In Okmulgee, Oklahoma, lewd molestation of a minor under 16 is a serious crime. This statute is both broadly written and contains significant detail.
This catch-all statute enables the prosecution of all types of sexual acts with children that are not covered elsewhere in the law. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123
What is Lewd Molestation of a Minor Under 16?
Specifically, it is a felony in Oklahoma for any person to knowingly and intentionally make any type of oral, written or electronically or computer-generated lewd or indecent proposal of sexual relations or intercourse to any child under the age of 16, or other individual the person believes to be a child under 16 years of age. The statute also names a number of acts and situations that are specifically prohibited besides the propositioning of a child. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123
This statutory language may cover more situations than you might at first believe. It includes face-to-face conversations, but it also covers texting or “sexting” with a child under 16. It also covers chat room conversations and other social media conversations, tweets, and messages with a child.
However, the statutory prohibitions only come into play if the accused is at least three years older than the victim unless the accused uses force or fear in the act of propositioning the victim. So if the accused is 17 and the victim is 15, the statute wouldn’t apply unless force or fear was used. If force or fear is used, the statute applies despite the closeness in age.
In addition, you may not look at, touch, or feel any bodily part of a child in any lewd manner; invite a child to any secluded, remote, or secret place, with the intent of committing a sexual crime against them; or, in any lascivious manner or for sexual gratification, urinate or defecate upon a child; or ejaculate upon or in their presence; expose, force, or require a child to look at any part of another person’s body or any pornographic materials; or make a child watch sexual acts or touch themselves or another in a sexual manner.
Penalties for Lewd Molestation of a Minor
Any person who is convicted of lewd molestation of a minor under 16 faces imprisonment for between 3and 20 years.
However, if the child is under 12 years of age, you can be imprisoned for a minimum of 25 years.
If you are convicted of a second or subsequent violation, you will not be eligible for probation or suspended or deferred sentences.
If you are convicted a third time, you may be sentenced to prison for life or life without parole at the discretion of the court.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is accused of lewd molestation of a minor in Oklahoma, call 918-756-9600 right away for a initial strategy session with an Okmulgee criminal defense attorney.
You may also send a message to the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee through this website. All inquiries are confidential.
