If you are being investigated for a violent crime, you may be facing lifelong consequences. The penalties for violent crimes can be among the most serious you can face: jail time, fines, and permanent records that can limit where you live and go. You can also face social stigma that can hurt you and your family.
You may feel hopeless — but you do not have to feel that way. All of these consequences are avoidable if you have the skilled representation you deserve. At Josh Lee & Associates, our Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers are prepared to help. Speak to our experienced violent crime lawyers in Oklahoma City today.
A Seasoned Criminal Defense Attorney On Your Side
Our founding attorney, Josh Lee, has been working in criminal defense for his entire career. Even before passing the bar, he interned at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office throughout law school, receiving a special license to try several felony cases himself. He has helped clients accused of violent crimes such as:
- Assault and battery. Often, these charges are mistaken for the same thing. That is not the case. Assault refers to the threat of violence, and battery means the actual carrying out of that violence.
- Aggravated assault and battery. This is an elevated charge from regular assault and battery, made more serious by the type of threat.
- Domestic violence. If you have been accused of domestic violence by a past partner, the ramifications can follow you throughout your life, especially if you share children.
- Harassment. You may be accused of either misdemeanor or felony harassment. Penalties can be more serious if you have any past offenses.
He also offers representation for homicide and sex offenses. No matter what type of charge you’re facing, the job of law enforcement and prosecutors is to get you convicted, by any means necessary. You need representation whose job it is to keep that from happening.
As a skilled criminal defense lawyer, Mr. Lee knows what to do to protect you. Because of his experience in the Oklahoma City area and the criminal justice system, he can often get charges against our clients reduced or even dismissed.
Types of Violent Crime Charges in Oklahoma City
Violent crime charges in Oklahoma City vary in severity based on the specific offense and the circumstances surrounding the case. Some charges result in misdemeanors, while others carry felony penalties that include years in prison. The legal consequences depend on factors such as the level of harm, the presence of weapons, and whether the accused has prior convictions.
Assault, Battery, and Aggravated Assault
Oklahoma law distinguishes between assault and battery based on whether physical contact occurred. Assault involves the threat of violence, while battery occurs when physical harm is inflicted. Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 641, simple assault and battery are typically charged as misdemeanors, carrying up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
If the victim suffers serious bodily injury, the charge may be upgraded to aggravated assault and battery, a felony offense. Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 646 defines aggravated assault as an attack that causes permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or other severe injuries. A conviction can result in up to five years in prison, with harsher penalties if the crime involved vulnerable victims, such as children or the elderly.
Robbery and Armed Offenses
Robbery charges in Oklahoma are serious felony offenses, especially when weapons are involved. Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 791 defines robbery as the act of taking another person’s property through force or intimidation. Basic robbery charges can result in a minimum of 10 years in prison, but if a firearm or deadly weapon is used, penalties increase significantly.
Armed robbery, covered under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 801, carries a minimum sentence of 10 years with no possibility of parole. If the victim suffers injuries during the robbery, the court may impose enhanced penalties, including life in prison. Repeat offenders and individuals involved in organized criminal activity often face additional sentencing enhancements.
Homicide and Manslaughter
Homicide charges in Oklahoma fall into different categories based on intent and the circumstances of the crime. Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 701.7 defines first-degree murder as an intentional killing with premeditation, punishable by life in prison or the death penalty. Second-degree murder applies when reckless actions result in someone’s death, carrying a sentence of 10 years to life.
Manslaughter is a lesser charge but still results in significant penalties. Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 711 classifies first-degree manslaughter as an unintentional killing that occurs during the commission of a misdemeanor or due to reckless behavior, leading to a prison sentence of four years to life. Second-degree manslaughter applies to accidental deaths caused by negligence and may result in up to four years in prison.
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Domestic violence charges apply when physical harm is inflicted on a spouse, intimate partner, or family member. Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 644 classifies domestic assault and battery as a misdemeanor for a first offense, with penalties of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. A second offense or an incident involving serious injuries upgrades the charge to a felony, carrying up to 10 years in prison.
Child abuse is prosecuted under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 843.5, which includes both physical harm and neglect. If a child suffers serious injuries or prolonged abuse, charges can result in a life sentence in prison. The law also criminalizes exposing a child to domestic violence, which can lead to additional penalties in custody disputes and protective order cases.
Repeat Offender and Habitual Violent Crime Sentencing
Oklahoma has strict sentencing enhancements for repeat violent offenders. Oklahoma Statutes Title 57 § 571 allows courts to impose longer prison terms and fewer parole opportunities for individuals convicted of multiple violent crimes. A second violent felony conviction may result in double the standard sentence, and a third conviction can lead to life in prison without parole.
Habitual offender sentencing applies to crimes such as murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. If you have prior convictions for violent crimes, prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties, limiting plea deal options and increasing the likelihood of a maximum prison sentence.
Factors That Can Elevate a Violent Crime Charge
The severity of a violent crime charge is influenced by the circumstances of the incident. The use of weapons, the extent of injuries, and the identity of the victim all play a role in determining sentencing. If aggravating factors are present, a misdemeanor charge may be upgraded to a felony.
Use of Deadly Weapons in a Violent Crime
If a firearm, knife, or another deadly weapon is involved in an assault, robbery, or other violent offense, sentencing enhancements may apply. Oklahoma law imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for crimes committed with a deadly weapon. Even if no injuries occur, using a weapon can significantly increase the penalties you face.
Crimes Committed Against Protected Individuals
Violent crimes against law enforcement officers, children, the elderly, or disabled individuals carry enhanced penalties. Assaulting a police officer, for example, can result in a felony charge and mandatory prison time. Crimes against minors or vulnerable adults may also lead to stricter sentencing guidelines and harsher fines.
Legal Defenses Against Violent Crime Charges in Oklahoma City
If you are facing a violent crime charge, there are defense strategies that may help reduce or dismiss the charges against you. The right legal defense depends on the details of your case, including whether you acted in self-defense or were falsely accused. Your defense must challenge the prosecution’s evidence and prove that your actions were justified or that you were wrongfully charged.
Self-Defense and Justified Use of Force
Oklahoma law allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself or others from immediate harm. If you were attacked and used force to prevent injury or death, you may have a valid self-defense claim. Courts will examine whether your response was necessary and proportionate to the threat you faced.
False Accusations and Mistaken Identity
Violent crime charges sometimes stem from false allegations or mistaken identity. Witnesses may misidentify a suspect or personal disputes may lead to wrongful accusations. If there is no physical evidence linking you to the crime, your defense can focus on proving inconsistencies in witness statements or providing an alibi.
Get Started With Our Oklahoma City Violent Crimes Attorney
You should not have to face lifelong consequences for an offense that you may not have even committed. Our firm’s help could make all the difference. To arrange an initial meeting with our violent crime lawyers in Oklahoma City to get their opinion, call our Oklahoma City office at (405) 759-5529 or fill out our quick contact form to schedule your free consultation as soon as today.
