Legal Question in Criminal Law in Iowa

Contributing to Delinquency of Minors

My son goes to court Friday and is charged with 7 counts of contributing to delinquency of minors. He is 22, an electrician who just purchased his first home and invited a few friends over. One ''friend'' brought people that were underage (my son did not know they were 19 & 20)--they brought their own beer. My son did kick out people who started coming that he knew were underage or that he didn't know and tried to get this ''party'' under control. He has never been in any legal trouble in past. Cops came, busted in house because they said they had probable cause because some people ran out back door. They busted 7 minors and my son because it was his house for contributing to minors. The minors already had court, were more or less dismissed--I think they have to attend AA meetings. My son cannot afford attorney as he just bought new home and he can't get off any more time from work. Should he plead guilty or plead not guilty so that he can explain the situation to the judge -- or would that make any difference? What advice can you give us, as we are all worried sick over this? Thanks, worried mom


Asked on 10/25/04, 11:07 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

Re: Contributing to Delinquency of Minors

I assume that he has been charged with violations of Iowa Chapter 709A? If that is the case it is a simple misdemeanor. The Code also allows for a dismissal after a period of time has elapsed. I have included the code section for your reference.

Your son may find that he can carry the ball himself. However, if he misses something there will be no trained pair of hands to pick it up. What you need is an attorney who will go to court with him and plead his case.

709A.3 Suspension of sentence.

Upon said conviction being had, the court may, for a period not exceeding two years, suspend sentence under such conditions as to good behavior as it may prescribe. Should said conditions be fulfilled, the court may at any time enter an order setting said conviction aside and wholly releasing the defendant therefrom. Should said condition be not fulfilled to the satisfaction of the court, an order of sentence may at any time be entered which shall be effective from the date thereof.

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Answered on 10/25/04, 3:51 pm


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