Authorities mete out severe punishments for a defendant found guilty of lewd molestation of a minor in Oklahoma City. For the purposes of the law, a minor is a person under 16 years of age. Also, Oklahoma not only punishes sexual intercourse with a minor, but also even merely asking a child to engage in any form of sexual activity.
The laws are particularly harsh to protect children from all manner of sexual abuse from predators. The laws that specifically address lewd molestation of a minor under 16 overlap with sexual abuse laws. Because many laws specifically address child sexual molestation and abuse, prosecutors have numerous options in determining with what crime to charge a defendant.
What Is Considered Lewd Molestation Of A Minor In Oklahoma?
Lewdly molesting a child under the age of 16 is sexual battery, according to Oklahoma laws. It is against the law in Oklahoma to engage in any form of sexual activity and to make any form of an indecent or lewd proposal to any person under the age of 16. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123
It is a felony in Oklahoma City to knowingly and intentionally do any of the following:
- Make any form of an indecent proposal to a minor to have them engage in sexual relations with another person. The indecent proposal can be made orally, in writing, by computer, or electronically generated.
- It is also against the law to touch, feel, look upon, or maul the private parts of a child under 16 years of age in a lascivious or lewd way and in acts against public decency as defined by the law.
- Touching, mauling, feeling, or looking upon the private parts of a child lewdly or lasciviously in an indecent manner or a manner relating to sexual interest is also prohibited.
- In any way convincing a person under the age of 16 or one whom the perpetrator believes to be minor to go to a secluded, remote, or secret place with another person with the intention of committing an act against public morality and decency as defined by the law.
Other Forbidden Acts With Minors
Oklahoma Statutes also expressly forbids the following, which is also tried as felonies when committed.
- Defecating or urinating upon a child under the age of 16 years for sexual gratification. It is also a crime to force or require a child to defecate or urinate upon the body of another person for sexual pleasure.
- Ejaculate in the presence of a child or upon a child.
- Compel a child to look upon the private parts or body of another person.
- In any way, make a child less than 16 years or another person who is believed to be under the age of 16 to watch materials deemed to be harmful to minors, including any indecent material and child pornography.
- Cause, expose, or make a child view sexual acts performed in their presence.
- Make or cause the child to touch their body parts or those of another person in a lewd or lascivious way.
Penalties For Lewd Molestation Of A Minor In Oklahoma
This crime can lead to 3 to 20 years in prison upon conviction.
If the child was less than 12 years of age, the defendant could spend a minimum of 25 years in prison.
The above penalties do not apply unless the defendant is at least three years older than the victim and force was used to commit the crime.
These penalties are harsh. Thus, if you are facing charges, you need to speak to an Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney right away.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
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For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
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