When you have been charged with a crime, your freedom is at stake. Not only could you face jail time if convicted, but you could be hit with heavy fines and other financial penalties as well. The entire process is overwhelming for most people, and the effects of a conviction could stick with you for a lifetime. You could find yourself having trouble getting employment, dealing with a damaged reputation, and facing other consequences years down the road. You need an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney who will fight to protect your legal rights and help you get the outcome you desire. Contact the office of Josh Lee & Associates today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Firm?
The founding attorney, Josh Lee, at Josh Lee & Associates has devoted his practice to helping clients who are facing criminal charges. Our knowledge and experience with Oklahoma criminal law allow us to put together a strategy that gives you the highest chance of being successful. Unlike most public defenders who are juggling a variety of criminal cases, the team at Josh Lee & Associates will give you the personal attention you deserve. We will take the time to listen to your story and fully understand the facts of your case. Our attention to detail is crucial as we prepare your case, and we know what it takes to win in court. Your initial consultation and thorough case analysis are always free, so give us a call today to get started.
The Basics Of A Criminal Case
Criminal cases in Oklahoma generally all follow the same basic steps, although the length of time required to complete these cases can vary significantly. Smaller and less complex cases may go to trial and reach an adjudication within a few months. However, larger and more complex cases may take up to two years to reach an adjudication. Here is the process that criminal cases follow.
First, it is worth noting that the process outlined below is the process for felony cases. Misdemeanor cases are usually not quite as formal, and some of the steps in this process may be combined or omitted altogether in misdemeanor cases.
That being said, the typical first step in criminal proceedings is the investigation. The State will gather evidence of the crime prior to an arrest. Defendants are not usually guaranteed the right to an attorney during this stage unless they are brought in for questioning. However, you may choose to hire an attorney during this part of the process, and it is usually in your best interest to do so.
Next, an arrest is made. If you have already hired an attorney, your attorney may be able to negotiate the specifics of the arrest so that you are not taken by surprise. After the arrest, an initial appearance occurs in front of a judge. At the initial appearance, the defendant will be served with a copy of the charges and bail will be set.
In most counties in Oklahoma, a Preliminary Hearing Conference is the next step. At this meeting, your defense attorney and the prosecutor attempt to negotiate and decide whether a plea deal will be reached. In some cases, multiple preliminary hearing conferences could take place. If a deal is not reached, the case proceeds to the preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the State must present enough evidence to establish that a crime was committed. If the State meets the burden of proof, the case continues.
The next step in the proceedings is the arraignment. The arraignment is where the defendant will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. After the arraignment, pre-trial motions may occur. These could include a motion to dismiss, motions to exclude illegal evidence, motions for discovery, and others. Finally, the trial takes place. At the trial, both the State and defense present their evidence to the jury. The jury receives its instructions on the law from the judge and returns either a guilty or not guilty verdict.
If the defendant is found guilty, the case moves on to the sentencing phase. The judge makes the final decision on sentencing, although the jury does make a recommendation. Additionally, the defendant does have the right to appeal the verdict. Appeals must be filed within a certain timeframe or the right to appeal could be lost. Speak to a post-conviction lawyer about what your legal options are after your sentence.
The criminal process can be lengthy, complex, and intimidating. Having a trusted Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney on your side is crucial to protecting your legal rights. If you cannot afford an attorney, you still have the right to have one appointed to you.
Common Types Of Criminal Charges
The Oklahoma Criminal Code (Oklahoma Statutes, Title 21) outlines a number of different crimes that a defendant could potentially face. Some of these crimes are much more common than others, and the team at Josh Lee & Associates can help defend you against all these types of charges. Some of the most common criminal charges that we help clients with include the following:
- Drug charges
- Weapons charges
- Sex crimes
- Expungements
- Post-conviction
- White collar crimes
- Domestic Violence
- Violent crimes
- DUI
- Traffic-related offenses
Whether you’re facing a minor infraction or a serious felony charge, we’re prepared to offer the skilled legal guidance you need to navigate the criminal justice system effectively. If you have been charged with a crime, do not make any statements to the authorities until you have the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Understanding Your Charges: Misdemeanors, Felonies And Infractions
Criminal charges in Oklahoma generally fall into three categories:
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Felonies: More serious crimes that can result in state prison sentences of more than one year
- Infractions: Minor violations usually punishable by fines
Understanding the nature of the charges, whether a minor misdemeanor or a serious felony, against you is crucial in developing a strong defense strategy. Our defense attorney can explain the specifics of your case and help you understand the potential implications. If you’ve been committed of a federal crime, you can reach out to our federal crimes attorney in Oklahoma City for free legal advice.
Conviction Consequences: Why A Strong Defense Matters
A criminal conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond legal penalties. These may include difficulties in finding employment, housing or obtaining professional licenses. Your personal relationships and reputation in the community may also be affected. We work tirelessly to pursue strategies that aim for positive outcomes and minimize these potential impacts on your life.
Common Concerns In Criminal Defense
We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, and you likely have many questions. Here are answers to two common inquiries we receive:
Can you appeal a criminal conviction?
Yes, in many cases, you can appeal a criminal conviction. The appeals process allows you to challenge legal errors that may have occurred during your trial. Our lawyer can assess your case and guide you through the appeals process, if appropriate.
What is expungement, and how does it work?
Expungement is a legal process that can clear or seal the record of an arrest or conviction. If granted, it can help you move forward without the burden of a criminal record. The eligibility and process for expungement vary depending on the nature of the offense and other factors. Our attorney can evaluate your situation and assist with the expungement process if you qualify.
These are just a few of the questions we commonly address. For more specific information about your case, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney.
Ways We Can Help You
The founding attorney at Josh Lee & Associates has spent over 20 years protecting the rights of criminal defendants. Using this experience, there are many things we can do to help win your case. Some of the ways we can help you include performing our own thorough investigation, identifying witnesses who can testify to your innocence, working to exclude illegal evidence, negotiating a reduction in charges or a plea agreement, and preparing the best trial strategy for your case. Additionally, if your original Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney did not get you the outcome you had hoped for, we can assist you through the entire appeals process. Contact our office today to learn what we can do for you.
Contact An Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are under investigation for a crime or have already been charged, contact Josh Lee & Associates today. We will work diligently to protect your rights throughout the process. Our experienced team can negotiate with the prosecution, comb through the evidence, and perform our own investigation to help get you the best possible outcome. Give us a call at (405) 759-5529 today to put our experience to work for you. We’re here to listen, advise, and advocate for your rights.
