If you have been convicted of a crime, or even just arrested, you may have a criminal record that affects future opportunities. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to have qualifying court or arrest records sealed from public access through expungement.
When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony under Oklahoma law. Felony charges generally carry the potential for more serious penalties and long-term consequences. Understanding the specific charge and the law that applies is an important part of preparing a defense.
At Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman, our Oklahoma City felony lawyers represent people facing serious criminal charges from our Norman law office. Our criminal defense attorneys can investigate the allegations, examine the prosecution’s evidence, and develop a defense strategy based on the facts. Our law firm serves Oklahoma City and clients throughout Oklahoma.
Many offenses can be charged as felonies in Oklahoma. Examples may include murder, manslaughter, rape, certain assault offenses, robbery, possession of child pornography, and other serious crimes.
The potential punishment for an Oklahoma felony depends on the offense and the sentencing law that applies to the case. Sentencing ranges can vary significantly from one charge to another. An Oklahoma City felony attorney can review the applicable law and explain the potential penalties associated with your charge.
Our criminal defense lawyers also examine the specific elements of the alleged offense. An element is a fact the prosecution must prove to establish the charge. Understanding what prosecutors must prove allows our law firm to identify weaknesses in the evidence and defenses that may apply.
A felony conviction can result in serious criminal penalties, including incarceration, fines, probation, and other court-ordered requirements. The potential sentence depends on the particular offense, your criminal history, and other circumstances that apply to the case.
A conviction can also have consequences after a sentence has been served. A felony conviction temporarily affects voting rights in Oklahoma, although eligibility to register generally returns after the court-mandated sentence has been fully served. Federal and state laws can also restrict firearm possession following certain felony convictions.
Other collateral consequences — consequences that occur in addition to the sentence imposed by the court — may affect employment, housing, professional licenses, or eligibility for certain government positions. Certain convictions may also affect driving privileges, depending on the offense.
Background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and other organizations may reveal a felony record, creating additional obstacles after a sentence has been completed. Early legal representation gives a felony defense lawyer more time to evaluate the charge, evidence, and available defense options.
Felony sentencing ranges vary significantly depending on the offense. Examples of potential prison sentences under Oklahoma law include:
These examples illustrate how widely felony penalties can vary in Oklahoma. The potential sentence in an individual case depends on the specific charge, prior convictions, sentencing enhancements, and other circumstances. An Oklahoma City felony lawyer can review the charge and explain the sentencing range that may apply.
Every felony case is different. Our Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers examine the allegations and evidence before determining which defense strategies may be appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, our attorneys may:
The prosecution must prove a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning the evidence must establish guilt without a reasonable uncertainty based on the evidence. Our law firm evaluates whether the prosecution can meet that burden and develops a defense based on the circumstances of the case.
Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman takes a collaborative approach to serious criminal cases. Our attorneys work together when appropriate while keeping clients informed about the case, available options, and upcoming decisions. From our Norman law office, our law firm represents people facing felony charges in Oklahoma City and throughout the surrounding area.
Felonies and misdemeanors are different classifications of criminal offenses, with felonies generally carrying the potential for more serious penalties and collateral consequences. The sentence available for a particular charge depends on the statute governing the offense and the circumstances of the case. If you are unsure how your charge is classified, an Oklahoma City felony attorney can review the applicable law and explain what you may be facing.
In some cases, a different resolution may be possible. Whether a felony can be reduced depends on the specific charge, evidence, criminal history, applicable law, and negotiations with prosecutors. Some defendants may also qualify for deferred sentencing or other resolutions under Oklahoma law. A criminal defense lawyer can determine which options may be available based on the circumstances of your case.
A felony conviction can remain on your record unless it qualifies for expungement or another form of relief. Oklahoma law allows certain arrest and conviction records to be expunged, meaning qualifying records can be sealed from public access. Eligibility depends on the applicable statutory category, offense, criminal history, pending charges, and any required waiting period. Not every felony qualifies.
Consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions about the alleged offense. You have the right to remain silent and to request a lawyer. Contacting an attorney early also gives your defense team more time to preserve evidence, examine the investigation, and evaluate your legal options.
A felony charge can put your freedom and future at risk, but being charged does not mean you have been convicted. The Oklahoma City felony lawyers at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman can review the evidence, explain the potential consequences, and identify defense options based on your circumstances.
If you are ready to discuss your case with an experienced felony lawyer, contact our Norman law office to schedule a consultation. Our law firm represents people facing serious criminal charges in Oklahoma City and throughout Oklahoma.
