Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Cintributing to the delinquency of a minor

I was 20 yrs. old and at the time didnt know he was 17. His 18th birthday was a month away. He was down from college for the weekend. We were in the back seat of my car talking, kissing, hugging. He pulled his pants down, it was about 2 a.m. and dark. I never realized he took his underwear all the way off, I did touch the inside of his thigh, NO SEX. When the police pulled up behind us we were fully clothed, except for the underwear on the floor board, he took us both out of the car and questioned us. I was arrested. I have court next month. What should I do or say!?


Asked on 5/02/08, 8:48 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Cintributing to the delinquency of a minor

You should get a lawyer. If you can't afford one (and can prove it), tell the court and it will appoint one for you. If you can afford one but can't hire one before your court date, ask for more time.

And *don't* say any of the things you said in your question.

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Answered on 5/02/08, 9:02 pm
Jacek W. Lentz Law Offices of Jacek W. Lentz

Re: Cintributing to the delinquency of a minor

Rule No. 1 - do not say ANYTHING except to your own lawyer. If your partner in crime wants to help you, he can decline to talk to police etc. He might be forced to testify in trial, if necessary, but he is under no obligation to talk to the investigators. Make sure you do not try to dissuade him from being a witness on the stand - that could be a separate and perhaps even more serious crime. You can inform him that he does not need to talk at this stage of the proceedings but do not use any pressure and say no more. I am assuming there is no court order in place forbidding you from talking to the "victim."

This is not the time for do-it-yourself approach. You need a lawyer. If you cannot afford one, the court will appoint one for you. Please feel free to contact me directly if you are thinking about retaining a lawyer in Southern California. I would retain a lawyer as soon as possible to perhaps resolve/dismiss this whole thing before the court date.

Jacek W. Lentz, Esq.

310.273.1361

www.lentzlawfirm.com

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Answered on 5/02/08, 9:17 pm


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