Domestic violence is one of the most common violent crimes prosecuted in Oklahoma. When people who have pursued a romantic relationship (in the present or the past) and/or those bound by marriage or blood get into conflicts, tempers may flare. If actual violence...
Criminal Defense
Can you appeal your criminal conviction?
It can be a huge blow to hear the news that you are guilty of a criminal charge. You may wonder if you have any other legal options. After a ruling is handed down, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, filing an appeal can be complex, and several possible...
Will an Oklahoma DUI stay on your record for life?
In many scenarios, driving under the influence (DUI) charges are technical infractions. Although some people get arrested for causing crashes, many others face charges because of targeted enforcement efforts. An officer pulls someone over for bad driving or tests...
Oklahoma still has – and implements – the death penalty
A number of states have outlawed capital punishment (more commonly known as the death penalty). A handful of others have moratoriums put in place by their governors. Other factors have limited executions in states where it’s still legal. Some death row inmates have...
How does the bail system work in Oklahoma?
One of the first things that someone will do when they’re arrested is ask how much it’s going to cost them to get out of jail. For many criminal charges, the court will set a bail amount. This is the amount of cash or assets that the person has to put up as surety...
Will I ever be able to get a job again after a conviction?
There are tens of thousands of people in Oklahoma with criminal records, and thousands more get convicted every year. Issues ranging from drunk driving to violent actions can lead to criminal charges. Whether you pleaded guilty or the court convicted you of a charge,...
Should you take a plea deal? It depends
You’re in trouble with the law, but you’ve been offered a plea deal by the prosecution that could quickly resolve your situation. Should you even think about it? The answer depends on the specifics of your situation, but there are definitely some things you need to...
Can DNA evidence be wrong?
The rise of DNA evidence has been a game-changer in the courtroom. DNA is unique to each individual, so it can be used to positively identify someone with a large degree of accuracy. This has been used both to make convictions and to overturn false convictions from...
Police misconduct and wrongful convictions
Wrongful convictions are an unfortunate reality in Oklahoma and across the country. When a person is wrongfully convicted of a crime that they did not commit, achieving real justice in the case can be difficult. According to a 2020 study by the National Registry of...
What are the most common defenses for a murder charge?
In Oklahoma and throughout the country, murder is perhaps the most serious criminal charge you can face. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances of the case, the right defense can reduce the charge. It’s important to know what defenses can be used against such a...