Oklahoma has statutorily excluded individuals convicted of any felony offense from many aspects of public and professional life. Felony convictions can have devastating effects on your ability to live certain places, attend colleges and universities, earn a living or hold some professional employment, associate with friends and family members, vote, receive government benefits…the list goes on.
Read MoreIn 2012, the Supreme Court of the United States wrote that “plea bargaining…is not some adjunct to the criminal justice system; it is the criminal justice system.” There needs to be commonsense guidelines surrounding the negotiation process that ensure both sides have all of the relevant and necessary information in order to make the most informed and justified decision.
Read MoreHouse Bill 2876 represents a bold proposal seeking to address the disturbing realities and inequity of capital punishment. HB 2876 will be assigned for a committee hearing in February but with little to no support from Gov. Kevin Stitt, this effort is sure to find many obstacles along the way.
Read MoreIn 2019, the Oklahoma Pardon & Parole Board recommended sentence commutations for 527 inmates. Gov. Stitt signed and commuted the sentences for 462 offenders, resulting in immediate release. What happens now?
Read MoreOn Wednesday, District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia halted Attorney General William Barr’s July proposal seeking to resume the imposition of the death penalty after a 16-year moratorium at the federal level.
Read MoreEarlier this month, Oklahoma’s DUI laws drastically changed. Prior to these newly enacted laws, law enforcement could legally suspended a person’s driving privileges if they refuse to take a state-mandated sobriety test and the only way to appeal this suspension is through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Now, when a person is arrested for DUI or APC they will be given written notice that their driving privileges will be revoked, effective within thirty (30) days of the arrest. New laws give drivers limited options when facing a revocation of their driving privileges.
Read MoreThe annual criminal justice initiative, which spans 40 events in over 30 cities nationwide, will offer services like legal workshops, voter registration, and employment workshops to the nearly 80 million Americans impacted by criminal records.
Read MoreFor aliens and prospective immigrants applying for naturalization in the United States, a “good moral character” must be established in order to be granted citizenship and many other immigration benefits. If an alien has any doubt about whether a specific activity may cause problems for his or her immigration status or aspirations, they should immediately consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
Read MoreHouse Bill 2597, called “constitutional carry” or “permitless carry,” was signed into law by Governor Kevin Stitt and takes effect November 1, 2019. Many other significant changes to Oklahoma’s firearm laws will also go into effect this coming November. Make sure you know your rights and how to lawfully protect yourself and your property.
Read MoreAn Eastern Pennsylvania judge has ruled that law enforcement officers who said they smelled marijuana in a vehicle weren’t allowed to search the vehicle once they were shown the passenger’s medical marijuana card.
Read MoreFind out more about the expungement of criminal records in Oklahoma. The time is now to move on from past criminal charges and to clear your record. We will explain some of the reasons why you should explore the possibility for an expungement of your criminal history and why you should consider retaining an experienced and accomplished Oklahoma expungement lawyer.
Read MoreIf current Oklahoma laws were applied to people sentenced before July 2017, nearly 500 years would be cut from Oklahoma’s current prison sentences. I believe our communities do not benefit from mass incarceration and Oklahomans agreed. Sentences for non-violent crimes and drug offenses are far too long. Oklahoma continues to makes strides but where do we stand as a nation when confronting criminal justice reform?
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