Stillwater Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Throughout Payne County, Guthrie, Pawnee, Perry, Ponca City, and all of Oklahoma State
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Oklahoma Criminal Defense Guide
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If you have been arrested or are currently under criminal investigation in the state of Oklahoma, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your freedom could be on the line, so it is imperative to act fast. We are determined to aggressively defend your case in court by constructing a well-tailored plan of action that will produce the best possible outcome.
Murray Law Firm assists people with legal matters in the following locations: Guthrie, Kay County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Noble County, Pawnee County, Pawnee, Payne County, Perry, Ponca City, Cushing, Perkins, and Yale.
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Regardless of what crime you have been charged with, you will need an attorney with experience in Oklahoma criminal defense to guide you through this complex and stressful process. We handle each case with honesty and integrity under the assumption that all our clients are innocent until proven guilty. Protecting your constitutional rights is our top concern, and we will work diligently to achieve your desired results.
Who We Represent
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Oklahoma, you are no doubt concerned about the long-term impact this could have on your future. Our team of accomplished legal representation is just as concerned as you are, and we approach every case with the care and attention to detail it deserves. Good people make mistakes, and we are not here to pass judgment. We are here to act as your personal advocate and defend your rights as aggressively as necessary.
Violent Crimes
If you have been charged with a serious violent crime, you will need the services of a Stillwater criminal defense attorney right away. A murder or manslaughter conviction may seem like the end of the road for you, but there are several defense strategies we can employ to achieve your best possible outcome. Factors such as self-defense or mitigating circumstances can result in a less severe penalty, and we are ready to put in the hard work to defend you from prosecution. Every case involving homicide requires a critical attention to detail, and it takes a well-practiced criminal defense attorney to achieve the most positive results.
Assault and Battery Charges
If you have been charged with an Assault and Battery offense, it is important to have an accomplished Stillwater criminal defense attorney by your side. Not all assault crimes are seen equally: some are considered misdemeanors while others are felonies. Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon is a felony that could lead to significant jail time. Furthermore, an “Intent to Kill” conviction could result in life imprisonment, which is defined in Oklahoma as 45 years.
It is also important to be aware of Oklahoma’s “85% Rule,” which applies to certain assault crimes (including Aggravated Assault and Battery and any “Intent to Kill” crime). The 85% Rule stipulates that if you are convicted, you must serve at least 85% of your sentence before you are even eligible for parole. To make sure you understand the various legalities when it comes to assault charges, it is best to seek the representation of an experienced Stillwater criminal defense attorney to plan your course of action.
Drunk Driving and Drug Possession
If you are charged with a DUI/DWI, the implications could be severe. Mistakes often happen, and it is our responsibility to make sure that you do not suffer long-term consequences from the misguided decisions of one regrettable night. Without the legal counsel of an experienced Stillwater criminal defense attorney, you could lose driving privileges and, even worse, potentially face jail time.
Likewise, a drug-related crime can carry serious ramifications. This is especially true in the state of Oklahoma, where penalties for drug crimes are particularly harsh. For instance, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute is a felony that carries a minimum sentence of two years in prison (and a maximum of 20). Even possessing trace amounts of marijuana or any drug-related paraphernalia is considered a misdemeanor.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with a drug crime, it is important to consult a criminal defense attorney right away. Your arrest may have been the result of illegally obtained evidence or unreasonable search and seizure. To ensure your rights are protected, we will carefully examine your case to help you attain the best possible outcome in court, setting you on the right path moving forward.
White Collar Crimes
A white-collar crime refers to any crime in which the motives are purely financial. This can include embezzlement, forgery, extortion, bribery, insider trading, and fraud, among others. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a federal offense. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime or are under investigation, you will need to speak with a Stillwater criminal defense attorney right away. These types of cases can be very complex, and it is important to receive top-rate legal strategy as soon as possible.
Getting an Expungement
A misdemeanor or felony charge may make you ineligible for certain career or educational opportunities in the future. Having a criminal record is a major obstacle to overcome, especially when a job requires background checks. Expungement, which refers to the clearing of a criminal record, is always a worthwhile objective to pursue. Oklahoma law states that once a criminal record has been expunged, government agencies are not allowed to disclose any information in relation to the prior charges.
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To find out if you are eligible to file a petition for expungement, contact a knowledgeable Oklahoma expungement attorney today. We will review your case and strive to have your record cleared, so you can get the clean slate you deserve.
Frequently Asked Criminal Defense Questions
How do I pick the best attorney for my criminal case?
When facing a criminal charge, contact a criminal defense attorney who’s experienced in the local jurisdiction, knows the judges and prosecutors, and can communicate effectively with them. Look for someone thorough and diligent in assessing the evidence and facts of your case, who will listen because there are always two sides to every story, and who you feel comfortable trusting throughout the process, since your liberty may be at stake depending on the charge you’re facing.
