Just the suggestion that someone has sexually abused a minor can ruin their reputation, and in some cases, their life.
While mere allegations are serious, an arrest under child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma can also lead to varying penalties, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime.
If you or someone you know has been charged under child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma, contact an experienced Okmulgee criminal defense attorney today.
Child Sexual Abuse Definition
Oklahoma law defines child sex abuse as the willful or malicious sexual abuse of a child.
“Sexual abuse” includes rape, incest, lewd or indecent acts or proposals of a child under the age of 18.
This is not a complete list, however, and other acts may qualify as “sexual abuse.”
About Child Sexual Abuse Laws in Oklahoma
Children Age 12-17
Anyone who commits sex abuse against a child between the ages of 12 and 17 will face at least one year in county jail.
Depending on the seriousness of the abuse, however, under child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma they may be sentenced to life in prison.
A defendant may also be charged a fine ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Children Under 12
Anyone who commits sexual abuse against a child under 12 years old will be charged with a felony offense and may face up between 25 years and life imprisonment, in addition to fines.
Enablement of Abuse
The state of Oklahoma also punishes the enablement of child sex abuse.
Under child sexual abuse laws in Oklahoma, enabling abuse is just as serious as committing the actual act.
Even if a defendant did not actually abuse the child, they may be charged with sex abuse if they enabled it.
Enabling child sexual abuse refers to causing or procuring the willful or malicious act of the sexual abuse of a child.
Enablement may often apply in instances of child sex trafficking.
However, adults can also be charged with child sexual abuse if they “permit” it.
“Permit” means to authorize or allow 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 the risk of sexual abuse.
This is common in instances where a parent or caregiver is aware a child in her care is being abused by another adult, but continues to permit that person to visit or live with the child.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Criminal Defense Attorney
A charge of child sex abuse can have devastating effects on your life, as well as your family’s.
If you or someone you know is facing a child sexual abuse charge, call our Okmulgee office at 918-756-9600 for a low-cost consultation.
Or, enter your legal question or concern in the form at the top right of this page, and one of our attorneys will promptly return your message.
