Child endangerment Tulsa is a serious charge in Oklahoma with serious consequences.
A consultation with an experienced Tulsa criminal defense attorney should always be your first step if you are accused of child endangerment in Oklahoma.
What is Child Endangerment Tulsa?
A parent, guardian, or person having custody or control of a child under 18 can be charged with child endangerment Tulsa in the following circumstances where he or she:
- Knowingly permits physical or sexual abuse of a child;
- Knowingly permits a child to be present at a location where a controlled dangerous substance is being manufactured.
- Knowingly permits a child to be present in a vehicle when the person knows or should have known that the operator of the vehicle is impaired or is under the influence of alcohol; or
- Is the driver, operator, or person in physical control of a vehicle that is impaired or intoxicated while transporting a child.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 852.1
A statutory affirmative defense to child endangerment Tulsa is a reasonable apprehension 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 person or the child.
It is the burden of the State of Oklahoma to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not have such reasonable apprehension. If the State of Oklahoma fails to sustain that burden, then the defendant must be found not guilty.
Penalty
Child endangerment Tulsa is a felony crime punishable by up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is accused of child endangerment in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced attorney at Wirth Law Office – Tulsa today by calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
You can also send a question or brief message through this website.