Obscenity

Obscenity charges are sex crimes in Oklahoma and a conviction could lead to lifetime registration. Our Oklahoma City defense team can help you anywhere in Oklahoma.

Obscenity is a highly subjective reference to material or acts which display or describe sexual activity in a manner appealing only to “prurient interest,” with no legitimate artistic, literary or scientific purpose. Pictures, writings, film or public acts which are found to be obscene are not protected by the free speech guarantee of the First Amendment.

Obscene behavior is the act in which any person knowingly exposes his person or private parts in any public place, or in any place where it may be common area to other persons to be offended or annoyed. Obscene behavior can also be charged as a misdemeanor to a person whom advises or helps any person to expose himself or take part in any manner that is offensive to decency.

If you have a Oklahoma City Obscenity charge, contact the Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Oklahoma City Criminal Law Office of Atkins & Markoff today!

Oklahoma Obscenity Charges

Obscenity is typically defined as a material or act which, to the average person, and taken as a whole: predominantly appeals to prurient interests; lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; and depicts or describes nudity, sex or excretion in a patently offensive way. If you have been charged with obscenity or obscene behavior in Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys at Atkins & Markoff immediately. Being convicted of obscenity in Oklahoma can carry serious penalties that may significant affect the rest of your life. With the help of an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer, you may be able to have your charges reduced or dropped altogether.

Obscenity Laws in Oklahoma

All states have laws governing the distribution of obscene materials. Generally, these laws prohibit the sale, lending, renting, publication or exhibition of materials, with general knowledge of their obscene character and content. These “materials” are typically defined as any writing, written matter, picture, film, motion picture or sound recording, although some states have made amendments to this statute to account for the electronic age. Oklahoma specifically prohibits the distribution of obscene material, including electronic video games or recordings, and prohibits importation of obscene material, including electronic video games, into the state.

Penalties for Obscenity in Oklahoma

Obscene behavior is an act in which a person knowingly exposes his person or private parts in any public place, or in any place where it may be common area to other persons who may be offended or annoyed. Generally speaking, and unless extenuating circumstances apply (such as the involvement of a minor), an obscene act such as indecent exposure is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison. Obscene conduct in the presence of a child is a much more serious offense which carries more significant penalties.

A misdemeanor obscenity offense can also be charged to a person who helps another person expose himself or take part in any act or behavior that is offensive or indecent. In many cases, individuals convicted of obscene behavior in Oklahoma will also be required to register as sex offenders with the state. Registering as a sex offender requires individuals to update their contact information with local law enforcement officials every time they move, and this personal information is then made available to the public. Sex offender registration is a requirement that can last up to ten years or for the rest of your life.

An Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

If you are facing charges for obscenity in Oklahoma, having a qualified Oklahoma criminal defense attorney on your side can significantly improve your chances of winning your case. The Oklahoma criminal defense lawyers at Atkins & Markoff are experienced in handling obscenity defense, and can help you protect your rights and fight your obscenity charges.