As with most other crimes, those in Tulsa are subject to Oklahoma’s criminal laws. In addition to other crimes related to individuals who commit felonies, like harboring, Oklahoma also makes it illegal to act as an accessory to a felony. According to the law, “All persons who, after the commission of any felony, conceal or aid the offender, with knowledge that he has committed a felony, and with intent that he may avoid or escape from arrest, trial, conviction, or punishment, are accessories.”
Potential Defenses
First, you must complete the required act after someone commits a felony. If you can argue the underlying act was a misdemeanor, you could win the case. Next, you must also aid them with the intent to help them evade arrest. If your intent was to do something else, you may have an argument to use in your defense. Finally, if you do not have actual knowledge the person you helped committed a felony, this is a critical fact that could result in an acquittal.
Punishment For Acting As An Accessory
Punishment for acting as an accessory to a felony depends on the underlying criminal offense. If the felony that occurred could have resulted in four or more years in prison, an accessory can serve up to one half of the sentence imposed. For those sentences less than four years, an accessory can serve up to one year. For crimes punishable only by fines, an accessory may be forced to pay a separate fine of up to half the underlying amount. Next, for felonies subject to a combination of fines or prison, accessories may receive up to one half of each. Finally, an accessory to a first degree murder can receive between five and 45 years, while those for second degree are subject to between five and 25 years.
Call A Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney For More Information
If you are facing a potential charge for acting as an accessory to a felony, you should make an appointment with a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to explore your options. Call the Seventh Street Tulsa Law Office at (918) 932-2777 for a confidential and low-cost consultation.