Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor | Penal Code § 272

Description

The law defines Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor as any act or omission of the performance of any duty, or the encouragement of any person under the age of 18 years to fail or refuse to conform to a lawful order of the court, or attempts to lure a child from their residence or known location without the consent of the minor’s parent or legal guardian. Examples of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor are allowing your 16-year old nephew to have sex in your spare bedroom or supplying a keg for your child’s graduation party or encouraging a minor to skip school.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

1. Defendant committed an act or omitted to perform a duty, or engaged in threats, commands, or persuasion, directed towards any minor or ward.
2. The act or omission caused, or encouraged, or contributed to causing or encouraging Victim under the age of eighteen years to become or continue to be a dependent child. or
3. Defendant thereby induced or endeavored to induce the minor or ward, etc. (A) To fail or refuse to conform to a lawful order of the juvenile court or (B) To do or perform any act or to follow any course of conduct or to so live as would cause, or manifestly tend to cause any person to become or remain a delinquent child. [PC 272]

Punishment

Misdemeanor: 0-364 days

 

Can this be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor (“wobbler”)?	No
Is this charge a strike?	No
Is this charge a “serious felony”	No
Is this charge a “violent felony”	No
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?	No
Do I have to register as a drug offender if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to own or possess a firearm if convicted?	No
Do I lose my right to vote if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for a local sentence (PC § 1170(h)) if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for PC § 1000 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I eligible for Prop. 36 drug diversion if convicted?	No
Am I required to give a DNA sample if convicted?	No
Is this charge considered a “crime of moral turpitude” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “aggravated felony” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “controlled substance violation” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “domestic violence” for immigration purposes?	No
Is this charge considered a “firearm conviction” for immigration purposes?	No