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Section 750.145 - Michigan Legislature
750.145 Minor; contributing to neglect or delinquency
In the state of Michigan, contributing to neglect or delinquency is a misdemeanor offense. Any adult who contributes to delinquent activities by those who are younger than age 17 may be held responsible. For example, a parent or other adult may host a party where teenage drinking is allowed for those in attendance who are under the age of 17. In essence, this may be considered neglect as allowing underage individuals to participate in activity that could potentially lead to delinquency in the future is illegal. Adults who encourage or allow illegal behavior in those under age 17, or who place minors in a situation, which exposes them to behavior that is illegal, may face criminal misdemeanor charges.
The elements of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor include:
An adult fails to perform a duty or commits an act;
This omission or act either causes or has the tendency to cause a minor to become or remain:
- A delinquent; or
- A dependent of the juvenile court; or
- A habitual truant
An adult may be charged with contributing to neglect or delinquency even when an underage (under 17) minor does not actually commit an act of delinquency.
Punishment:
A misdemeanor offense, contributing to the neglect or delinquency of a minor will leave those convicted facing fines of as much as $500, up to 90 days in jail, court costs, community service, and probation.
Other Consequences:
A conviction for contributing to the neglect of delinquency of a minor may leave those convicted with a permanent criminal record.
Related Crimes:
Another crime which is related to Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is Selling or Furnishing Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor. Selling or Furnishing Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor is a misdemeanor offense.
Experience and Success:
Grabel & Associates has a proven track record and great success in defending individuals accused of child-related offenses, including Contributing to Neglect or Delinquency of a Minor. We have successfully defended clients against charges of Contributing to Neglect of Delinquency of a Minor and other related offenses, securing acquittals, dismissal of the charges, and having convictions overturned on appeal.
Defenses:
There are numerous defense strategies which may be effective in avoiding a conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Some of these include maintaining you are innocent and have been falsely accused, mistake of age of the minor, or consent of the minor's parents. Defendants who are convicted of crimes involving minors often decide to seek post-conviction relief or appeal their conviction with the Michigan Court of Appeals.
THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 328 of 1931
750.145 Minor; contributing to neglect or delinquency.
Sec. 145.
Contributing to neglect or delinquency of children—Any person who shall by any act, or by any word, encourage, contribute toward, cause or tend to cause any minor child under the age of 17 years to become neglected or delinquent so as to come or tend to come under the jurisdiction of the juvenile division of the probate court, as defined in section 2 of chapter 12a of Act No. 288 of the Public Acts of 1939, as added by Act No. 54 of the Public Acts of the First Extra Session of 1944, and any amendments thereto, whether or not such child shall in fact be adjudicated a ward of the probate court, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
History: 1931, Act 328, Eff. Sept. 18, 1931 ;-- Am. 1939, Act 88, Eff. Sept. 29, 1939 ;-- Am. 1945, Act 85, Eff. Sept. 6, 1945 ;-- CL 1948, 750.145
Compiler's Notes: For provisions of section 2, referred to in this section, see MCL 712A.2.
Former Law: See section 2 of Chapter XXX of Part II of Act 319 of 1927, being CL 1929, § 7630; and section 13 of Chapter XXXVI of Part II of Act 319 of 1927, being CL 1929, § 7696.
