The taking of a human life is considered to be the greatest criminal offense—particularly when that act is deliberate, intentional, and committed with premeditation. It is the only crime for which a person convicted may pay with his or her own life, a capital offense that takes the law of retribution, lex talionis or "an eye for an eye," to its fullest extent.

Murder Defense Attorney in Oklahoma City

Murder and manslaughter cases are complex and challenging, and the consequences of conviction are serious. If you are accused of causing the death of another or taking someone's life, it is imperative that you obtain contact an Oklahoma Criminal defense attorney immediately.

Reduced charges, suppressed evidence, dismissal of charges, and acquittal at trial are all possible defense strategies in your favor with the legal counsel and representation of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Contact us today for expert legal advice and a free consultation about your case.

What Are the Types of Murder in Oklahoma?

Of course, not every act of homicide is premeditated, nor is every such act intentional. In some cases, including combat or self defense, the taking of another's life may be completely legal and even justified. Not every act of homicide—an act which results in the death of another person—is murder.

At its simplest, homicide is defined as "the killing of one human being by another;" however, Oklahoma law defines four categories of homicide (21 O.S. § 692):

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Excusable Homicide
• Justifiable Homicide

Within these categories, there are degrees of offense and strict factors which determine if or how an act of homicide should be criminally charged.

First Degree Murder

The first degree is the most egregious of all homicide charges, and the potential consequences of conviction include life in prison without parole or even death. This charge is based under certain specific conditions of the act of homicide:

• Committed with "malice aforethought," or the intentional and deliberate act of unlawfully taking a life
• Committed during the commission of a felony including murder, attempted murder, shooting with intent to kill, discharging a weapon into a building, forcible rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, escaping from custody, eluding police, first degree burglary, first degree arson, and drug distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking
• Committed through malicious injury to a child or permitting such abuse to occur; death from child abuse or enabling child abuse
• Solicitation of murder or murder-for-hire to further a drug crime
• Intentional killing of a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or corrections employee performing official duties

Anyone convicted faces life in prison, life in prison without parole, or death as a possible consequence. These convictions are not eligible for deferred sentencing. It is an "85 percent crime," which means that the convicted person must serve at least 85 percent of his or her sentence before becoming eligible for parole, and he or she may not receive credits to earn a reduction in the sentencing below 85 percent.

For a person sentenced to life in prison, "life" is calculated as 45 years for the purpose of parole eligibility, meaning a person sentenced to life in prison must serve a minimum of 38.25 years prior to the possibility of parole.

Capital Murder and the Death Penalty

Under certain conditions, this crime is punishable by death. Prosecutors may seek the death penalty if specified aggravating factors are present. (21 O.S. § 701.12):

• The defendant was previously convicted of a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the person;
• The defendant knowingly created a great risk of death to more than one person;
• The person committed the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration or employed another to commit the murder for remuneration or the promise of remuneration;
• The act was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel;
• The act was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or prosecution;
• The act was committed by a person while serving a sentence of imprisonment on conviction of a felony;
• The existence of a probability that the defendant would commit criminal acts of violence that would constitute a continuing threat to society; or
• The victim of the act was a peace officer as defined by Section 99 of this title, or correctional employee of an institution under the control of the Department of Corrections, and such person was killed while in performance of official duty.

Regardless of the circumstances of the offense or the presence of any aggravating factors, there are certain individuals who are excluded from capital punishment. These include individuals who are mentally retarded as demonstrated by an IQ of 70 or below, if the retardation manifested itself before the defendant was 18, and anyone who was under the age of 18 at the time he or she committed the offense. Because of the severity of punishments for this crime, it is crucial to hire criminal defense lawyers with murder case experience.

Second Degree Murder

Murder in the second degree is any act of homicide that does not meet the conditions of first degree but does meet the following conditions under 21 O.S. § 701.8:

• When perpetrated by an act imminently dangerous to another person and evincing a depraved mind, regardless of human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of any particular individual; or
• When perpetrated by a person engaged in the commission of any felony other than the unlawful acts set out in Section 1, subsection B, of this act.

This crime does not require "malice aforethought" or premeditation. Acts of homicide committed through the wanton disregard for human life are often among those charged as second degree crimes. Furthermore, if a death occurs during the commission of a felony other than those specifically designated under the first degree murder statute, the person or persons committing the crime will be charged with in the second degree.

This crime carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum of life behind bars. Second degree murder charges require the help of qualified Oklahoma criminal defense lawyers.

Fetal Homicide

State law includes unborn children as potential victims of homicide. If a criminal act results in the termination of pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or any death of an unborn child, the person who commits the act can be charged with murder.
Exceptions to this law, under 21 O.S. § 691 include:

• Legal abortion to which the pregnant woman consented
• Usual, standard, and customary medical diagnostic testing and treatment

The mother of the unborn child can only be charged with homicide the death is caused by the woman's criminal act.

If you or someone you love is facing charges it is imperative to contact an experienced Oklahoma murder defense attorney immediately. Our Oklahoma City OK law firm is here to help with expert legal advice. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work in Oklahoma County and every other county in the state. We handle both state and federal charges. For more information check out some of our murder articles.

What is the Punishment for Murder in Oklahoma?

The punishment for murder in Oklahoma depends on the degree of murder with which the defendant is charged. The punishment for first degree murder ranges from the death penalty to life in prison. The punishment for second degree murder ranges from ten years to life in prison. The minimum sentences vary based on the degree of the crime.

What Is the Punishment for First Degree Murder in Oklahoma?

Anyone found guilty at trial or who pleads guilty or no contest to first-degree murder will be classified as a convicted felon. In cases where aggravating circumstances are proven and the offense is certified as capital, Oklahoma courts may impose the death penalty. Otherwise, sentencing for those convicted of first-degree murder in Oklahoma generally results in life imprisonment.

Individuals convicted of first-degree murder are generally not eligible for deferred sentencing, but sometimes it is possible for the court to suspend a portion of the life sentence. In this case, the defendant would serve part of the sentence before becoming eligible for supervised release. Because the punishments for murder are so severe, having an experienced criminal defense attorney is critical to securing a fair outcome and protecting one’s rights throughout the process.

What is the Minimum Sentence for First Degree Murder in Oklahoma?

The minimum sentence for first degree murder is life imprisonment in the state of Oklahoma. Life imprisonment is classified as 45 years. The individual will be eligible for parole after serving 85% of the sentence.

What is the Punishment for Second Degree Murder in Oklahoma?

A person who is convicted of, or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, second degree murder will be found guilty of a felony. The sentence for second degree murder includes imprisonment for not less than ten (10) years nor more than life.  Again a qualified lawyer should be hired to ensure the defendant receives a fair trial.

Is Second Degree Murder a Life Sentence Without Parole in Oklahoma?

No, second degree murder is not always a life sentence without parole. The sentence for second degree murder will vary depending on the circumstances of the crime and typically ranges from 10 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Life without the possibility of parole is generally reserved for charges of first degree murder.

What is the Minimum Sentence for Second Degree Murder?

The minimum sentence for second degree murder is ten (10) years imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections in the state of Oklahoma.

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