Child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a serious crime. So much so that even a mere accusation of it can ruin your entire life.
Because of the far-reaching consequences of this crime, it is important to contact an experienced Oklahoma City felony defense attorney as soon as possible. Failure to do so can have severe consequences that will follow you for the rest of your life.
FAQ: Child Sexual Abuse in Oklahoma City
The willful or malicious sexual abuse of a child is considered child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City.
This includes rape, incest, lewd, or indecent acts, or proposals of a child under the age of 18.
This is not an exhaustive list and a number of other acts may constitute child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City.
Enablement of Abuse
Just because someone does not personally abuse a child, does not mean they cannot be charged with the crime of child sex abuse. Enabling someone else to abuse a child is just as serious.
Anyone who permits, causes or procures the willful or malicious act of harm or threatened harm or failure to protect from harm or threatened harm to the health, safety, or welfare of a child under eighteen (18) years of age by another can be found guilty of enabling child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City. This definition also encompasses 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. (Ok. Stat. Tit. 21 Sec. 843.5).
Therefore, someone who knows that another adult is or is likely to sexually abuse a child, but allows that person to care for the child, they may be charged with enabling abuse.
Penalties for Child Sex Abuse
Children Age 12-17
If the victim of child sex abuse was between the age of 12 and 17, a convicted defendant can face at least one year in jail and will be required to pay a fine of between $500 and $5,000. However, a defendant may have find himself spending the rest of his life in jail if he’s been found to commit serious acts against a child between the ages of 12 and 17.
Children Under 12
A felony conviction of abuse against a child under the age of 12 will result in serving at least 25 years in prison. Some may serve life in prison for this offense.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Felony Defense Attorney
Getting accused of child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City can spiral out of control very quickly. You may be looking at life in prison, so it is imperative that you consult with an attorney who is highly experienced in this area of law. It is simply not worth the chance of losing your freedom for decades of your life.
Call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at (405) 588-4529 (588-4LAW). If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.