Slane & Phillips Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorneys

31Jan/100

Trial Lawyer Oklahoma City Representation

Not everyone who requires legal assistance will require trial lawyer Oklahoma City representation.  This is because there are many different reasons why a person may require an attorney, such as for real estate, divorce, adoption, estate planning, small businesses, etc., where going to trial is simply not required.  However, when it comes to legal issues regarding crime and determining a person’s guilt or innocence, a trial may be necessary.

 When a person is accused of a serious crime, the grand jury determines whether or not there is enough evidence to bring the accused to trial.  If it is agreed that there is sufficient evidence that the suspect should be held accountable for the crime, the case then moves to a trial.  At this point, a judge and jury, consisting of 12 people, will decide whether or not the suspected individual is guilty of the charges based on the evidence produced.

The vast majority of serious crimes fall into two main groups – misdemeanors and felonies.    A misdemeanor is usually when the punishment is for a year or less in prison, while a felony is when imprisonment is for longer than a single year.  Criminal offences that are punishable by fine only are not typically seen as crimes and are usually considered infractions.  However, a person can still be charged with a misdemeanor and yet only pay a fine.  Thus, it depends entirely on the specific situation.

 Anyone who is charged with a crime and there is a good chance that their case may go to court, needs to find themselves a good trial lawyer Oklahoma City representative.  Here’s what one should keep in mind when looking for the right lawyer that will provide them with the best representation:

 Only search for lawyers who specialize in your area of the law.  For instance, if you are being charged with assault and battery, look for an attorney who is experienced in dealing with these cases.

  1. Pick at least 5 different lawyers and consult with each of them first before making your selection.  Do not sign anything during your consultation and remember that anything you say to them must be keep confidential regardless if you end up choosing them or not.
  2. Make sure that the lawyer you select has court room experience!  This is incredibly important.  You don’t want to choose a legal representative who has never been to trial before.
  3. Obtain the best trial lawyer Oklahoma City attorney you can afford.  Your life and freedom is worth it!
21Jan/100

Understanding the Difference of Oklahoma Law and Assault and Battery Domestic Crimes

There are many different types of crimes for which an individual can be charged in terms of Oklahoma law and assault and battery domestic issues.  Some of these criminal offences are more serious than others and the type of penalty that occurs typically depends on how serious the circumstances and whether or not it is a repeat offense.  That said, regardless of how serious the charge, the accused should seek the assistance of a criminal defense attorney that specializes in these matters.

Something interesting that most people don’t know is that there is a difference between assault and battery.  Even though assault and battery are often charged together, they are two distinct crimes.  Assault is defined by a person that intentionally threatens harm on another.  For example, threatening to strike someone if they do not give you what you want is an act of assault.  Battery, on the other hand, occurs when the person actually causes physical harm to another or touches them in a degrading fashion (i.e. spitting on someone).   Essentially, this crime involves direct contact between the victim and offender.  Thus, it is not simply a threat it is an action.

It is also important to note that if physical harm occurs among family members, the accused would be charged with domestic violence, not battery.  Domestic violence is an offense that is characterized by one member of a household or family inflicting physical harm on another member of the same house or family (it most commonly occurs between spouses).  Nevertheless, despite what Oklahoma law and assault and battery domestic criminal act a person is charged with, they need a qualified defense attorney to represent them and help prevent a criminal record and serious penalties that can forever tarnish their life.

The punishment that results from assault/battery crimes may include imprisonment, fines, probation, restraining order, anger management classes and so on.  As in most cases, the degree of the penalty depends on the circumstances of the situation, as well as the background of the accused.   For instance, if the offender has a previous history of assault and/or battery, their punishment will likely be more severe.

Just remember, not every Oklahoma law and assault and battery domestic crime is straight forward or crystal clear.  In some instances, the offence may have been committed out of self-defense or defending someone else or your own property (i.e. striking a burglar).  Since this is the case, it is vital that you seek the assistance of a legal representative who has experience in assault cases, as their professional skill can help dismiss or reduce sentencing.

20Jan/100

Protect Yourself with Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorneys

The purpose of Oklahoma criminal defense lawyers is to represent individuals or companies that are charged with a crime.  These professionals defend their clients to ensure that their rights are upheld; that they receive a fair trial and do everything they can to make certain that the final verdict is the best possible outcome for the defendant for the circumstances.  In other words, it is a criminal attorney’s duty to presume the innocence of their client until the prosecutor can prove each vital element of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

A federal criminal defense lawyer deals with the many issues that surround their clients in view of the Fourth Amendment, such as apprehension, searching of client property and arrests.  They also deal with any statements their client could have made in view of the Fifth Amendment.  They provide those who have been accused of a criminal offense with the protection they need, which is why it is very important that you obtain a lawyer that specializes in criminal law if you are ever charged with a crime.

