Juveniles can and do break the law. Hence, all jurisdictions have different ways of dealing with minors when they break the law. For some crimes, minors can be charged and treated as an adult. This may happen with serious crimes such as murder. In other situations, a minor can be treated as a youthful offender or as an adjudicated delinquent in Oklahoma.
An adjudicated delinquent is a minor who has been found guilty of a juvenile crime. These crimes are not usually terribly serious. After the minor has complied with all orders of that system, the minor’s criminal records are usually sealed.
Legal Implications Of Being An Adjudicated Delinquent
For the most part, being an adjudicated delinquent is an attempt to intervene in the life of a troubled teen. Often as a result, a teen may obtain counseling or substance abuse treatment if needed.
But there are also certain limitations to being an adjudicated delinquent. One of those limitations pertains to the possession of a firearm.
What The Law Says
When a minor is an adjudicated delinquent for a crime that would have been a felony if they were charged as an adult, they cannot have any type of firearm or dangerous weapon for 10 years. To do so is a felony in Tahlequah. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1283
The law prohibits the firearm even if the adjudicated delinquent is unaware of the firearm’s presence. This may happen if a friend is carrying a gun. Here is an example of how this may occur.
An adjudicated minor turns 18. He and his buddies go out for a birthday celebration. The minor is driving his own car.
However, unbeknownst to him, one of his friends is carrying a firearm in his jacket. The police stop and search the car. The adjudicated minor is arrested for breaking the firearm law.
Penalties For Possession Of A Firearm As An Adjudicated Delinquent In Oklahoma
The crime is a felony in Tahlequah. You could spend up to 10 years in prison. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1284
Hiring an experienced Tahlequah attorney can make the difference between your freedom and further jail time. If you are facing charges, call today.
Low-cost Initial Consultation: Tahlequah Criminal Defense Lawyer
Please contact a Tahlequah criminal defense lawyer to discuss your available legal options if you’ve been charged with possession of a firearm as an adjudicated delinquent in Oklahoma.
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.
