Murder is among the most serious crimes that a person can be charged with and carries severe penalties. When faced with a murder charge in Norman and surrounding areas, you need representation you can trust and who understands how to handle cases this serious. The truth is that not all criminal defense lawyers are qualified to handle murder cases.
At Pierce Law Firm P.C., we have over three decades of experience helping the criminally accused achieve favorable results in their cases. We will never back down from a fight and will advocate relentlessly for your rights throughout the legal process.
How is Murder Defined in Oklahoma?
In the state of Oklahoma, murder is categorized as one of the most serious types of homicide, and it can be further categorized as first and second-degree murder. Though both murder charges result in the killing of another individual, it is the presence of intent and premeditation that distinguish the two from each other.
Note that the state’s felony murder rule may apply in some instances. The Oklahoma Statutes on Murder dictates that an individual may be charged with first-degree murder if another individual dies during the commission of another felony, such as kidnapping or first-degree burglary—even if the person’s death is not believed to be premeditated.
Potential Penalties for Murder Convictions
The state of Oklahoma takes murder charges very seriously. An individual convicted of first-degree murder may face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, while the convicted may face ten years imprisonment to a life sentence for a second-degree charge.
The 85 percent rule applies to Oklahoma murder convictions, which requires felons convicted of certain crimes to first serve no less than 85 percent of their imprisonment sentence before becoming eligible for release.
Common Defenses for Murder Charges
Murder crimes are extremely complex in nature, but numerous defenses can be used in such cases.
One such defense is mistaken identity. A defendant can claim that the prosecution charged the wrong individual with the killing. By providing a good alibi, the defendant will show that he or she was elsewhere at the time and place the killing occurred.
The defendant can claim self-defense. It must be established, however, that there was legal justification for the killing of another as there was reasonable fear of serious physical harm or death that led to the other person’s death.
In certain cases, it may be possible to plead insanity as a defense. Typically, the defendant will need to undergo a psychological evaluation that establishes his or her diminished mental responsibility or ability. Note that the insanity defense requires certain legal requirements to be met, so it is not always granted. It may also result in confinement in a mental health facility.
When the prosecutor cannot establish a definite motive for the crime committed, lack of intent is a strategy that may come into play. Therefore, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant was unaware that their actions could lead to death, as well as establish that it was not his or her intent to commit murder.
Importance of Experienced Legal Representation
A skilled and aggressive murder defense attorney will work tirelessly to build a strong defense team, utilize investigative resources to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and negotiate with the prosecution if needed. Give yourself the best possible chance by having strong legal representation.
Contact A Murder Defense Lawyer Immediately
A murder charge involves severe consequences. Obtain legal representation from a felony defense attorney as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation with the skilled attorney at Pierce Law Firm immediately to discuss your options.