Although it is vital to obtain the assistance of a criminal attorney, you need to make sure you choose the best representation you can afford.  There are many professionals out there, but not all of them are experienced or will work with your best interests at heart.  Depending on how serious the charges are you are facing (i.e. a felony), you won’t want to leave your fate and freedom in the hands of a fresh law school graduate or a legal representative who has little or no trial experience.  Therefore, you need to make sure you thoroughly investigate your options and consult with more than one Oklahoma lawyer that specializes in criminal defense.

When you begin investigating attorneys what you will discover is that there are those who are employed by the government entities, including the federal government, states and counties.  These individuals are often called public defenders.   In addition, there are private defense lawyers.  One is not necessarily better than the other, which is why it is imperative that you carefully take everyone you can afford into serious consideration before making your selection. 

What you need to keep in mind is that good Oklahoma criminal defense lawyers attorneys are those who consider every approach, explore all theories and pursue every ethical tactic under the law as they analyze the case of their client’s.  They are one hundred percent committed to protecting the interests of those they represent.

To have an experienced Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney review your case at no cost to you, visit our website at www.oklahoma-criminal-defense.com, or call us at (405) 319-1800.

19Jan/100

Oklahoma City Attorneys for DUI – Help Maintain Driving Privilege

Maintain Your Privilege to Drive By Hiring Oklahoma City Attorneys for DUI Defense

It is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state of Oklahoma, so if you are charged with this offence, you will require the assistance of an Oklahoma City attorney for DUI to defend you.  The reason obtaining the services of a lawyer who specializes in DUI is so important is you need to know what your rights are and what can be done to ensure that you are treated fairly.  After all, every case is different depending on the circumstances and there are many fine details examined, which will determine how serious charges and penalties will be.
DUI punishments can be detrimental to your life and include substantial fines, license suspension, jail time, a criminal record, and a mandatory device placed in your vehicle that requires you to blow into it to start the engine, as well as every ten minutes while the vehicle is on.  Furthermore, being convicted of this crime causes people great shame and can be very damaging to your career, family and take a toll on your personal freedom.
There are three offences that you can be charged with if you are accused of impaired driving:

  1. DUI (Driving under the influence) – This is the most common charge.
  2. APC (Actual Physical Control) – A person is charged with this offence if they are parked and are able to operate the vehicle if they choose to do so after consuming alcohol.  The penalties for APC are the same as they are for DUI.
  3. DWI (driving while impaired by alcohol) – An individual can be accused of this if tests determine that their blood alcohol level is below 0.08%.

Every single one of these charges can result in serious penalties, which is why you need to ensure you have a DUI lawyer to handle your case and preserve your rights.  For instance, did you know that as soon as you are arrested for any one of the above offences your licence will be suspended for 30 days automatically, and if you do not take action against this suspension within 15 days of your arrest it will take effect and cannot be lifted?  By hiring a skilled Oklahoma attorney that specializes in DUI, they can assist you in wining your suspension hearing and allow you to keep your driving privileges until your criminal trial occurs.  Maintaining your license may be vital to your career and your family, so saving your driving privileges will make a significant difference in your life.
There are numerous aspects that need to be taken into account when a person is charged with driving under the influence.  The best way they can protect themselves, understand their rights and obtain the best defence is by hiring experienced Oklahoma City attorneys for DUI.

15Jan/100

Oklahoma Man Executed by Lethal Injection

An Oklahoma man was executed today for the 1993 slayings of his girlfriend and her son.  Julius R. Young was executed by Lethal Injection after a 14 year stay on death row.  Young was the 175th person to be put to death in Oklahoma since Oklahoma instituted the death penalty in 1915.

Oklahoma has executed a total of 172 men and 3 women between 1915 and 2010 at  the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. Eighty-two were executed by electrocution, one by hanging (a federal prisoner) and 92 by lethal injection. The last execution by electrocution took place in 1966. The first execution by lethal injection in Oklahoma occurred on September 10, 1990, when Charles Troy Coleman, convicted in 1979 of Murder 1st Degree in Muskogee County was executed. 

