Oklahoma Criminal Defense Legal Questions

They could have called the cops, but did not. You could be paying a defense attorney and facing trial, but are not. Are you being blackmailed? Sounds more like you have been given an opportunity to make right your prior wrong and not risk prison. You might have been charged convicted, sentenced to do time and then had to pay back as restitution. Not real sure what the complaint is, but you sound rather lucky on the surface at least.... Read More

You hire an attorney to represent you. Public intoxication is being intoxication out in public, as contrasted to your private home or a friend;s private residence. If you were passed out in a car on a public roadway, that would appear to qualify as conditions which support the charge. All is not lost, but the fact you were not driving is meaningless as driving as nothing to do with the offense. You mention someone saying call your parents. If you are a minor, you could face additional problems due to under age drinking. Go get you an attorney. Many of us do provide a free initial consultation.... Read More

Is he driving a car titled in your name, either individually or jointly with him? Is he still included as an authorized driver on insurance you provide for vehicles? He's 21. Even if you provide some financial assistance, he should be living under his own identity. If he is still living under yours, someone will be looking at your pockets should bad things happen. Even if they are unsuccessful, it won't be a pleasant experience.... Read More

You indicate it is the defense which wishes you to appear and not the state. It would be rare for the state to seek to hold a witness in contempt on failing to appear, and even more rare for the defense to do so. Further, if someone mailed something which you did not receive, which is different than being presented an item and refusing to sign for that item, there is an argument you have not been served at all for the new hearing. There is also the question of why the defense is calling you. A person's liberty is at stake. If you have truthful information that weighs in favor of the defense, not appearing provides an unfair advantage to the government, which already has the advantage of greater resources and greater reputation and greater leverage. I leave you with the thought of there is that which one must do, and that which one should do. Please do that which should be done, even if you feel you are not forced to appear.... Read More

The state is not obligated to give a first timer a free pass. If they are seeking time to do, then the question becomes can the charge be beaten or can a better plea offer be obtained. As for the relationship with your counsel, that is for you to decide. But only the defendant can decide whether or not to take a plea offer.... Read More

It's a possibility. Of course, it is also a possibility the next time you are in your car you have a tail light go out, and an officer stops you to give you a warning. However, when that warrant pops as the officer runs your license, your warning can turn into shiny bracelets and a free ride to jail. Get your old stuff resolved, or at least on a payment plan before some sniggly little matter jams you up in a big way.... Read More

In writing to the police and to the provider. standing in the street shouting or making phones calls will not do it. It time is critical, and it may be, hand carry it. Starting with the provider makes the most sense if you are changing your mind. Doing both in one day should be doable. Send via fax and followup, again especially on the provider end.... Read More

Followup with the police. if you felt the officer was not taking the matter seriously, ask to speak with a supervisor. Charging decisions are ultimately made by the prosecuting authority. You can also contact their office if you choose. How responsive you will find them may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.... Read More

The statutory range of punishment is from 2-10 years and a fine up to 5,000. There are also always various assorted fees which accompany a conviction or a deferral of judgment being entered. It is possible for the end result for a first time offender to end in something pother than a conviction.... Read More

You can ask. It is in the court's discretion to grant or not grant. Do ask for additional time. Do not ask for 'a pass.' use language that communicates you realize you need counsel and are actively seeking counsel. Be prepared to explain to the court what steps you have already taken, and those steps which you plan to take if more time is granted.... Read More