Are you facing Oklahoma murder charges? Hire our experienced attorneys to represent your criminal case.
Under Oklahoma law, murder is defined as the intentional killing of a person with “malice aforethought,” or premeditated thought and the intent of killing that person. If there was no legal excuse or authority for the killing, this murder charge will be in the first degree. Conversely, second-degree murder is charged when the killing occurs without premeditation. Any and all persons involved in the first- or second-degree murder can be charged with the crime, not just the person that actually carried out the murder. If you have been charged with murder in Oklahoma, contact our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center today to review your case.
Murder Laws in Oklahoma
Murder charges in Oklahoma are punished with the most severe penalties, sometimes including the death penalty. If you are facing an Oklahoma murder charge, the success of your case and the rest of your life may depend on the expertise of your legal representation. For this reason and others, don’t hesitate to contact our reputable defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center when facing first- or second-degree murder charges. With the help of our qualified defense attorneys, you can take an active part in determining the outcome of your murder case.
Degrees of Murder in Oklahoma
Murder charges are separated into two different categories in Oklahoma: first-degree murder and second-degree murder. First-degree murder occurs when a person unlawfully and with “malice aforethought” causes the death of another person. In other words, murder in the first degree is characterized by premeditation. Other crimes that may lead to a first-degree murder charge in Oklahoma City include:
- The malicious abuse or torture of a child that results in death
- The unintentional killing of a person during the commission of another felony
- The intentional killing of a law enforcement officer during the commission of official duties
- The death of another person while manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled substance
Second-degree murder, on the other hand, occurs when a person acts in a way that is imminently dangerous to another person and is indicative of a depraved mind, but carries out the act without premeditation or the intention to kill any particular individual.
Penalties for an Oklahoma Murder Conviction
- First-degree murder – A person convicted of murder in the first degree in Oklahoma can be punished by death, life in prison without the possibility of parole, or a life term in prison with the possibility of parole.
- Second-degree murder – A person convicted of murder in the second degree in Oklahoma may face a prison term between ten years and a life sentence.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Being convicted of first-degree or second-degree murder in Oklahoma can have life-changing consequences, and may even result in the death penalty for the most severe offenses. If you are facing charges for an Oklahoma murder offense, don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights; consult our criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center immediately. By contacting our team of knowledgeable attorneys, you can defend yourself in court and significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your criminal case.