Understanding Child Support Contempt vs. Omission Charges
What is the difference between child support contempt and omission to provide for a child charges in the state of Oklahoma? I’m Oklahoma Lawyer James Wirth. Today we’re talking about the differences between child support contempt and omission to provide for a child criminal charges. And there’s two primary differences.
Child Support Contempt
The first primary difference is contempt for failure to pay child support. This can be filed by the aggrieved party in the case. If the other party is not paying child support, an application for contempt citation can be filed, and a warrant can be issued for their arrest if they fail to appear. This is a misdemeanor offense with up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
Omission to Provide for a Child
On the other hand, omission to provide for a child is a criminal offense in Oklahoma. This charge can only be filed by a prosecutor, not the other party in the case. It must meet specific criteria, such as no payments for a year or an overdue balance over $5,000. This is a felony offense with up to four years in jail upon conviction.
Seeking Legal Guidance
If you have questions about collecting or defending child support, it’s important to speak with an attorney who can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances. To schedule a low-cost initial strategy session with an attorney at our office, visit MakeLawEasy.com.
