Being accused of disobeying child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma can not only lead to serious legal troubles, but can also ruin your reputation in Tahlequah, and affect your ability to live and work where you please.
Additionally, if you are criminally charged with child sex abuse, you may find yourself behind bars for several years.
For this reason, an experienced Tahlequah attorney is necessary if you are accused of disobeying child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma.
Child Sexual Abuse Definition
Under Oklahoma law, child sex abuse is defined as the willful or malicious sexual abuse of a child.
This includes rape, incest, lewd or indecent acts, or proposals of a child under the age of 18.
However, a number of other undefined acts may be construed as illegal under child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma.
About Child Sexual Abuse Laws In Oklahoma
Children Ages 12-17
If a defendant has been accused of committing sexual abuse against a child who is between the age of 12 of 17, they will face at least one year in county jail and a fine between $500 and $5,000. In extreme cases, a defendant may face life in prison.
Children Under 12
If a defendant is convicted of committing sexual abuse against a child under the age of 12, they will be convicted of a felony in Tahlequah. They will serve between 25 years and life in prison.
Enablement Of Abuse
Not only is an act of actual sexual abuse against a child a crime in Oklahoma, so is allowing or enabling it to happen.
Enabling child sex abuse means to cause or procure the willful or malicious act of the sexual abuse of a child. This also includes child prostitution.
Permitting child sex abuse is defined as authorizing or allowing for the care of a child by an individual when the person authorizing or allowing such care knows or reasonably should know that the child will be placed at risk of sexual abuse. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 843.5
This includes instances where a parent is aware that another adult is abusing a child, but continues to allow the adult to interact or live with the child.
Low-cost Initial Consultation: Tahlequah Felony Defense Lawyer
Child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma are very serious and any charges should not be taken lightly. Please contact a Tahlequah criminal defense lawyer to discuss your available legal options.
For a low-cost consultation, call Wirth Law Office – Tahlequah at 918-458-2677 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
Or, if you prefer e-mail, you may enter a legal question in the form at the top right of this page and we’ll contact you by e-mail as soon as possible.
