Parents and caregivers alike are required to provide adequate care to the children they are responsible for in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma.
Because child neglect in Oklahoma is broadly defined and a very serious accusation, contact an experienced family attorney if you or anyone you know is facing this charge.
Defining “Child Neglect”
“Neglect” takes many forms and does not necessarily constitute actual physical or sexual acts of child abuse.
Failing to meet certain obligations as a child’s caretaker or parent can lead to a criminal charge of child neglect in Oklahoma.
However, to be found guilty of this crime, a defendant must have acted either willfully or maliciously in neglecting a child in at least one of the following ways:
- By failing to provide adequate nurture, affection, food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, hygiene, medical treatment, education, or supervision.
- By failing to protect a children from exposure to illegal drugs, illegal activities, or sexual acts or materials.
- Abandoning a child.
Each of these categories of neglect can give rise to complicated, fact-specific cases.
For example, a babysitter who leaves a child in a car for several minutes may face a child neglect charge for abandonment, just like a mother who leaves her young child home alone for several hours.
Therefore, it is important that an Okmulgee criminal defense attorney assist with navigating any legal charges you may be facing.
Penalties for Child Neglect in Oklahoma
Aside from no longer be allowed to raise or care for children, a conviction of child neglect can result in a sentence varying from a year in jail to life in prison – for very serious cases.
Punishments for child neglect in Oklahoma often take into account the well-being of a child in addition to considerations of the underlying crime of neglect itself.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Family Attorney
If you or someone you know needs to speak with a family lawyer regarding a charge of child neglect, call 918-756-9600 now for a initial consult at the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee.
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.
