In Wagoner, Oklahoma, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a charge that we all think we understand at first look. But some unexpected actions might well fall within the law’s purview. Basically, the law is meant to prevent exposing children to illegal activities and behaviors.
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Wagoner
In Oklahoma, it is against the law to knowingly cause or encourage a child under 18 years of age to engage in certain acts. You cannot help a child to become delinquent or to aid that child in running away.
You cannot aid or help a child to commit or participate in committing an act that is deemed a felony. You cannot encourage or solicit a child to participate in or join a gang. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 856
Serving alcohol to a minor would certainly be prohibited under the statute, but so might keeping your child home from school unnecessarily, making them a truant. Pimping a child out for prostitution would also be against the law.
Defenses
There are some defenses to contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Wagoner. If you aid a runaway child for a compelling reason, the court may dismiss the charge. Legally, a compelling reason may be imminent danger from incest, a life-threatening situation, or other equally traumatizing circumstances.
The statute requires that the actions of the adult must be made knowingly or willingly. If you have a reasonable belief that the child you are giving alcohol to is of legal age, for example, the intent for the crime is absent.
Penalties
Because the acts that come under the law’s prohibition are varied, so are the penalties for contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Wagoner.
The first offense is treated as a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
However, penalties are much higher for subsequent convictions.
Subsequent violations are treated felonies punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
If you encourage or abet a child to commit a felony, you could be punished by the maximum penalty allowed by the law for that felony. This comes up frequently in drug cases involving adults soliciting a child to run drugs.
If you encourage or solicit a child to join in or participate in illegal gang activities, you could spend up to five years in prison for the first offense and 5 to 10 years in prison for subsequent offenses.
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in Oklahoma, talk to an experienced Wagoner criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not wait and do not speak to the police. Remember that everything that you say to them can and will be used against you.
For a low-cost consultation, call Wirth Law Office – Wagoner at 918-485-0335.
As always, you have the option to enter a legal question in the form at the top right of this page.
