Recently, a Youngwood man was sentenced to 19 years of probation after pleading guilty to two counts of child endangerment and two counts of corruption of minors. He was originally facing several more serious charges of aggravated indecent assault, and statutory sexual assault, among others, which would have had much harsher penalties. Still, a conviction for corruption of minors is very serious and could have lifelong penalties for those convicted. It is for this reason that anyone facing these charges should speak to a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer that can help them beat the charges.
How the Law Defines Corruption of a Minor
The offense of corruption of minors encompasses three different types of charges in Pennsylvania. The charges laid will depend on what an adult over the age of 18 is trying to persuade the minor to do. The different types of charges under corruption of a minor are as follows:
- Convincing a minor to commit a crime or facilitate a violation of the law,
- Commit an act sexual in nature, or
- Truancy
For each type of charge, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Corruption of Minors Involving Committing a Criminal Offense
When trying to secure a conviction for corruption of minors involving committing a criminal offense, the prosecution must prove that the defendant is 18 years old or older and that they tried to corrupt the morals of a minor individual under the age of 18. The prosecution must also prove the defendant abetted, aided, encouraged, or enticed the minor to commit a crime or knowingly assist or encourage a minor to violate their parole or any other court order.
Corruption of Minors of a Sexual Nature
To prove corruption of a minor of a sexual nature, the prosecution must prove that an adult defendant corrupted or tried to corrupt the morals of a minor younger than the age of 18. The prosecution must prove the defendant encouraged or enticed the minor to commit an offense in violation of Chapter 31 of the Pennsylvania Criminal Code, which covers sexual offenses.
Corruption of Minors Truancy
To secure a conviction for corruption of minors in regards to truancy, the prosecution must prove the adult defendant abetted, aided, or encouraged the minor to commit truancy. Truancy is the act of staying home from school without good reason.
Penalties for Corruption of Minors
Corruption of minors is a very serious criminal offense that comes with harsh penalties for those convicted. The penalties range from a maximum of 90 days in jail for corruption related to truancy, and up to seven years for corruption of a minor related to a sexual act. Even after a person has served their time, they may deal with consequences. A conviction for corruption of minors could result in a person being placed on a sexual offender registry under Megan’s Law.
Call Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Pennsylvania Today
If you or someone you love has been charged with corruption of minors, you need a solid legal defense. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Allentown criminal defense lawyers have the necessary experience to prepare a defense that will help you beat the charges. Call us today at (215) 486-0123 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
triblive.com/local/westmoreland/youngwood-man-to-serve-nearly-two-decades-on-parole-for-sexually-assaulting-girls/