Oklahoma City Misdemeanor Defense Lawyers Fight for Your Future

Determined trial lawyers implement strategic defenses to all charges

A misdemeanor may sound like a minor infraction, but under Oklahoma law, misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in county jail, fines, and administrative penalties. A misdemeanor arrest creates a criminal record that can negatively impact your future even if you are not convicted. Given these consequences, you should immediately retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At Butler & Flynn, PLLC in Oklahoma City, we are seasoned trial lawyers with the knowledge and skills to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to get charges reduced or dropped, or negotiate a resolution that avoids jail time. However, if justice requires going to trial, you can rely on our courtroom experience and our solid record of success.

Firm outlines common misdemeanor offenses in Oklahoma

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses than felonies, and as with felonies, Oklahoma does not rank misdemeanor offenses in classes according to severity. Under Oklahoma law, a misdemeanor conviction can draw a county jail sentence of up to one year, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both. Examples of misdemeanors include:

• Petit theft — Larceny or shoplifting of property valued at less than $1,000 is a misdemeanor.
• Reckless driving — Moving violations that involve a greater degree of misconduct than simple negligence can be charged as misdemeanor crimes rather than infractions. For example, a person driving recklessly who causes an accident that kills another person can be charged with negligent vehicular homicide.
• DUI — In Oklahoma, a first-time DUI or a second DUI more than 10 years removed from the first is generally charged as a misdemeanor.
• Assault and battery — Minor physical confrontations usually lead to misdemeanor charges. For example, a simple assault in Oklahoma is defined as “an intentional attempt or intentional threat of force or violence against another,” and can draw a jail term of up to 30 days, a fine of up to $500, or both. When force or violence is used, but injuries are not significant, the charge becomes simple assault and battery, which can draw a sentence of up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
• Drug possession — Possession of a small amount of a controlled dangerous substance (CDS) is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma. The maximum sentence is one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Oklahoma’s CDS list aligns with the federal Schedules for controlled substances.

If you are arrested for a misdemeanor offense, your ability to obtain a favorable outcome might depend on the quality of your criminal defense representation. At our firm, you get a veteran team of trial lawyers determined to minimize the disruption to your life. We are often able to resolve cases without trial by persuading authorities to drop charges or decline to prosecute. For drug charges, we strive to get clients into diversion programs to avoid incarceration whenever possible. When the facts are against our clients, we can still achieve a positive result by persuading the court to offer community service in lieu of jail time or reduced sentencing. Finally, when justice requires a trial, we are prepared to present a compelling case for acquittal that challenges the elements of the state’s case against you.

Contact our respected Oklahoma criminal defense lawyers for help with misdemeanor charges

Butler & Flynn, PLLC represents Oklahomans who have been accused of misdemeanor crimes. For an immediate response to your urgent need, call 405-416-2711 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. We are located at 13825 Quail Pointe Drive in Oklahoma City, just off the Kilpatrick Turnpike.