An Oklahoma child abuse accusation is taken very seriously. The penalties for an Oklahoma child abuse charge, if you are convicted, could change your life. It is important to understand what child abuse is, what it is not, and how it is treated in Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Child Abuse Charges Can Have Devastating Effects Even Before Trial
When abuse has been reported to Wagoner law enforcement authorities, they are then required to investigate the charge. As part of that investigation, the suspected perpetrator is often removed from all contact with children, including his or her own.
Children as most often removed and placed into a temporary living situation outside the home. Everything that is learned during the investigation will be available to the prosecution at trial, if the matter proceeds that far.
FAQ: Oklahoma Child Abuse Charges
It is important to know that under Oklahoma law, any person who enables a child to be abused is treated under the law as if they themselves abused the child. This happens more often than you might initially believe.
Imagine this scenario for a moment. A father is physically abusing a child and the mother knows but does nothing to intervene, perhaps afraid that her husband will turn around and abuse her if she interferes. Under the law, the mother is just as culpable as the father. The statute defines enabling as causing, procuring, or permitting a willful or malicious act of child abuse. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 843.5
Under the law, Oklahoma child abuse is defined as willfully or maliciously injuring, torturing, or maiming a child under 18 years of age. While the statute permits a parent to use ordinary force in the disciplining of a child, if the child is injured as a result, the parent might face abuse charges.
Child abuse and child neglect are both treated seriously under Oklahoma law. Both are felonies and both carry a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
Child neglect is defined as the failure to provide for the basic needs of a child: such as food, clothing, affection, hygiene, education, medical or dental care, appropriate supervision, or other special needs of the child. It can also include the failure to protect a child from exposure to drugs, pornography, or other illegal activities. It can also include abandoning the child. Okla. Stat. tit. 10A § 1-1-105
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Felony Defense Attorney
If you are being accused of Oklahoma child abuse, you stand to lose your freedom for life. The felony defense attorneys at Wirth Law Office – Wagoner encourage you to schedule a initial consultation to discuss what an experienced criminal defense attorney can do to resolve your criminal matter.
Call a Wagoner felony defense attorney at 918-485-0335 to schedule your low-cost strategy session. You may also contact us by email using the form at the top of this page.
