While it's probably not one of the more exciting destinations in downtown Oklahoma City, it is a place with which we are very familiar.  The county courthouse is where much of our work takes place when we go to trial.

The building itself was built in 1937 during the depths of the Great Depression.  The architect was Solomon Layton who designed over 100 public buildings in and around the city.  Of course one of his most well-known designs is the capitol building which is located to the north of the courthouse.

The Oklahoma County Courthouse

At the time of construction the cost of the building was $1.5 million.  This was not an insubstantial sum in those days.  The money was raised for the building by issuing bonds.  

The building is 11 stories tall and is located at 321 Park Avenue, smack dab in the middle of the downtown area.

Now it is used to handle any number of functions.  There are offices for law clerks, judges and more.  In addition it is where thousands of cases are tried each year for the county.  

The Architect

Solomon Layton had quite a career in Oklahoma.  As previously mentioned he designed over 100 public buildings in and around the city.  He also worked on the campus of the University of Oklahoma in Norman.  

But he didn't just work on buildings at the college or government level.  He also designed over 40 public schools in and around OKC.  

Many of his buildings have also been listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings.  These include a great number of highly regarded architectural designs.

Visiting the Courthouse

While it's not typically considered a tourist destination, it is located near some of OKC's more popular spots.  Bricktown, with all of it's bars, restaurants, and nightlife is only a few minutes away.  The OKC Memorial museum is also just a few minutes away.

If you're interested in seeing the legal process at work this is a great place to come to sit in on some of the proceedings that happen every day.

Of course if you're ever arrested, you might get the chance to see the inner workings of the courthouse and the justice system up close and personal.  :-)  In which case you'll need a Downtown Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney to help.  

Phillips & Associates

The criminal defense attorneys of Phillips & Associates offer this and other information about Oklahoma City and it's surrounding areas.