When a child is accused of a sex-related offense, the impact on the family can be overwhelming. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, juvenile sex crime cases are handled with distinct legal procedures, but the emotional and reputational damage can be just as severe as in adult cases.
If your son or daughter is facing juvenile sex crime charges in Tulsa, you’re likely navigating fear, confusion, and concern for your child’s future all at once. At Berlin Defense, we guide families through this process with clarity, strategy, and compassion—because we know what's at stake.
What Is a Juvenile Sex Offender Under Oklahoma Law?
According to Oklahoma Statute 10A §2-8-102, a juvenile sex offender is defined as someone:
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Between 14 and 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offense,
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Adjudicated delinquent or a youthful offender for a qualifying sex offense,
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Or required to register as a juvenile sex offender due to equivalent charges in another state.
Qualifying offenses include:
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Rape and rape by instrumentation (Title 21 §§1111, 1111.1)
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Forcible sodomy (§888)
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Lewd or indecent acts with a child (§1114)
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Procuring a child for sex (§1115)
These charges are extremely serious, even if handled in juvenile court, and can lead to long-term consequences, including placement in juvenile detention, sex offender registration, and court-ordered treatment programs.
The Legal Process for Juvenile Sex Crimes in Tulsa
Investigation
Juvenile cases often begin with a report to law enforcement or school officials. Your child may be questioned—sometimes without your knowledge—so it's critical to seek legal counsel immediately.
Intake Meeting with Office of Juveniles Affairs (OJA)
After the juvenile investigation is complete and referred to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for a filing decision, the case will be assigned to an OJA caseworker who will meet with the alleged juvenile offender and their parents to collect background information, inquire as to the allegations, and determine if the child or family are in need of services if the child is adjudicated delinquent.
Filing of Juvenile Petition and Summons
After the OJA Intake meeting and a brief “report” prepared by the OJA worker, a Petition may be filed against your child. This is a Petition to Adjudicate your child to be found delinquent. It is similar to an “Information” filed in State court for the filing of charges against adults. It is simply styled differently and called a Petition as opposed to Information. In most situations where the investigation occurs before or outside of an “arrest” or detention of the child, what we call “an out of custody filing,” a summons to appear will be sent to the address of record provided during the OJA intake. Most times the summons comes in the mail. You must respond and appear in court on that date and time with the child subject to the Petition.
Initial Hearing
This is where a judge determines whether to detain your child pending further hearings or allow them to return home. Judges may consider flight risk, safety concerns, and evidence presented by the state.
Adjudication (Jury, Non-Jury Trial, Plea/Stipulation)
There are three distinct options for your child when a Petition is filed. First, the child can Stipulate to the Petition. This means the child’s parents agree to accept either plea terms or enter a blind plea to the court. Second, is a jury trial. This is a trial on the merits before a jury of six adult citizens of Tulsa County. Third, is a non-jury trial. This is a trial to the Judge alone who will make the determination of delinquency (guilty or not-guilty). During both the jury or non-jury trial, your attorney can challenge evidence, attempt to keep out illegally obtained statements or evidence, present testimony and evidence, and cross-examine the State’s witnesses.
Disposition (Sentencing)
If your child is found delinquent, the judge with the help of the OJA treatment plan decides the appropriate outcome, which may include:
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Probation
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Placement in a juvenile facility
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Mandatory counseling
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Juvenile sex offender registration (in some cases)
Will My Child Have to Register as a Sex Offender in Oklahoma?
Not all juvenile sex offenses lead to mandatory registration, but it is a possible and devastating outcome if required—especially if the court classifies the child as a youthful offender and they are convicted or if the case is transferred to adult court.
Oklahoma law aims to rehabilitate, but courts also weigh community safety and public interest. Having a sex crimes attorney in Tulsa who understands how to build a comprehensive defense—backed by psychological, educational, and social evidence—can make all the difference.
How Berlin Defense Protects Minors and Their Families
Berlin Defense handles only sex crimes, and are one of the few firms in Oklahoma equipped to manage complex juvenile sex offense cases with both legal and reputational sensitivity.
We work to:
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Keep cases in juvenile court (and out of adult prosecution)
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Prevent sex offender registration whenever possible
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Connect families with expert therapists and forensic evaluators
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Minimize long-term educational, social, and emotional harm
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Protect family privacy and reputation throughout the process
For families like yours—well-known, community-involved, and deeply concerned with your child’s future—we provide a judgment-free, multi-disciplinary legal approach.
Your Child Deserves a Future. We Can Help Protect It.
If your child has been accused of a sex-related offense in Oklahoma, don’t wait. The sooner we intervene, the more options we have to protect your child’s record—and your family’s peace of mind.
Contact Berlin Defense today for a confidential consultation with a trusted sex crimes attorney in Tulsa.
We’ll help you navigate this with clarity, discretion, and fierce advocacy.
