The stigma that comes with being associated with a violent crime can destroy your career, damage your personal and professional relationships, and make every aspect of life more difficult. You need a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney. Fortunately, you've come to the right place.
We Provide Exceptional Legal Representation for Oklahoma Violent Crimes Cases
At Berlin Law Firm, our seasoned Tulsa defense team helps clients facing serious criminal charges protect their future. We don't represent hardened career criminals—our clients are good people who have suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of the criminal justice system and need skilled legal help to set things right.
Here are some of the violent crime charges we handle, as well as their potential penalties.
Aggravated Assault and Battery
In Oklahoma, an assault and battery becomes an aggravated offense when the victim suffers great bodily injury (defined as bone fractures, obvious disfigurement, prolonged physical or mental impairment, or substantial risk of death) or the crime was committed by a healthy person against an elderly or disabled victim. Under 21 OK Stat § 21-646, penalties may include a fine of up to $500, up to one year in jail, or up to five years in prison.
Assault With a Dangerous Weapon
Assault with a dangerous weapon is defined in 21 OK Stat § 21-645 as an assault perpetrated with any instrument, implement, or tool capable of causing bodily harm. Charged as a felony, this crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Assault With a Deadly Weapon
Under the law, any implement capable of inflicting fatal injuries can be considered a “deadly weapon” when used in the commission of an assault. The instrument in question could be anything from a traditional weapon, such as a gun or knife, to something that isn't necessarily a weapon, but could be deadly if used as one, like a vehicle. This very serious felony offense can carry a sentence of up to life in prison.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is a felony charge that refers to the unlawful seizure, confinement, abduction, or carrying away of another person with the intent to confine, imprison, or hold them against their will. The victim does not need to be a child, nor do you need to have held the person for an extended period of time. Under 21 OK Stat § 21-741, the crime can carry up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. Kidnapping charges are often added to sex crimes or to domestic assault and battery cases where the defendant prevents the alleged victim from leaving the room.
Attempting a Violent Act
Attempting, conspiring, or endeavoring to perform an act of violence involving—or intending to involve—serious bodily harm or death of another person is outlined in 21 OK Stat § 21-1378:
A. Any person who shall attempt, conspire or endeavor to perform an act of violence involving or intended to involve serious bodily harm or death of another person shall be guilty of a felony, punishable upon conviction thereof by imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 years.
B. Any person who shall threaten to perform an act of violence involving or intended to involve serious bodily harm or death of another person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction thereof by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 6 months.
C. Any person who shall devise any plan, scheme or program of action to cause serious bodily harm or death of another person with intent to perform such malicious act of violence, whether alone or by conspiring with others, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable upon conviction thereof by imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 years.
Maiming
Maiming is covered in 21 OK Stat § 21-751:
Every person who, with a premeditated design to injure another, inflicts upon his person any injury which disfigures his personal appearance or disables any member or organ of his body or seriously diminishes his physical vigor, is guilty of maiming.
This is a felony that carries potential penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, up to life imprisonment, or both.
Protecting Your Rights, Your Freedom, and Your Future
Violent crimes are some of the most serious and harshly punished offenses in Oklahoma. Many of the charges are “85 percent crimes,” meaning that someone convicted of a crime with this designation would have to serve 85 percent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Your fight to protect your rights begins the moment you are arrested. The last thing you want to do is make an innocent mistake that can damage your case, such as agreeing to speak to the police without a lawyer present. Request a free copy of our report, Top 9 Questions You Absolutely, Positively, Must Ask a Lawyer, to learn what to look for when hiring legal counsel.
Berlin Law Firm has extensive experience handling violent crimes that involve elements of coercive control in intimate partner relationships. Attorney Lee Berlin knows the challenges these types of cases present and will fight to ensure that you’re allowed to tell your side of the story.
Have You Been Charged With a Violent Crime in the Tulsa, OK Area?
If you or a loved one has been charged with a violent crime in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call 918.384.0850 for your initial strategy session. We are proud to serve Tulsa and all surrounding areas.
