include:
- Providing alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to a minor
- Allowing minors to engage in illegal activities on one’s property
- Persuading a minor to commit a crime, skip school, disobey parents, etc.
- Failing to supervise a minor in one’s care resulting in injury, delinquent behavior, etc.
- Sexual abuse or other mistreatment of a child
- Abandoning a minor without care or resources
As you can see, the crime encompasses a wide range of conduct that places minors in danger or leads them to break the law.
Penalties for Violating Penal Code 272 PC
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a misdemeanor offense in California. [1] Potential penalties include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Informal or formal probation
- Counseling, parenting classes, or other rehabilitation
More severe penalties may apply if the conduct involves abuse, violence, or sexual offenses against a child. Contributing to delinquency charges can also impact child custody and professional licensing.
Legal Defenses Against Contributing to Delinquency Charges
When defending against PC 272 charges, some strategies may include:
- Lack of criminal intent – The prosecution must prove you acted willfully or negligently. If your conduct was accidental or justified, it may not meet the intent requirement.
- False accusations – Witnesses, alleged victims, or others may falsely accuse someone of contributing to a minor’s delinquency. A skilled defense attorney can challenge credibility.
- No actual delinquency occurred – If the minor did not actually become delinquent, dependent, or truant, the charges may be dismissed.
- Reasonable parental discipline – Parents have a right to reasonably discipline children. Non-abusive punishment likely does not constitute criminal behavior.
An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and decide which defenses to pursue.
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2024-03-21
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2024-03-18
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2024-03-18
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2024-03-15
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2024-03-15
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2024-03-12
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2024-03-12
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2024-02-24
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Other California laws related to minors and delinquency include:
- Furnishing alcohol/marijuana to a minor – It is illegal to provide cannabis or alcohol to those under 21. (HS 11361, BPC 25658) [3]
- Lewd acts with a minor – Engaging in sexually motivated touching or exposure with a child under 14. (PC 288)
- Child abuse – Willfully harming or injuring a child. (PC 273d)
- Statutory rape – Sex with a minor under the age of consent. (PC 261.5)
- Child endangerment – Placing a child in harm’s way. (PC 273a)
Committing any of the above alongside contributing to delinquency may lead to additional charges.