Various laws in Oklahoma specifically deal with child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. The state takes the abuse of children seriously and metes out harsh penalties for those found guilty. However, being charged with child endangerment in Oklahoma City is a less severe crime than the physical and sexual abuse of children.
Child Abuse
In Oklahoma City, a person enabling child abuse and the abuser face similar consequences. The child endangerment law prohibits the physical and sexual abuse of children. The maximum penalty under Oklahoma law for allowing child abuse or perpetrating it is life in prison. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 843.5
Physical abuse is said to have occurred when one of the following happens:
- malicious and willful harm to a child;
- the threat of such malicious and willful harm; or
- enabling either of the two previously mentioned events to occur.
Sexual abuse includes the following:
- All forms of sexual touching.
- Exploiting the child sexually. This includes permitting, procuring, and causing the act of sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse in Oklahoma City includes all acts such as incest, rape, and indecent or lewd acts or proposals.
A parent can be charged with child abuse as well as child endangerment in Oklahoma City.
Child Endangerment
One of the following conditions must be met for a parent, guardian, or custodian to be charged with child endangerment.
- With knowledge of what is happening, they allow the physical and sexual abuse of a child or perpetrate it themselves.
- Allowing children to be present where drugs or other controlled substances are being manufactured.
- Letting a child be in a vehicle driven by someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Driving a vehicle with a child within it while you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
When a parent in good faith refuses to take a child to a hospital, trusting to faith healing and such spiritual means, they cannot be charged with child endangerment. Oklahoma law recognizes spiritual methods for the cure of disease.
Also, a parent, guardian, or custodian may not be charged with child endangerment if they permit actions that endanger a child because they reasonably believe that attempting to stop such actions would endanger the child further. If a person can prove the preceding in court, they could be exonerated of child abuse charges. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 852.1
Penalties for Child Endangerment in Oklahoma City
Child endangerment is a felony in Oklahoma City. If you are convicted, you could serve up to four years in prison, pay a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Have you been charged with child endangerment? This can be a particularly distressing crime that puts your character in a terrible light in the eyes of the community. Our law firm would like to hear your side of the story and present a solid defense for you.
We won’t condemn you or join others in dismissing you as guilty for having such charges brought against you. Our lawyer is familiar with the justice system in Oklahoma City and will present a rock-solid defense for you. He has the tenacity to stand up for you when you face a persistent Oklahoma City prosecutor.
Oklahoma City prosecutors are rather pushy. Avoid confessing things and incriminating yourself when pushed hard by police and prosecutor in the absence of your lawyer. Let a capable lawyer help you out. Even though they could offer you help, the police and prosecutor are mainly representing the state, and their job is to see to it that you are put away.
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.
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