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...
Criminal Defense
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...
Sexual assault: definitions and criminal charges
Being charged with a sexual assault violation is one of the most severe crimes in Oklahoma. These charges are often the direct cause of a survivor stating that they did not give their permission for a sexual encounter or act to occur. Below is a brief overview of...
Eligibility for criminal record expungement
Having a criminal record may limit your access to employment, housing and education. However, some states such as Oklahoma have created expungement laws to seal criminal records after a period of time. Although the crime does not always disappear completely,...
The reliability of eyewitness testimony
People put a great deal of faith in things they see for themselves. But in Oklahoma and across the country, it's become increasingly clear that eyewitness testimony is unreliable. Once the cornerstone of a trial and seen as incredibly valuable, eyewitness testimony is...
Oklahoma castle doctrine or stand your ground laws
Oklahoma statutes include what is known as a castle doctrine or stand your ground laws. A resident of Oklahoma is wise to have an essential understanding of what is included and excluded from the castle doctrine in the Sooner State. Castle doctrine or stand your...