Have you been accused of an Internet sex crime in Oklahoma? Contact our defense lawyers today to fight for your legal rights.
As the Internet becomes more and more popular with and accessible to all age groups, the prevalence of Internet sex crimes is on the rise. As this growth continues, sexual predators are faced with cooperation from county, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as stricter penalties for Internet sex crime offenders. If you have been charged with an Internet sex crime in Oklahoma, contact our experienced defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center today.
Oklahoma Internet Sex Crimes
There are essentially three main categories of Internet sex crimes committed against minors, including:
- Internet Crimes with Identified Victims (39% of all arrests)
- Internet Solicitations to Undercover Law Enforcement (25% of arrests)
- Internet Child Pornography (36% of arrests)
These three main categories are considered umbrella offenses that cover a very diverse range of charges, including sexual assaults (attempted and completed), soliciting minors via illegal use of the Internet, and the possession, distribution and/or production of child pornography. Internet child pornography is a particularly serious offense that Oklahoma lawmakers are seeking to put a stop to. Characteristics of child pornography images that may lead to an internet sex crime arrest include:
- Genitals or explicit sexual activity – 92%
- Penetration of a minor – 80%
- Sexual contact between adults and minors – 71%
- Minors involved in violent sexual acts – 21%
In an effort to crack down on Internet sex crimes in Oklahoma and across the United States, federal and state agencies – including special task forces and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) – are cooperating with local authorities to prosecute these crimes and properly penalize offenders. With these powerful organizations working together to put a stop to Internet sex crimes, there is a high conviction rate for these particular offenses, with between 5% and 7% of charges being dismissed, dropped or acquitted at trial.
Penalties for Internet Sex Crimes in Oklahoma
The penalties associated with Internet sex crimes in Oklahoma are severe, and a conviction for this type of offense could result in a fine of up to $10,000, a prison sentence of up to ten years, or both. In addition, under Oklahoma sex crime laws, every communication with a minor constitutes a separate offense. This means that if an offender solicited five minors for sexual contact and is convicted of each of these offenses, he could face up to fifty years in prison, fines of up to $50,000, or both. Defendants convicted of Internet sex crimes may also face additional penalties beyond fines and incarceration, including mandatory sex offender registration with the state, and the addition of a felony to their permanent criminal record.
Contact Our Defense Attorneys in Oklahoma
If you have been charged with an Internet sex crime in Oklahoma, contact our experienced defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center and put a skilled legal representative on your side. The immediate penalties associated with such a crime are severe, and sex offender status and registration can have long-term consequences for your personal and social life as well, putting significant restrictions on where you can live, work and spend your free time. With the help of our defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center, you can protect your legal rights and begin fighting your Internet sex crime charges today.