Fighting For Justice In The Face Of Felony Charges
A felony is the most serious type of crime in Oklahoma. From murder convictions to aggravated robbery, the state punishes felony crimes harshly. If you or a loved one faces a felony charge, it is vital that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Swain Law Group, our Norman criminal defense lawyers have years of experience defending clients against serious felonies. We know that going up against the criminal justice system is not for the faint of heart. The scales of justice often seem unevenly balanced. We are here to help tip the scales in your favor and fight for your rights and freedoms.
A Felony Conviction Has Lasting Impacts On Every Facet Of Your Life
In Oklahoma, criminal charges fall into the misdemeanor or felony category, depending on the type and severity of the crime. Felonies are generally more serious crimes punishable by one year or more in prison. A felony also has higher fines and costs than a misdemeanor charge.
Crimes that can be charged as felonies include:
- Murder and manslaughter
- Rape
- Assault
- Robbery with a weapon
- Possession of child pornography
- Some white collar crimes
- Drug trafficking
Because Oklahoma does not categorize felonies into degrees, the penalties for each felony depend on the crime itself. For example, a conviction of possessing child pornography can result in $25,000 in fines and a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Some severe crimes are also punishable by the death penalty.
However, more penalties exist for a felony conviction beyond prison time and hefty fines. Convicted felons are not allowed to vote, possess firearms, cannot seek state employment and sometimes cannot drive for a period of time after release. In Oklahoma, state law prevents felons from possessing a liquor license, becoming a realtor, becoming a corporate director or bank officer and forbids convicted felons from maintaining professional licenses in fields such as law, medicine and accounting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Felony Charges
When facing felony charges in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to consider the long-term ramifications. A felony conviction often stays on a person’s record for life and can impact employment options, financial opportunities, housing options and more. Below are a few of the most common questions we see:
Can felonies be expunged in Oklahoma?
Yes, some felonies can be expunged under Oklahoma law. This can give you back some of your rights, and it can hide your record from public view and employment-based background checks. Police departments and other agencies can still see that record, however.
Can a felony charge be downgraded to a misdemeanor?
Yes, this is possible in some cases. For instance, a plea deal will often offer a person lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea, which may be done if the prosecution isn’t sure felony charges will stick.
What should I do if I’m being investigated for or under suspicion of a felony?
Remember your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions from the police. You deserve legal representation at this time. Additionally, if the police want to search your property, remember that they typically need your consent or a warrant. Look into all of your legal defense options.
What employment opportunities do felons have?
Employers have no legal mandate not to hire felons, so the only careers that would be entirely prohibited are those that a felony makes impossible; someone can’t become a police officer and carry a gun if they have a felony that prohibits gun possession, for instance. However, many employers will not even run background checks, so those with a record often work in the trades, drive trucks for a living, work in counseling services for other offenders, or work in landscaping or service positions.
Can I get my gun rights restored?
Yes, and this is one of the reasons that people seek to have a record expunged or sealed. It is not erased entirely – the event still occurred – but expungement can return these rights to some previous offenders.
We Are Known For Getting Results, Work With Us Today
Clients throughout Oklahoma trust our dedication and experience to get them through the overwhelming criminal justice system. We believe that everyone deserves a passionate attorney to fight for them. With our reputation for getting results, you can trust us to provide your case with personalized attention and care. Contact us to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation at 405-546-1292 or complete our online contact form.