There are many reasons why you may find yourself facing charges of child abuse in Oklahoma City. For instance, a vindictive ex may want to punish you by reporting you for child abuse after an accident has happened to the child.
All parents desire the best for their children, and you could be no exception. But the state does not consider this when they receive a report to investigate you.
Your nightmare may start when a social worker backed by a couple of serious-faced law enforcement officers come to your door. Our advice is to call an Oklahoma City felony defense attorney as soon as you have to start answering questions.
Why Call A Lawyer Immediately
Most people start talking to the police and social worker. Sometimes, it is to honestly tell them that you pushed the child somewhat hard and did not mean to abuse the child. However, do not mistakenly assume that wanting to talk to a lawyer is more damaging than immediately jumping into the conversation with law enforcement.
Having a legal expert present on your side when you tell your story will protect your rights and give you a fighting chance in court. Child abuse crimes are rather serious, and you want to avoid getting convicted. You could spend the rest of your life in prison.
In the experience of a criminal defense lawyer, you could even permanently lose custody of your child if you do not retain a lawyer. It takes the persistence of a capable defense attorney to get charges such as those of child abuse dropped and your child returned to your custody.
What The Prosecution Must Prove
The prosecution must prove certain elements to obtain a conviction on child abuse charges. They must prove that:
- a person who is supposed to be responsible for a child’s health, safety, and welfare
- knowingly perpetrated or allowed torture, maiming, or the use of unreasonable force
- upon a child (under 18 years of age).
The parent, guardian, or custodian charged with the crime need not be the one committing it. Allowing anyone to get away with abusing a child will result in you facing charges of enabling child abuse. The penalties for this are the same as if you were the one perpetrating the abuse.
If a parent punishes a child by paddling, switching, or spanking, abuse charges cannot be pressed against such a parent. But if unreasonable force is used such as to leave marks on the child’s body, a court will treat that as a case of child abuse.
Defenses Against Child Abuse In Oklahoma City
A competent Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney builds a case by discounting even one of the elements a prosecutor must prove. In a situation where you are facing charges of enabling child abuse, the defense can protect your freedom if you were also locked in an abusive marriage, for instance. The spousal abuse you may have been experiencing may have made it difficult for you to notice the abuse of your child.
If you are charged with child abuse due to the malice of a former partner, a competent criminal defense attorney is best placed to prove your innocence to a court. You could end up doing time in prison if you choose not to retain a lawyer.
Penalties For Child Abuse In Oklahoma City
You face severe penalties if you are convicted of child abuse in Oklahoma City. Charges for this crime include exploitation, neglect, and sexual or physical abuse of a child.
Child abuse in Oklahoma City is a felony for which you could face up to life in prison. Another possible punishment is up to a year in county jail, a fine between $500 and $5,000, or both.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
We make it easy for you to get answers to your most pressing questions. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney. Call today for answers to your questions.
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.