Crime rates are vastly different in various locations and from year to year. State and federal authorities carefully track reports of crimes and court activity to look for trends that seem to connect crimes and explain crime rates. The more researchers, lawmakers and...
Criminal Law
Should drug use be legal in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma prohibits the recreational use of cannabis but allows it to be used legally for medical purposes. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational use, a contentious debate is emerging in the United States over whether to decriminalize all recreational...
DUI charges and insurance troubles
When someone faces an arrest for driving under the influence, they may understandably worry about jail time and fines. Those convicted in an Oklahoma court may receive leniency in sentencing, but they might discover the conviction leads to significant issues with...
What Oklahoma drivers need to know about the state’s implied consent law
From the earliest moments of a traffic stop, the goal of a police officer will often be to gather evidence that someone has violated state law. When it comes to traffic stops related to concerns of chemical impairment at the wheel, officers may use multiple methods to...
Former day care teacher charged with child abuse
An investigation by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Seminole Police department has led to a raft of charges against a former teacher at a Seminole County day care facility. The facility’s former director and assistant director have also been charged....
Day care worker charged for assaulting a child
Parents in Oklahoma and around the country place a great deal of trust in day care facilities, but that trust is sometimes misplaced. Young children can be temperamental and difficult to control, and caring for them requires a great deal of patience. When day care...
What to know about assault and battery charges
You may have heard on television or read online that someone was taken into custody by Oklahoma authorities for assault and battery. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, the truth is that they are two separate charges. Therefore, you could be charged...
Common defenses against drug possession
Possession of a controlled substance in Oklahoma is a serious offense. The penalties for possession depend on the type and amount of the drug and the offender's criminal history. Common defenses against possession of a controlled substance include: the defendant did...
Does drunk driving increase around the holidays?
Advertisements warning about drunk driving tend to increase around the holidays, contributing to your anxiety about your upcoming travel plans. Local police departments may also notify the public of increased patrols and other enhanced enforcement efforts aimed at...
What are your rights in a DUI arrest?
Law enforcement officials must follow procedures and respect the legal rights of citizens, including before and during an arrest. If the police pull you over, knowing your rights can help you protect yourself. Furthermore, identifying rights violations can help you...