Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a criminal offense that is generally governed by state laws, and located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes). The crime is usually defined as an adult knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing, encouraging, assisting, or facilitating a minor to engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of state or federal law, or of a municipal or local ordinance.

Some common examples of contributing to the delinquency of a minor include:

• purchasing or providing alcoholic beverages for minors;

• providing illegal drugs to minors;

• allowing minors to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol in your presence;

• providing a fake ID to enable a minor to enter a bar, casino, or other adult-only establishment;

• accompanying a minor while the minor commits a criminal act;

• asking, encouraging, or persuading a minor to commit a crime;

• asking or allowing a minor to assist you in committing a crime; and

• encouraging or assisting a minor in driving a vehicle without a license or permit.

In some states the criminal offense of contributing to the delinquency of a minor only applies to parents, guardians, or other adults who had custody and control of the minor at the time of the crime. But in other states any adult who contributes to the delinquency of a minor—as defined by the relevant state statute—may be subject to criminal prosecution.

In New York, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is addressed under various sections of the state's Penal Law. While New York does not have a statute with the specific title 'contributing to the delinquency of a minor,' several laws criminalize similar conduct. For instance, it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, and supplying minors with illegal drugs would be a violation of the state's controlled substances provisions. Additionally, New York's Penal Law includes offenses such as endangering the welfare of a child, which makes it a crime for a person to act in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child under 17. This can encompass acts like allowing minors to consume alcohol or drugs, or involving them in criminal activities. The specific charges and penalties can vary depending on the nature of the offense and the age of the minor involved. It is important to note that these laws apply to all adults, not just parents or guardians, and can lead to criminal prosecution.