In Oklahoma, identity theft crimes are felony offenses governed by 21 O.S. § 1533.1. It occurs when a person knowingly and with intent to defraud uses or possesses someone else’s personal identifying information without their consent. It’s a fairly common crime in Oklahoma and is aggressively prosecuted by the district attorneys and the attorney general’s office for District and Tribal…
If you’ve been charged with a felony in Oklahoma, one of the first major steps in your case may be a preliminary hearing. This hearing is often misunderstood, but it plays a critical role in protecting your rights and ensuring that the State has enough evidence to proceed with formal prosecution. To see this article as a video, click here….
In an Oklahoma criminal defense case, an Allen discovery hearing is a type of court proceeding held to resolve disputes about discovery between the prosecution and the defense. This hearing usually takes place after the district court arraignment but before the jury trial. To see this post as a video, click here. What Is an Allen Discovery Hearing in Oklahoma?…
Getting arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Oklahoma can be a frightening and confusing experience, especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. It’s important to understand the steps that follow an arrest, your legal rights, and the potential consequences you may face. This article outlines what typically happens after a DUI arrest in…
A first-time drug trafficking charge in Oklahoma is a serious felony offense that carries the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. However, it is important to remember that in any criminal prosecution, the State bears the burden of proof. This means the prosecution must establish each element of the offense of drug trafficking beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled criminal…
Peremptory and for-cause challenges are a key part of the jury selection process in Tulsa. The ability to challenge prospective jurors helps ensure that both parties can work toward assembling a fair and impartial jury. Without this, a person could make a case that they were not afforded a fair trial. These challenges fall into two main categories: for-cause challenges…
If you are partially at fault in a motorcycle or other vehicle accident, you are still entitled to damages. Motorcycle safety is the responsibility of all drivers on the road—automobiles, trucks, and motorcyclists. The risk of serious injury in an accident is more severe for motorcyclists who don’t have the solid body of a car, as well as seat belts,…
There are a few ways to resolve a breach of contract case in Oklahoma. In the business world, contracts are the foundation of nearly every important relationship. Whether it’s a deal with a supplier, a client, a service provider, or a business partner, contracts help ensure that everyone knows their obligations. But when one side fails to uphold their end…
Kidnapping is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face. Though often portrayed in movies as involving dramatic abductions, in the legal world, kidnapping can apply to a much broader set of circumstances, including situations that don’t involve strangers or physical violence. If you or someone you know is facing kidnapping charges, it’s critical to understand what…
Many wonder if they can waive their right to a jury trial. In Tulsa and throughout Oklahoma, defendants in criminal and civil cases have a constitutional right to a jury trial. However, you may have the option to opt for a bench trial, where a judge decides your case. Before making this decision, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks is…
In criminal cases, the prosecution must meet the highest standard of proof in the legal system: “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This standard plays a critical role in protecting individuals from wrongful convictions and reflects the principle that it is better for a guilty person to go free rather than to punish an innocent person. What Does “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt”…
Jury selection in Oklahoma courts is the most critical stage of a criminal or civil trial. The individuals chosen to sit on a jury will ultimately decide the outcome of a case, making the selection process a high-stakes endeavor for both prosecutors and defense attorneys—or plaintiffs and defense counsel in civil matters. How Jury Selection in Oklahoma Starts In Tulsa…