What are my rights if I’m charged with a crime?
If you’re accused of a crime in Oklahoma and charges are filed against you, you have a right to remain silent, a right to have effective legal counsel represent your interests, and a right to a trial by a jury of your peers. You cannot be convicted unless they return a unanimous jury verdict of guilt with proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately upon receiving news that you’ve been charged.
Should I speak to the police if I’m a subject of investigation?
The answer is no, not without legal representation. You could be potentially incriminating yourself without your knowledge even though you have the best intentions of just being cooperative. Make sure you’ve assessed all of your rights and the probability of the outcome by contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney before speaking with law enforcement.
Do the police have to tell the truth?
No — law enforcement is not required to be honest with you during questioning. They may be seeking to elicit a certain response to conclude their case, and it’s possible a friend or other witness implicated you without your knowledge, even untruthfully, to avoid dealing with law enforcement themselves. If you’ve been asked to come down and make a statement or answer questions, contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in your local jurisdiction before doing so.
Should I submit to a police polygraph?
No. You’re under no legal order or obligation to do so. Doing so may actually implicate you in a crime you had nothing to do with. It’s best to steer clear and only comply with actual court orders. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’re requested to take a polygraph.
Is distracted driving a crime?
Distracted driving itself isn’t typically charged as its own crime the way a DUI is, but the danger is real — a University of Utah study found that texting or playing games while driving can be worse than driving drunk. If you’re involved in a wreck and believe the other driver was on their phone, ask the responding officer to check the phone and note it in the report. Contact an experienced personal injury trial lawyer who can subpoena phone records to determine whether the other driver was distracted at the time of the wreck.
What should I do if I’m charged with a felony?
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Refrain from any conversation concerning the allegations made against you, refrain from communicating about it to even your closest friends, and refrain from using social media concerning this issue, since law enforcement frequently uses social media to obtain evidence.
What will happen if I’m charged with assault?
If you’re charged with assault and battery in Oklahoma, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Review your viable defenses right away, since Oklahoma generally pursues these charges vigorously and the charge can carry a substantial period of incarceration. Stop communicating with anyone about the alleged events, and let your attorney assess your case.
What should I do if I was arrested for burglary?
Hire a criminal defense attorney to assess your case one-on-one and determine what viable defenses may exist. Burglary can carry a substantial range of punishment, including incarceration, so it’s imperative to contact an attorney to review your case and avoid communicating with anyone else about it.
How do I get my criminal record expunged?
Even after a case is dismissed or probation is completed, an arrest record can sometimes still show up on a background check if the expungement wasn’t fully completed. We can review a situation like this to determine if you qualify and are eligible to have the record expunged, and often find that clients are able to do so. Each case is a little different, so consult with us to review your options — we offer free consultations and can advise you on getting your background clear as quickly as possible.
What should I do if I was arrested for domestic violence?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not contact any other party, including the alleged victim, since that may result in additional criminal charges being filed against you. Your attorney will assess the facts and evidence and determine what defenses are available, since these cases may result in lengthy jail time or incarceration.
Do I need to contest a protective order?
Yes, you do. If you fail to contest it, the court can issue a permanent protective order for a period of years that will have adverse impacts on your ability to maintain employment, maintain or purchase a firearm, and — if you have children — could adversely impact your custodial rights or visitation. Contact an experienced attorney in the area of protective orders immediately.
What should an Oklahoma State University student do if they’ve been charged with a crime?
University towns have their own student conduct boards that monitor what students do in the community. These boards only have a preponderance of the evidence burden, which is much lower than the beyond a reasonable doubt standard in criminal courts. You need to seek representation. While lawyers cannot speak at the hearing, we can advise and counsel you on how to deal with it and what to say.
Do I need a lawyer for my criminal case in Stillwater?
Absolutely. Criminal charges can result in serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities. An experienced Stillwater criminal defense attorney like James V. Murray can protect your constitutional rights, analyze evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and provide the skilled representation necessary to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
How an Experienced Stillwater Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Whether you are in the process of appealing a conviction, have just been arrested, or are currently undergoing an investigation, we are here for you no matter what. Seeking out the guidance of a well-practiced Stillwater criminal defense attorney is the best possible suggestion for anyone facing criminal charges at the state or federal level.
Whatever crime you may be charged with, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. This can include dismissed or reduced charges, alternatives to jail time, or a “Not Guilty” verdict. Our experienced legal team is determined to help you when you need it most. Defending your freedoms is our top priority. Contact us today for a free consultation.