Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form
As the internet has grown exponentially in influence and sheer scope, we as a society have seen that the World Wide Web presents further opportunities for criminals to commit their crimes. Though this trend is very visible in such fields as fraud and theft law, perhaps no other criminal realm has seen more growth than internet sex crimes.
The internet presents the perfect opportunity for those who wish to prey on the weak, vulnerable, and naïve. However, Oklahoma has taken the steps to combat these new developments. Consequently, the state wastes no time in prosecuting such violations with full force. That is why a sex crimes attorney is crucial to help and advise in these legal situations.
The legislature has created specific provisions pursuant to the “Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act” to combat individuals who use the internet to violate the law:
No person shall communicate with, store data in, or retrieve data from a computer system or computer network for the purpose of using such access to violate any of the provisions of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for a term of not more than five (5) years, or by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or by both such imprisonment and fine.
Furthermore, these statutes have expanded criminal liability to the use of “computer devices” such as cell phones and other forms of digital communication. As such, the majority of internet sex crimes in Oklahoma are those sex crimes which are accomplished by solicitation.
It is easy to see why the field of internet sex crimes is one of the fastest growing problems in the state. This fact is evident in the proliferation of news stories documenting the trend, not to mention television shows such as “To Catch a Predator.” Some of the most common internet sex crimes include:
Child pornography is an addiction. It is a heinous crime, in that it harms the most helpless members of our society. The predilection to children is a disorder that must be treated holistically. Many may argue, rightfully so, that in some cases part of this treatment must include some sort of prison time to further the fact that society does not, and will not, stand to see our children abused and mistreated. Still, there must treatment to address the underlying issues that so many criminal defendants face when charged with these abhorrent crimes.
If you or a loved one are facing charges of possession of child pornography you should immediately consult an attorney with experience in these cases.
Most sex crimes are charged as felonies. As such, a conviction for a sex crime will likely result in felony conviction consequences. However, this is hardly the end of the line; the vast majority of those Defendants convicted of a sex crime in the state will also have to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act.
The ramifications of registering as a sex offender in the state are totally life-altering. Sex Offenders are treated as second-class citizens. Furthermore, the Oklahoma Sex Offender Registration Act has been amended with such great frequency and lack of oversight that the registration requirements could become even more debilitating. Though the registration requirements serve a fine purpose in protecting our communities from those truly dangerous sexual predators, the requirements must not be viewed lightly.
Conviction of a sex crime in Oklahoma carries a significant punishment including prison time and sex offender registration. If you or a loved one has been charged with an internet sex crime, time is of the essence. You need an experienced sex crime attorney, and you need one right now. Call the Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C., and retain an accomplished Oklahoma defense attorney ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (405) 778-4800 for a free consultation.
