A criminal law has been introduced in the Oklahoma State Senate, which would expand the current definition of first degree murder in the state. Senate Bill 1066 is geared towards providing express statutory consequences for the serious problem Oklahoma is facing regarding drug manufacturing and distribution. While first-degree murder may seem like a simple concept, …
A criminal law has been introduced in the Oklahoma State Senate, which would expand the current definition of first degree murder in the state. Senate Bill 1066 is geared towards providing express statutory consequences for the serious problem Oklahoma is facing regarding drug manufacturing and distribution. While first-degree murder may seem like a simple concept, the laws governing the distinction of first degree murder in Oklahoma are actually quite complex. If you are facing first degree murder charges or other criminal charges in Oklahoma City, contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options. With the help of our knowledgeable OK criminal defense lawyers, those charged with a criminal offense in Oklahoma can ensure their legal rights are protected.
Oklahoma Murder in the First Degree
According to Oklahoma criminal law, murder in the first degree describes a situation in which a person illegally and with malice causes the death of another human being, even if they don’t physically kill them. Under this distinction, a person may commit first degree murder in OK if they injure another person severely enough that the injuries eventually lead to that person’s death. One may also be accused of first degree murder in Oklahoma if he or she unintentionally causes the death of another person while in the process of committing an unlawful act. For example, a person may be charged with first degree murder in Oklahoma if he or she causes the death of another person while committing or attempting to commit an armed robbery.
New Legislation Means Harsher Penalties for OK Offenders
The new Oklahoma Senate bill, however, would add to this definition of first degree murder by including the manufacture or attempted manufacture of a controlled dangerous substance. Under this law, for example, if a person in Oklahoma constructs a meth lab with the intention of manufacturing methamphetamine, and that meth lab explodes, killing another person, he or she may be charged with murder in the first degree. If passed and signed into law, this new legislation may allow prosecutors to push for more stringent penalties for those who put the lives of others in danger by manufacturing and distributing illegal drugs.
Contact an OK Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help
As lawmakers in Oklahoma attempt to crack down on illegal behavior in the state by instituting stricter laws and stiffer penalties for offenders, those charged with criminal offenses in Oklahoma stand to face harsh punishments for their offenses. If you or someone you know has been charged with first degree murder or other criminal charges in Oklahoma, enlisting the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma City can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. Consult our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center today and discuss your possible defense options.