Notes From the Yellow Legal Pads of BGG
Case studies, FAQs, and other tidbits as we see fit to share.
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It was in early April that a man escaped from the Oklahoma County jail and stole a car from an 86-year-old woman while she was pumping gas. During the vehicle heist, the man knocked the elderly woman to the ground. As he sped off, he allegedly ran over her hands. He was promptly found and taken back into custody and authorities say he likely faces additional charges of theft.
Alimony, also called spousal support, is awarded in some Oklahoma divorce cases, but not all. Alimony is intended to provide for one spouse that would otherwise suffer unfair economic effects of a divorce. In some instances, alimony is provided so the lower-earning spouse can enjoy the same standard of living they had while married. When awarded, alimony is most often paid in monthly payments, although the spouse paying the alimony may sometimes pay it in one lump sum as well. While negotiating the terms of a divorce, a couple may agree to the terms of alimony, or a judge can award it.
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.
Every state has legal requirements for a couple to get married. They typically include applying for and obtaining a marriage license that recognizes the legal marriage. However, some states also recognize common law marriages. A common law marriage is one in which both parties have voluntarily agreed to enter into a marriage and hold themselves out to be married, but have not formally sought legal recognition of their union.
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.
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