If you have been accused of domestic violence crimes in Oklahoma, it’s imperative that you secure legal counsel as quickly as possible. Domestic assault and battery are serious crimes that can carry lengthy prison terms, especially if they are part of a repeat pattern of violent behavior. A criminal defense attorney from Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can defend you from the charges and work to secure the most favorable possible outcome, whether it’s case dismissal, acquittal, or a charge reduction. Contact us today to speak to a domestic violence criminal attorney in Norman, Oklahoma.
Since 2014, Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman has dedicated itself to serving justice and defending those accused of crimes in Oklahoma. Our firm distinguished itself from others due to our collaborative approach to case management. We manage each case as a team, providing a truly personalized approach that solo practitioners and large law firms struggle to match.
Our attorneys are battle-tested litigators who have a track record of successful criminal trial appearances. Not only do we know the law, we know how to apply it to your unique circumstances. Our extensive trial experience has made us effective and strategic thinkers, capable of anticipating and countering the prosecution’s strategy.
In domestic violence cases, it’s crucial to have an attorney who can use evidence and precise argumentation to push back against accusations and cut through prosecutor and jury bias. Regardless of the nature of the accused crime, you have the right to effective legal counsel.
In Oklahoma, domestic abuse is defined as committing assault or battery against a family member, household member, or current or former intimate partner. In this context, a household member can include both blood relatives and non-blood relatives who live in the same household, such as:
Oklahoma defines several different levels of domestic abuse/assault charges and punishments based on the context of the crime, the severity of the abuse, and the harm the victim experienced:
In addition to the applicable prison sentences and fines listed above, the courts can require those convicted of domestic abuse to attend therapy and counseling. This therapy and counseling can defer or suspend their sentence. An ordered batterer’s prevention program must be attended for at least 52 weeks, and missing enough program sessions can result in a revocation of probation.
In addition to batterer’s prevention programs, the convicted may have to attend anger management programs. If the court orders therapy and counseling, it will set a review hearing within at least 120 days to determine compliance.
When making custody decisions, Oklahoma family courts must consider whether there has been evidence of domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment. If the court finds evidence of domestic violence, there is a presumption that the guilty parent is not suitable to hold custody. So, if someone is convicted of domestic violence and gets a divorce, the conviction could result in them losing child custody.
Importantly, family courts in Oklahoma operate under a different evidentiary standard than the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. Decisions in family court only require a preponderance of evidence – i.e., it is more likely than not that the accused committed abuse. This means that one does not actually have to be convicted of domestic abuse for it to affect child custody decisions.
Each criminal case is unique and requires an individual approach. However, there are some general strategies an attorney can employ to defend you against domestic violence charges:
Regardless of the nature of your case, we can put together a personalized defense strategy that accounts for the legal nuances in your situation. Our goal is to create an airtight defense that protects your rights and properly insulates you from the charges.
Domestic violence is a serious crime, one that the Oklahoma justice system punishes harshly. If you are currently facing criminal charges for domestic violence, the attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman are here to assist. A domestic violence conviction can not only rob you of your freedoms but can also result in difficulties obtaining employment and destroy your social reputation. Societal bias also means that those accused of domestic violence are often assumed guilty before any investigation or trial. We can stand in your corner and combat these unfair perceptions, helping you get the fair trial you deserve.
When your liberty is on the line, you need an attorney who will use every strategy to secure victory. Contact our firm online or call today for a case consultation with a domestic violence attorney in Norman.
