In Oklahoma, a felony is any crime punishable by imprisonment or death. While other states divide felonies into various classes, Oklahoma makes no distinction between felony offenses. Instead, it associates a range of penalties with a specific felony crime. If you’re facing a felony charge in Norman, you need representation that won’t back down! With over three decades of experience defending felony charges in Norman, Pierce Law Firm P.C. is your go-to for all felony defense needs.
Common Felony Charges in Norman
Drug-related crimes and violent crimes are among the most common felony charges in Oklahoma. Among the common felony drug charges are the possession, distribution, fabrication, and sale of substances. The U.S. Department of Justice provides extensive information on the classification and penalties for drug-related offenses. Violent crimes such as assault and domestic abuse are considered felonies when they involve a dangerous or deadly weapon or if the assault results in serious bodily injury.
When it comes to property crimes, grand larceny is a common felony charge because it involves high-value assets and property. First-degree burglary and second-degree burglary are also deemed felonies.
White-collar crimes such as embezzlement and theft are nonviolent in nature, but they can also be deemed felonies if the case involves a large amount of money.
Potential Consequences of Felony Convictions
A felony conviction may result in prison time of up to 35 years or life and hefty fines of $25,000 or more. Depending on the circumstances, a convicted felon may also be required to pay restitution up to three times the actual economic loss shown to the court.
A felony conviction can also have lifelong consequences. For instance, it may affect housing eligibility and employment opportunities.
The Felony Court Process in Norman
The felony court process in Oklahoma begins when an individual is arrested or turned in. Law enforcement completes the booking procedure by taking photos of the arrested and capturing their fingerprints.
The defendant then attends the arraignment or initial appearance, where he or she will receive a copy of the charges and have bail or bond set. The next step in the court process is the preliminary hearing conference, where the prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney meet to see if they can negotiate a plea.
Both parties may file legal motions at pre-trial motions, and a judge will rule on these motions. If charges are not dismissed, the trial is the next step. At trial, the jury must determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the jury’s verdict is ‘not guilty,’ then the case is over.
Defense Strategies for Felony Cases
There are numerous defense strategies for a felony case, and a good Norman criminal defense lawyer can determine which are the best ones to use. One strategy is challenging evidence, contesting whether the evidence was obtained without a proper warrant or through an unlawful search and seizure. The exclusionary rule ensures the defendant has the right to due process and the right to counsel, prohibiting evidence that violates one’s constitutional rights. The legal principle known as the ‘exclusionary rule’ also ensures the defendant has the right to due process and the right to counsel, prohibiting evidence that violates one’s constitutional rights.
Providing an alibi is another way to avoid a felony charge, proving that you were elsewhere when and where the offense occurred. Proving mistaken identity is also a common defense strategy, showing that you were wrongfully identified as the offender.
Plea Bargaining in Felony Cases
Many criminal cases are settled by plea bargaining. Plea bargaining is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant pleads guilty and opts to forego trial in exchange for a reduced charge or a lower sentence.
Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
If you are facing a felony charge, it is critical to seek representation from an experienced defense attorney who can help you navigate complex felony laws and build you a strong defense. A criminal defense attorney will have experience defending felony offenses and will know how the legal process works. Having an attorney as your trusted advisor through the process can help you negotiate better deals with prosecutors and give you a better chance of avoiding lengthy prison sentences.
Post-Conviction Options
A case is not over after a conviction, as there are post-conviction options available to challenge the result of a case. One such option is an appeal, which is a legal review of what transpired during the trial to see if any constitutional violations or procedural errors were made.
An expungement is another post-conviction option, which is a process that enables you to have your criminal records erased or sealed, thus making the records either non-existent or unavailable to the public.
Collateral Consequences of Felony Convictions
Note that apart from fines and jail time, a felony conviction can bring about life-long consequences—including the loss of fundamental civil rights. You may lose the right to sit in a jury, the right to vote, or the right to own, use, or possess a firearm If convicted of a felony. If you hold a professional license of any form, a felony charge will likely be an issue for the licensing authority.
Free Consultation from a Norman Felony Defense Attorney
Contact a felony defense attorney from Pierce Law Firm, P.C., for a free and confidential consultation and obtain the aggressive representation you need. Our firm won’t back down from a fight. Thirty years of success representing individuals accused of felonies makes us the right advocate for your case.