Defining Lewd or Indecent Proposal to a Child in Okmulgee

Sexual communication with children is a crime that Oklahoma prosecutors work hard to defend children in the community. And the Oklahoma legislature has given prosecutors plenty of statutory ammunition to work with. There are several statutes in Oklahoma law that a prosecutor may choose from. One of them in Okmulgee is a prohibition against making a lewd or indecent proposal to a child.

Lewd or Indecent Proposal to a Child Defined

Knowingly and intentionally making a sexual, lewd, or indecent proposal to a child under 16 years of age, or believed to be under that age, is a felony in Oklahoma. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123

This is a crime that can occur in a number of ways. Often it happens in person. An adult solicits sex or makes sexual overtures to a child.

But this crime often occurs via electronic delivery such as phone calls, texts, Snapchat, private messaging, or other social media platform. Any form of communication will suffice. Physical contact is not required.

Lewd or indecent proposals are just what they may seem. Communications with sexual overtones, sexual suggestions, setting up a sexual contact, all constitute indecent or lewd proposals. The statute also provides a long list of prohibited suggested acts including, but not limited to, proposals regarding:

touching
mauling,
ejaculating,
lasciviously looking at a child’s private parts,
engaging in any sexual act,
forcing a child to view or engage in a sexual act,
viewing pornography,
urinating or defecating
sexually exposing yourself to the child,
enticing a child to a private location intending to have sexual contact,
or other types of sexual communication.

Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123

Penalties for Lewd or Indecent Proposal to a Child Are Harsh

Prison sentences for these crimes are particularly harsh, and dependent upon the age of the child involved. If the child is under 16 years, you could face prison from three to 10 years. If the child is under 12, the court will likely sentence you to at least 25 years in prison.

A subsequent conviction could mean life in prison without parole.

In addition, these sentences are not eligible for probation, suspended or deferred sentences. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1123

Once released, you must register with the sex offender registry in Oklahoma. This is often the most difficult part of a conviction. It also limits where you may work and live.

If you are facing charges, do not talk to the police without an attorney present. It is important that you hire an experienced Okmulgee criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Defenses may be available to you. Get the help you need today.