Were you arrested for or charged with a felony in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma? If so, your freedom, reputation, and future could be at risk. An Oklahoma City felony attorney at Overman Legal Group can evaluate the allegations against you, explain what happens next, and build a defense based on the facts of your case. Contact us today at (405) 605-6718 for a free consultation.
Felony charges can involve extensive investigations, complex legal issues, and serious potential penalties. However, being charged with a crime doesnโt mean you will be convicted. The prosecution still has the burden of proving its case, and the evidence against you may be challenged at multiple stages of the criminal process. Given what may be at stake, itโs important to seek experienced representation as early as possible.
Why Choose Overman Legal Group for Help If Iโm Facing Felony Charges in Oklahoma City, OK?
A felony conviction can result in incarceration and a permanent criminal record, making your choice of attorney especially important. Overman Legal Group is a boutique criminal defense firm that takes an individualized approach to every case, ensuring that every client receives the attention they deserve.
Hereโs what sets our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorneys apart:
- We have more than 40 years of combined experience.
- Our team includes former prosecutors and public defenders, giving us comprehensive knowledge of the justice system from multiple perspectives.
- Weโre accomplished trial lawyers who are prepared to try a case when a negotiated resolution isnโt the right answer.
- We listen, provide clear guidance, and take the time to understand each clientโs circumstances and goals.
- As lifelong Oklahoma City residents, we have deep ties to the community we serve.
We know that the outcome of a criminal case can affect multiple facets of your life. You can trust us to remain focused on protecting your interests at every stage of the process. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma City, OK.
What Is a Felony in Oklahoma?
Under Oklahoma law, crimes are classified as felonies or misdemeanors. A felony is defined as an offense that is or may be punishable by death or imprisonment in the penitentiary. Every other crime is considered a misdemeanor, which is generally punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
Depending on the circumstances of the charge and other factors, felony offenses in Oklahoma City may include:
- Homicide
- Murder and manslaughter
- Drug crimes
- Certain DUI offenses, including repeat or aggravated DUI
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Sex crimes
- Kidnapping
- Domestic violence offenses
- Robbery
- Burglary and grand larceny
- Fraud, embezzlement, and other white collar crimes
- Child abuse or neglect
- Arson
- Firearm offenses
Each felony crime has specific elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. The potential penalties will depend on the particular charge and circumstances of the case, including factors such as your criminal history and, for some offenses, whether a weapon was involved.
What Are the Penalties for a Felony Conviction in Oklahoma?
If you are convicted of a felony in Oklahoma, the penalties will depend on the specific offense, your criminal history, and other circumstances surrounding the case.
Penalties may include:
- Prison time
- Fines and court costs
- Probation or other court-ordered supervision
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Mandatory treatment or participation in certain programs
The sentence can vary considerably from one felony offense to another. An Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer can review the charge against you and explain the penalties that may apply in your case.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Oklahoma City?
The effects of a felony conviction may continue long after you have completed your sentence.
A criminal record can create additional challenges in several areas of your life, including:
- Difficulty finding employment, housing, or educational opportunities
- The loss or suspension of certain professional licenses
- Issues in child custody, visitation, or other family law matters
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Damage to your reputation
- Restrictions involving firearms
These consequences are separate from the punishment imposed by the court and should also be considered when evaluating what is at risk in a felony prosecution.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If Iโm Accused of a Felony in Oklahoma City?
There is no universal defense to a felony charge. The appropriate strategy depends on the alleged offense, how law enforcement conducted the investigation, the prosecutionโs claims, and your version of events.
Potential defenses may include:
- Mistaken identity
- Alibi
- False or unreliable accusations
- Lack of intent
- Insufficient proof
- Self-defense or defense of another person
- Problems with witness credibility
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Involuntary or unlawfully obtained statements
- Issues with physical or forensic evidence
- Failure by the prosecution to prove an essential element of the crime
In some cases, the defense may seek to suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights. In others, the central issue may be whether prosecutors can prove who committed the alleged offense or establish the required criminal intent.
Our attorneys will develop a strategy based on the facts and legal issues actually present in your case.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Potentially. Facing a felony accusation does not mean you will ultimately be convicted. An attorney may be able to seek a dismissal, negotiate for a reduced charge, or pursue another resolution that limits the consequences you face.
The options available will depend on factors such as:
- The strength of the prosecutionโs case
- Problems with how the evidence was obtained
- The credibility of witnesses
- Your criminal history
- The nature and circumstances of the alleged offense
- Available defenses
- The prosecutorโs willingness to negotiate
No defense lawyer can promise that charges will be reduced or dismissed. However, thoroughly examining the Stateโs case can reveal weaknesses that may significantly affect the outcome.
Should I Accept a Plea Deal or Take My Felony Case to Trial?
There is no answer that applies to every defendant.
A plea agreement may sometimes be a substantially better option than proceeding to trial. Alternatively, the prosecutionโs offer may be unacceptable, or the evidence may provide strong reasons to present the case at trial.
Before making this decision, itโs essential to understand:
- The evidence against you
- The defenses available to you
- The terms of the proposed plea agreement
- The penalties associated with a conviction
- The potential outcomes at trial
- The collateral consequences of accepting a plea deal
Our criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma City will explain the available options and give you straightforward advice. However, the ultimate decision about whether to accept a plea or proceed to trial is yours.
Do I Need an Attorney If I Havenโt Been Charged Yet?
You do not necessarily have to wait until formal charges are filed to speak with a defense attorney.
If you learn that law enforcement officers are investigating you, asking others about you, seeking access to your records, or requesting that you come in for an interview, obtaining legal advice early can be valuable.
An attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, help you avoid mistakes that could hurt your defense, and begin preparing for the possibility that charges will be filed.
You should also be cautious about attempting to explain the situation to investigators on your own. Statements made during an investigation may later be used against you in a criminal case.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help With My Felony Case?
An effective defense begins with understanding the prosecutionโs theory, closely examining the facts, and identifying weaknesses or inconsistencies.
Our Oklahoma City felony lawyers can:
- Review the charges and potential penalties
- Examine police reports, witness statements, body cam footage, and other relevant evidence
- Analyze the legality of searches, seizures, and interrogations
- Interview witnesses and investigate disputed facts
- File motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Negotiate for a reduction, dismissal, or other available options
- Prepare your case for trial if thatโs in your best interest
- Advocate for you before a judge or jury
Because our attorneys have worked as prosecutors, public defenders, negotiators, and trial lawyers, we approach criminal cases from multiple angles. We will use that experience to anticipate the prosecutionโs strategy and determine how best to respond.
Contact Our Experienced Oklahoma City Felony Defense Attorneys Today for a Free Case Evaluation
A felony accusation can create uncertainty about your freedom, career, family, and future, but you donโt have to make important decisions about your defense without experienced legal guidance. We will listen to your side of the story, examine the allegations against you, and develop a strategy tailored to your situation.
Contact Overman Legal Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer. The earlier you understand what you are facing, the sooner you can begin preparing for what comes next.
