Oklahoma criminal statutes define a crime as any “… act or omission prohibited by the law which, upon conviction, is punishable by fine, imprisonment, removal from office, disqualification to hold office, or death.” Misdemeanor and felony are terms used to categorize crimes by the severity of the punishment you may possibly receive. Felony crimes receive more severe penalties, while misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa are those for which less severe punishments are prescribed.
Misdemeanor Crimes in Tulsa
A misdemeanor crime in Tulsa is an offense that is punishable by no more than one year in a county jail. Examples of misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa are:
- Battery
- Simple assault
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism
- Breaking and Entering
- DUI, DWI, and APC
- Marijuana Possession
- Petit Larceny
Wobbler Crimes in Tulsa
Sometimes, individuals are charged with crimes that are considered “wobblers,” offenses that may be charged as felonies or misdemeanors in Tulsa, depending on the circumstances of the crime.
For instance, theft of property with a value of less than $500 will be classified as a misdemeanor, while theft of property with a value in excess of $500 can be classified a Felony.
Typically, if you have little or no criminal record, or you have behaved well while on probation in the past, your attorney can submit a motion to have the court reduce a “wobbler” felony to a misdemeanor crime in Tulsa.
Reducing Your Charges in Tulsa
There is also the chance of having a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, if your attorney convinces the state and if the circumstances of your offense don’t particularly warrant a more severe punishment. There may even be a chance to convince the state’s attorney not to proceed on any charges at all.
On the other hand, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime in Tulsa, a subsequent misdemeanor offense for the same crime may be classified a felony. For instance, a person’s first DUI conviction is usually a misdemeanor crime in Tulsa, while a second or subsequent DUI conviction within a ten-year period may be classified as a felony.
Initial Strategy Session: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
Whether you have been charged with felony or misdemeanor crimes in Tulsa, it is very important to speak with an attorney who is informed and experienced in representing clients in a manner that achieves the possible result for the charges against you. Contact the Tulsa attorney at Seventh Street Tulsa Law Firm for a initial, confidential consultation. Call today at (918) 932-2777. We have also provided a form on the right side of this page where you may send your question or inquiry and receive an e-mail reply.
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