ADULT CONTRIBUTING

LEGAL PRACTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT

Legal practice in the Juvenile Court is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. If an individual wishes to handle his or her own case, he or she may do so; however, they may not represent others. Due to the complexity of the law and the desire to avoid costly errors, most individuals who have filings before the Court are represented by an attorney. Deputy clerks are prevented by law from practicing law and, therefore, are not permitted to give advice.

Under Ohio law, it is an offense for an adult to contribute to, or encourage in any way, the delinquency, unruliness or neglect of a minor. In Sandusky County, the Juvenile Court has jurisdiction to try adults accused of these offenses. Law enforcement will complete a complaint and charge the Adult with Contributing. The complaint is forwarded to the Sandusky County Prosecutor’s Office for review. If the Prosecutor’s Office decides to prosecute the Adult, they will file the Complaint in Sandusky County Juvenile Court.

Typically, an Adult Contributing case arises when:

• An adult persuades or helps minors to commit acts of juvenile delinquency or unruliness.
• An adult sells alcohol to minors, selling alcohol to minors can be defined according to the Ohio Revised Code (ORC 4301.69) as anyone who does any of the following:
  • Sells, buys or provides alcohol to anyone who is underage unless it is for religious purposes, provided by a doctor for medical purposes, or the underage individual is supervised by a parent, legal guardian or spouse who is not underage.
  • Knowingly allows anyone underage to possess or consume alcohol on their property, unless it was provided under supervision to them by a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is not underage.
  • That alcohol will be consumed by an underage person or people on the property, unless it is provided by a parent, legal guardian or spouse that is not underage.
  • That a drug will be used on the property, except if it was prescribed by a licensed health professional and it was in the original container.
  • Allows anyone who is underage to make reservations at a hotel or campground or let another individual make reservations for them, if they know or have reason to believe that an underage person is drunk or is in possession of alcohol and is not under the supervision of a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is not underage.
• Failure to send a minor to school.

A conviction of any crimes against a minor will negatively impact all areas of your life. A conviction may result in jail time or fines and Court costs. SEARCH HERE for costs that may be imposed.