Oklahoma laws are strict when it comes to protecting minors. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and the laws are designed to keep them safe from all forms of exploitation and violation. Children can get exposed to harmful influences such as drugs, sex, alcohol, and even violent crime. Thus, contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Oklahoma City is a crime.
How Is Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Child In Oklahoma City Defined?
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Oklahoma City is tried as a misdemeanor for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense is tried as a felony in Oklahoma City. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 856
Oklahoma laws forbid adults from involving children in acts that are deemed harmful to minors. These acts include all those that make children delinquent.
For instance:
- The laws in Oklahoma forbid aiding a child to run away.
- It is illegal to aid a child in committing or participating in a felony.
- You cannot solicit or encourage a child to join or participate in a gang.
- You should not serve alcohol to a minor.
- It is illegal to keep your child from school unnecessarily.
- You cannot pimp your child out for prostitution.
- It is illegal to involve a child in any illegal and criminal activity such as to request a minor to run an errand delivering street drugs to your friend.
What The Prosecutor Must Prove
The prosecutor must prove the following four elements beyond a shadow of a doubt to secure a conviction on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a child in Oklahoma City.
- Knowingly and intentionally
- encouraged, abetted, aided, or caused
- a child under the age of 18 years,
- to become, be, or continue being a delinquent or runaway child.
A possible defense for this crime is discounting the first element. You can claim that you did not knowingly cause an underage child to be delinquent by claiming you reasonably believed the child was over 18 years of age. This can be a possible defense when you have served alcohol to a minor.
Another possible defense can be claiming you had compelling reasons for your actions. This defense can possibly be applicable when you have helped a child run away.
You can claim there were compelling reasons such as traumatizing circumstances, a life-threatening situation, or imminent danger from incest. Another compelling reason is if the child’s physical, mental, and emotional health were in danger.
However, despite the mention of possible defenses here, a competent and experienced attorney is best placed to put together a solid defense for your specific case.
Penalties
Penalties for aiding the delinquency of a minor are as valid as the acts involved. A person convicted for a first offense can face jail time of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Subsequent crimes attract more severe penalties. A conviction for subsequent offenses can see a defendant spend up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
Encouraging a child to participate in gang activities can see a convicted person spend up to five years in prison for a first offense and between five and ten years in prison for subsequent crimes.
If the crime involves aiding a minor commit a felony, the perpetrator could be punished with the maximum penalty allowed by law for the offense the minor committed.
Getting Help
If you or a loved is facing charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, you should talk to a capable and experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney immediately. Our attorney is one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma City, OK.
He is knowledgeable in the law and has the wit and tenacity to match the unforgiving Oklahoma City prosecutor. He will take your side in the case against you and help you prepare a solid defense.
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.