In Tulsa, Oklahoma, minors under the age of 18 can be tried or adjudicated in one of three ways when they are charged with a crime — as a juvenile delinquent, a youthful offender, or an adult.
Minors are not convicted in the same way that an adult might be. Rather, they are adjudicated within the juvenile court system, and that system then continues to monitor the minor until the minor ages out of the system.
Possession of a firearm by a delinquent in Tulsa is a crime. Read on to learn more.
What is Possession of a Firearm by a Delinquent in Tulsa?
If you are an adjudicated delinquent in Oklahoma and it has been less than 10 years since the adjudication, you are prohibited from having a firearm or other dangerous weapon within your custody or control.
You are prohibited from being in a vehicle or residence if there is a firearm within and you have access to the firearm. It does not have to be your firearm for you to face a conviction.
However, in order to face conviction for the possession of a firearm by a delinquent statute, the adjudication had to have been for a crime that would have been a felony crime if committed by an adult. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1283
It is important to know that the term “firearm” as used here in this statute includes: any pistol, imitation or homemade pistol, altered air or toy pistol, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun or rifle, or any other dangerous or deadly firearm. Thus, you could be in trouble if you get caught with a toy pistol if it looks real enough.
What Crimes Could Be Felonies if Committed by an Adult?
In Oklahoma, most violent crimes are classified as felonies: rape, murder, and assault.
More likely crimes for a minor might include one of the many drug possession or possession with intent to distribute laws on the books in Oklahoma. A minor who is in possession of enough of any of the controlled dangerous substances outlined in Oklahoma drug laws may have an adjudication that will put them at risk for further trouble if caught with a firearm.
Penalties are Harsh
If you are convicted of possession of a firearm by a delinquent in Tulsa, you could spend one to 10 years in prison. Before you roll the dice on a plea deal offered by a prosecutor who promises to “help” you if you cooperate, contact a Tulsa lawyer.
Initial Strategy Session: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is charged with possession of a firearm by a delinquent in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced Tulsa attorney today by calling 918-756-9600.
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