Parenting can be difficult at times. Financial difficulties, emotional trauma, substance issues — they can plague us all at times.
Sometimes, the children are the ones to suffer most, though we may not desire that outcome. Every year, we hear stories about children neglected, abused, or endangered.
Every state has a number of statutes on the books to help prevent harm to children; Oklahoma is no exception. Therefore, Wagoner has a number of statutes covering child abuse, child neglect and child endangerment in Oklahoma.
What is Child Endangerment in Oklahoma?
A parent or caregiver would be charged with child endangerment in Oklahoma in the following circumstances.
- If the adult knowingly permits the physical or sexual abuse of a child, or knowingly allows a child to be present in a place where drugs are manufactured, the adult could be found guilty of child endangerment in Oklahoma.
- If the adult knowingly allows a child to be in a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver or if the adult is driving a child in a car while the adult is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, if the adult reasonably believes that any action to stop the physical or sexual abuse or deny permission for the child to be in the vehicle with an intoxicated person would result in substantial bodily harm to the child, the adult would have a legally cognizable defense to a charge of child endangerment in Oklahoma.
Additionally, refusing medical treatment on the basis of depending upon spiritual means or prayer does not rise to the level of child endangerment as long as the refusal is made in good faith.
Penalties for Child Endangerment in Oklahoma
Child endangerment in Oklahoma is a felony offense.The crime is punishable by up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of child endangerment 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.
