Child Abuse

Child abuse is a crime in Oklahoma. An allegation is a serious problem, especially if you don’t have legal counsel and go in alone. In Oklahoma, it is unlawful to willfully or maliciously engage in injuring, torturing or maiming a child under eighteen (18) years of age.

Punishment For Child Abuse in Tulsa

Okla. Stat. tit.21 § 843.5(A).

Child abuse in Oklahoma is a felony punishable by up to life Department of Corrections, or up to one (1) year in a county jail and/or a fine $500 and $5,000.

Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
Chapter 30 – Miscellaneous Offenses Against the Person
Section 843.5 – Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, or Sexual Abuse of Child – Penalties

A. Any parent or other person who shall willfully or maliciously engage in child abuse shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections not exceeding life imprisonment, or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one (1) year, or by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or both such fine and imprisonment. As used in this subsection, “child abuse” means the willful or malicious harm or threatened harm or failure to protect from harm or threatened harm to the health, safety, or welfare of a child under eighteen (18) years of age by another, or the act of willfully or maliciously injuring, torturing or maiming a child under eighteen (18) years of age by another.

B. Any parent or other person who shall willfully or maliciously engage in enabling abuse shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections not exceeding life imprisonment, or by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one (1) year, or by a fine of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment. As used in this subsection, “enabling abuse” means the causing, procuring or permitting of a willful or malicious act of harm or threatened harm or failure to protect from harm or threatened harm to the health, safety, or welfare of a child under eighteen (18) years of age by another. As used in this subsection, “permit” means to authorize or allow for the care of a child by an individual when the person authorizing or allowing such care knows or reasonably should know that the child will be placed at risk of abuse as proscribed by this subsection.

Tulsa Child Abuse Lawyers

We know this kind of charge is a travesty in our state. Our office takes to heart the principle of innocent until proven guilty, and will protect your rights. Don’t go in alone. We have a team of both family and criminal defense lawyers who have the experience and skill to help your case.