Click Here to read the full story http://newsok.com/oklahoma-executes-man-convicted-of-killing-2/article/3432199

13Jan/100

Finding Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Lawyers

If there ever comes a time when you need to obtain the services of Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers you will want to make sure that you choose an attorney who specializes in this form of law.  Not every lawyer is the same; there are simply too many types of law for a person to be an expert in all areas. 

Therefore, you shouldn’t just let anyone defend you, regardless if they are a friend or relative of someone you know or if they are willing to give you a good deal.  After all, a lawyer that is educated in civil cases, such as divorce or adoption, or one that deals with bankruptcies, is not going to be able to provide you with the best and necessary defense you require in court when it comes to building a solid case that will result in your innocence being proven.

Take finding an Oklahoma city criminal defense lawyer very seriously.  You deserve the best representation to obtain optimal protection and to make sure your rights are safeguarded.  Therefore, make sure you ask the attorney plenty of questions, find out how many years they’ve been practicing law, how many court trials they’ve completed and won and check up on their reputation.  Remember, you shouldn’t solely base finding a person to represent you on the fees they charge.  Your life, freedom and rights are too important for penny pinching.

13Jan/100

Shooting With Intent to Kill Charges Dismissed.

Our client was a young man charged with Shooting with Intent to Kill after he allegedly fired multiple shots at a family member following an altercation.  Police responded to the scene and took statements from eyewitnesses and the alleged victim.  The alleged victim in the case stated that our client fired multiple shots at him for no reason.  Our staff of attorneys immediately went to work prevent our client from spending even on day in jail.

At Preliminary Hearing, the prosecution was unable to prove probable cause that our client had committed the crime of Shooting With Intent to Kill.  The prosecution had no choice to dismiss the case.  Once again, our client walked out of the count room a free man.

19Nov/090

Family Feud – Domestic Abuse and Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon

In a recent case, we represented the older of two brothers who got into a fight.  The older brother was accused of punching his younger brother in the nose and hitting him with a broom.  He was charged with a Misdemeanor Domestic Abuse, Assault and Battery, and a Felony, Assault and Battery with a dangerous weapon.  We were able to convince the DA that a jury wouldn't find the defendat was guilty and she dismissed the case.

10Nov/090

Sodomy Case Dismissed in Blaine County, Oklahoma

Our client was accused of forcible sodomy and forcible oral sodomy against his 5 hear old brother.  Our team of Oklahoma lawyers were successful in representing this client and the case was dismissed by the Blaine County courts.

4Nov/090

How to Find A Strong Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a crime you need the best Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer to represent you. You want to make sure you obtain top protection to safeguard your rights and make sure you are treated fairly and not like a felon. Everyone is entitled to the right to prove themselves and explain their side of the story, which is why obtaining a good attorney, is important.

In order to ensure that you have the best legal help possible, here are a few of the questions you should ask to find the right lawyer for your Oklahoma criminal defense needs.

  1. 1. How many years have the attorney practiced criminal law? It’s a good idea to choose a professional who has several years of experience, such as 10 or more years. Your defense is far too important to simply leave in the hands of an amateur law school graduate.
  2. How many trials have been handled by the individual? You will want an expert who is familiar with the process and has developed confidence through their experience. Find out how many trials they’ve been through. Lawyers who’ve never been to trial and simply find a way to settle out of court may be afraid to go to trial, even when settling isn’t in the best interest of their client. Consider this - attorneys who have tried 50 or more cases will sustain a more solid bargaining position.
  3. How experienced is the Oklahoma criminal defense legal representative? Discover a lawyer’s experience through a reliable certification process, such as the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This is a very thorough certification process that requires substantial experience in trials of a criminal nature, written exam, peer reviews and recertification after every 5 years. Choosing a layer that has obtained these qualifications means that you don’t simply have to rely on their personal opinion, you also have an unbiased third party confirmation of their skills.
  4. Will the person you are thinking of hiring be the individual who actually handles your case personally? It is imperative you find this out because some law firms will have you speak with a lead lawyer at the beginning but will then pass your case off to a newer employee.
  5. What are the costs involved? Will you be charged by the hour or will you pay a flat fee. It is of course more favorable to your wallet if you are charged a flat fee, because you will know how much you will be required to pay. That said, you need to make sure you find out what services are covered with this fee and find out if there are any additional charges (i.e. an extra cost for the trial, etc.). Keep in mind, however, that your main concern should be obtaining the best lawyer you can afford to represent you, not how they charge you.

Remember, if you want optimal Oklahoma criminal defense, it’s up to you to find it. Don’t settle for just anyone, your future could be on the line.

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