Notes From the Yellow Legal Pads of BGG
Case studies, FAQs, and other tidbits as we see fit to share.
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Viewing entries tagged
criminal misdemeanor
Oklahoma has many laws pertaining to drunk driving. The Oklahoma statute surrounding driving under the influence covers a wide range of topics, including commercial drivers and underage drinkers. All drunk driving charges in Oklahoma, however, are taken very seriously. If convicted, drivers could face jail time, high fines, and other penalties, such as the requirement of an ignition interlock device.
In late March of 2019, a man was arrested after being accused of breaking into a mobile home and shooting another man multiple times. He now faces charges of first-degree murder.
First-degree murder is taken extremely seriously in Oklahoma. Viewed by the justice system as the worst crime a person could commit, it carries the harshest penalties in the state. Those charged of first-degree murder may feel helpless, but there are defenses available that can provide hope.
When many people think of the Stand Your Ground law, they often think about Florida. This law in the Sunshine State was an issue of great debate during the 2013 trial of George Zimmerman after he shot Trayvon Martin. However, Florida’s not the only state that has a Stand Your Ground law. Other states do as well, including Oklahoma.
Among the many criminal reform bills on the table, Oklahoma lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would change the definition of possession with intent to distribute, otherwise known as a PWID. The lack of a definition has caused PWID charges to increase by 20 percent. It’s a problem some lawmakers say has been happening since simple possession charges were dropped to a misdemeanor from a felony. Senate Bill 421 would change that and provide clear definitions for a PWID charge.
On March 12, 2019, the IBC Bank in Pauls Valley was robbed. The robber received cash after demanding it from bank employees, but fled the scene shortly after. No one was injured and the Oklahoma Bankers Association is offering a reward for anyone with information. It’s unknown whether or not the robber used a weapon during the course of the robbery, and this is an important distinction under Oklahoma law. The legal statutes of the state define four different types of robbery.
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