The state of Oklahoma has strict penalties in place for those convicted of crimes, especially for individuals found guilty of felony offenses. As law enforcement officials improve their resources and institute stiffer punishments in an effort to crack down on crime in Oklahoma, it is important to be aware of your rights and the criminal …
The state of Oklahoma has strict penalties in place for those convicted of crimes, especially for individuals found guilty of felony offenses. As law enforcement officials improve their resources and institute stiffer punishments in an effort to crack down on crime in Oklahoma, it is important to be aware of your rights and the criminal procedure you will be subjected to if you are charged with a felony offense in Oklahoma. Too often, the constitutional rights of Oklahomans are taken advantage of when they are most vulnerable, which is why hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma to represent your case is one of the first steps you should take after being charged with a felony in OK. If you are facing felony criminal charges in Oklahoma City, contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options.
Criminal Procedure in Oklahoma
Booking – When law enforcement transports you to jail after taking you into custody. Upon arrival, you will be searched for weapons, photographed, fingerprinted and asked routine questions about your personal information.
Posting bond – After you are processed, bond must be posted prior to your release. Bail is basically an insurance policy ensuring that you will show up for court.
Arraignment – Soon after you are arrested, you will be brought before a magistrate who will advise you of your rights, set bail, appoint counsel if necessary, and inform you of your next court date.
Preliminary hearing conference – The purpose of this conference is for your lawyer to discuss with the prosecutor the facts and circumstances of the case, and possibly reach a resolution.
Preliminary hearing (felony only) – If you are facing felony charges, a preliminary hearing may be held so that the magistrate can determine whether you should be “bound over” for trial on the State’s charges. At this time, your attorney will have the opportunity to argue issues such as unlawfully-obtained evidence and testimony.
Formal arraignment – If the magistrate binds you over for trial, you will be formally arraigned, and this marks the transition from the investigative stage to the disposition stage of the case. This process takes place before the district judge, because the magistrate has now lost jurisdiction over the case.
Pre-trial – After you are formally arraigned, your next court appearance will be for pre-trial, during which a trial or plea date can be requested.
Trial – If your attorney and the prosecutor are unable to resolve the case, it will proceed to trial. In order for you to be found guilty of the felony offense, the State has the burden to prove every element of the alleged crime beyond reasonable doubt.
Contact an OK Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you are facing felony charges for an Oklahoma drug offense, violent crime, drunk driving accident, or another type of offense, enlisting the help of a qualified criminal defense attorney in Oklahoma can significantly improve your chances of receiving a favorable outcome. If you are facing felony charges for a crime in OK, contact our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible. With the expertise of our attorneys on your side, you can fight to protect your legal rights and work to build a strong and successful defense. We understand how important it is to have someone in your corner, fighting the prosecution every step of the way, and our lawyers have years of experience doing just that. Contact our criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center today for a free consultation.