Norman criminal defense blog
Plea deal terms vary from one case to another
Many people associate plea deals with specific sentences. While this is one of the most common forms of plea deal terms, there are others that are also considered in many criminal cases. Anyone who is considering trying to work out a deal with the prosecution should know what might be possible. Here are a few to think about:
Some cases involve fact bargaining, which means that specific facts won't be included in the case. Defendants might want this as a condition since it means that they might be able to keep some reputation-damaging points under wraps. It can work in the prosecution's favor, too, since they won't have to prove these points.
Murder charges require a customized defense strategy
First-degree murder is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. It comes with the possibility of having to spend life in prison or being put to death. One thing that defendants must do in these cases is present their defense against the charges.
There are many defense options that a person in this position can use. The strategy that is chosen has to be based on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's goal. Some people opt to try to work out a plea deal with the prosecutors. This can reduce the severity of the penalties they are facing. For example, a person who might face the death penalty might be able to ensure that they won't be put to death. Instead, they might be incarcerated for life.
Failing a field sobriety test is easier than you might think
Whether you're heading back into Norman from Oklahoma City, leaving an OU game or simply heading home from your favorite restaurant here in town, a police officer may pull you over. If the way you were driving somehow aroused the suspicions of the officer, he or she could start asking you questions about your drinking habits.
The officer may ask you to participate in some field sobriety tests. Since you haven't had anything to drink, you may think that passing them won't be a problem. In reality, failing these tests is often easier than passing them.
Ignition interlocks are widely used in Oklahoma
A person who is convicted of a drunk driving offense might be told that they need to have an ignition interlock installed on their vehicle. This is a device that requires the driver to blow a breath sample into it. This is checked for the presence of alcohol. If the person who blows into the device has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is higher than the set limit, the device won't start.
There are a few points that a person might be told when they learn that they must install an ignition interlock device. The time that they have to have the device varies according to which one applies to their case.
- First revocation if the driver refused the test or had a BAC of .15 percent or more. This requires a 1.5-year period with the device.
- The second revocation comes with a mandatory four-year period with the device installed. This can be longer if the person's driving privileges aren't reinstated by then.
- Third or subsequent revocation requires a mandatory five-year period for the ignition interlock. This can also be extended if the driving privileges aren't reinstated before that time ends.
Address drug charges head-on
We recently discussed some points that Oklahoma residents might find interesting about marijuana. This is far from the only drug that is illegal in this state. For anyone who is using illegal drugs or using prescriptions that weren't written to them, there is a risk of facing criminal charges.
Drug charges are serious matters because of the many implications they can have on your life. When you are still working on your defense, you might find that other aspects of your life have to be put on the back burner. You have to spend time planning the defense strategy. We are here to help.
Marijuana is still illegal in Oklahoma
While many states in the United States are taking progressive measures related to the decriminalization of marijuana, Oklahoma hasn't followed suit yet. If you are caught with marijuana in this state, you can face criminal charges. Here are some things to remember about these charges here.
Possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor on the first offense, but all subsequent offenses are felony charges. All charges for selling or trafficking this controlled substance are felonies. All offenses related to marijuana are governed by Oklahoma Statutes Title 63 §2-101.
Homicide charges include murder and manslaughter
When an individual dies at the hands of another person, the detectives over the case have to determine what happened. The circumstances of the case are used to decide what type of criminal charges the person will face.
Not all homicides are murders. A homicide is simply the death of a person that didn't stem from natural causes. There are many different charges that can come from a homicide. The two main types are murder charges and manslaughter charges, both of which can lead to imprisonment, fines and other penalties.
Commit to your criminal defense for drug charges in Oklahoma
There is a serious drug addiction issue in this country. The men and women who are addicted will usually do whatever they have to do to get the drugs they need to survive. They aren't concerned with criminal charges or getting into trouble. The addiction has taken over. We know that this is a very difficult spot for these individuals.
One problem that a person who is addicted will find in the criminal justice system is that rehabilitation takes a backseat to punishment. Therefore, people who truly need help might be pushed through a criminal punishment. This can lead them to use again, which might land them right back in court. The vicious cycle is hard to break.
First degree murder comes in more than one form in Oklahoma
When you think of the worst crime with the harshest penalties here in Oklahoma, you probably think of first-degree murder. Hollywood usually depicts this as a crime in which a person spent a significant amount of time planning the killing of another human being.
While that may be an accurate assessment of this particular form of murder, is it not the only circumstances under which an individual may face such a charge. Understanding the various factors that could lead to such an allegation may be important to you.
Is it possible to have a drug charge conviction expunged?
The mistakes we make during our lives can come back to haunt us in so many ways. Criminal convictions in particular continue to affect a person's life even after he or she has paid the full price as set down by the law and gone on to become a well-functioning member of the community.
Some of the lasting ways a conviction on drug charges can affect someone's life include:
- Damage to personal relationships
- Inability to rent or buy a home
- Problems finding long-term employment
