An allegation of child sexual abuse in Wagoner, Oklahoma is extremely serious. A person charged with child sexual abuse in Wagoner will likely face many problems associated with the stigma of simply being accused of this crime. The stigma typically remains regardless of whether the accused is found guilty or innocent.
Furthermore, the problems and stigma often follow individuals whose charges are dropped and never prosecuted. A charge of child sexual abuse can ruin your life regardless of your guilt or innocence.
If you have been charged with child sexual abuse, you need to consult with the Wagoner felony attorneys at Wirth Law Firm.
Our Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys have the experience and knowledge to thoroughly investigate the matter and formulate an aggressive defense to the charges.
Our criminal defense lawyers have a record of successfully challenging child sexual abuse in Wagoner charges on behalf of our clients.
Our attorneys do not automatically assume you are guilty simply because you have been charged with this crime as most family members, friends, co-workers, police officers and prosecutors do.
What is the Difference Between Child Sexual Abuse and Lewd or Indecent Proposals or Acts?
The most distinctive difference between a charge of Lewd or Indecent Proposals or Acts with a child and child sexual abuse has to do with the person who allegedly committed the crime.
To be charged with child sexual abuse, the person committing the crime is a parent, caregiver or other person responsible for the child’s care. On the other hand, any adult may be charged with a lewd act or indecent proposal.
Child sexual abuse is defined in the criminal code under 21 O.S. § 843.5. This statute deals specifically with the “abuse, neglect, exploitation or sexual abuse of a child” and falls under the Child Abuse statutes.
Child sexual abuse in Wagoner can include, but is not limited to, incest, rape and indecent or lewd acts.
According to the statute, a parent or any person who is responsible for the welfare, safety or health of the child who willfully or maliciously engage in or enables another to engage in the sexual abuse of a child is subject to life in prison without parole.
If the child is under the age of 12 at the time of the abuse, the defendant must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison if found guilty.
Under Oklahoma’s Lewd or Indecent Proposals or Acts to a Child Under 16 statute (21 O.S. § 1123), it is illegal to have sexual contact with a child.
The law also prohibits any act committed for sexual gratification even if the defendant did not touch a child. Exposing yourself to a minor, forcing a child to look at pornography or forcing a child to watch a sexual act being performed in his or her presence all carry the same punishment as touching a child in a sexual manner.
Contact the Wirth Law Office in Wagoner for a Consultation
If you have been charged with child sexual abuse, you need an attorney who has aggressively defended these charges in the past. You need an attorney who knows exactly what it takes to protect a defendant from an overzealous prosecutor, court or jury.
Our child sexual abuse in Wagoner defense attorneys take your case very seriously.
When you need the services of an experienced Wagoner criminal defense attorney, contact the Wirth Law Office – Wagoner at 918-485-0335. We will explain how our knowledge and resources can help you successfully defend a child sexual abuse charge.
