Contributing To The Delinquency Of A Minor
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is defined as the intention of causing, helping, or encouraging a minor to run away from home or to be delinquent. A “runaway child” means an un-emancipated minor who is voluntarily absent from the home without a compelling reason, without the consent of a custodial parent or other custodial adult and without the parent or other custodial adult’s knowledge as to the child’s whereabouts. “Compelling reason” means imminent danger from incest, a life-threatening situation, or equally traumatizing circumstance. Delinquent is defined as someone having the tendency to commit crimes.
Oklahoma Statute
The statute for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor is OKLA. STAT. tit. 21 § 856, which states “Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, every person who shall knowingly or willfully cause, aid, abet or encourage a minor to be, to remain, or to become a delinquent child or a runaway child, upon conviction, shall, for the first offense, be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed one (1) year, or by a fine not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.”
Elements of the Crime
In order to be convicted of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Oklahoma, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt. The criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are FIERCE ADVOCATES for every client and will hold the government to their burden in your case. In order to be convicted of this crime; the government must prove:
1) knowingly or willfully;
2) caused, aided, abetted, or encouraged;
3) a child under the age of 18;
4) to be, become, or remain a delinquent or runaway child.
Oklahoma Jury Instruction #4-46.
What the Skilled Lawyers at Cannon & Associates Can Do For You
Being charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor in Oklahoma is a serious matter. The Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys at Cannon & Associates are Fierce Advocates for Families and Freedom and will fight for you! At Cannon & Associates, we have extensive criminal defense experience, and will be with you every step of the way. We will take care to explain the issues and options to get you to your desired result and support you in this difficult time.
Contact – Cannon & Associates: Oklahoma Criminal Defense
Cannon & Associates is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for Oklahoma criminal defendants and will fight for you. Founder John Cannon has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top 40 under 40. Contact Cannon & Associates to protect your rights and fight your criminal case in Oklahoma. Complete the CONTACT FORM ON THIS PAGE NOW or CALL at 405-657-2323 for a free confidential case evaluation.