What is Child Endangerment?
While child endangerment is a less severe crime than child abuse, Oklahoma still takes it very seriously.
Oklahoma’s primary child endangerment law states that a child’s parent or guardian commits child endangerment when they knowingly permit the physical or sexual abuse of the child, knowingly permit the child to be at a location where a controlled dangerous substance is being manufactured, or knowingly permit the child to be in a vehicle where the driver is intoxicated or where they are the intoxicated driver (Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 852.1).
Child Endangerment Defense
There are defenses a parent or guardian can use if they’re charged with child endangerment. If they reasonably believed that denying one of the above actions would have led to harm or substantial bodily injury to the child, they can use that as a defense.
Additionally, the prosecution has the burden of proof. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the parent or guardian endangered the child for whom they were responsible. This can be a difficult thing to do since they have to prove that the act was committed knowingly.
If you’ve been charged with child endangerment, you’ll need a fierce Claremore defense attorney on your side. An attorney from Wirth Law Office can help you build a solid defense, so you can get the best possible outcome for your situation.
Child Endangerment Penalties
Child endangerment is a felony with steep punishments. You could be sentenced to up to four years in prison. Also, you could be required to pay a fine of up to $5,000. You may be punished with both jail time and a fine.
In order to ensure your freedom, you need to avoid a conviction. Your best chance at doing so is to hire a skilled felony defense attorney in Claremore. They will fight for your rights.
Initial Strategy Consultation with a Claremore Child Endangerment Attorney
If you’ve been charged with, or even accused of, child endangerment, it’s important that you get legal representation as soon as possible. The defense attorneys at Wirth Law Office – Claremore have the skill and experience to give you the best chance at your desired outcome. For a low-cost initial consultation, call (918) 213-0950 or fill out the form at the top of the page.
