An Oklahoma City violent crime defense attorney offers legal defense services to individuals facing allegations of a crime that is violent in nature. Violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, assault, rape, sexual battery, robbery, domestic violence, weapons charges, and kidnapping. Violent crimes in Oklahoma include not only those which cause significant bodily injury to a victim, but also crimes in which harm is merely threatened. In many cases, a threat of harm with the apparent ability to carry through with the threat is grounds enough for a criminal charge. For example, assault is defined not only by physical harm to another person, but also by intimidation alone. The violent crime defense attorneys at Phillips & Associates have a deep knowledge of Oklahoma criminal law. Our attorneys have a strong record of success in defending clients facing charges involving violence. Success in violent crime cases involves a reduction of charges, plea bargains, or a dismissal of charges.

Violent Crimes Defense
See Our Case Results

Best Violent Crime Defense Lawyer Oklahoma City, Near Me

No attorney can ethically guarantee a dismissal or acquittal. We can, however, guarantee that we will do everything within our power to secure the best result for your case. Our attorneys are dedicated to defendants' rights, and we work diligently on our clients' behalf. We handle each case with discretion and treat each individual we represent with dignity.You are innocent unless proven guilty. Let us help you protect your innocence and preserve your rights. Call today for a free evaluation with the best criminal attorney in OKC.

If you have been charged with a crime as a violent offender, you are likely facing penalties greater than those faced by individuals charged with misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies. Swift and experienced legal counsel is necessary for ensuring the protection of your rights during investigation and prosecution. At Phillips & Associates, our winning record demonstrates our commitment to protecting defendants' rights and to providing our clients with the highest quality legal services and defense representation available.

Violent Crime Charges We Defend

The criminal defense attorneys at Phillips & Associates defend clients facing violent crime charges including murder, manslaughter, assault, rape, sexual battery, robbery, domestic violence, weapons and firearms offenses, and kidnapping. Our attorneys are well-equipped to handle any criminal charge because of our deep knowledge of Oklahoma criminal law, courtroom experience, and case-specific strategies. Phillips & Associates has built a reputation as one of the top criminal defense law firms in Oklahoma. The violent crime charges

• Murder
• Manslaughter
• Assault
• Rape
• Sexual Battery
• Robbery
• Domestic Violence
• Weapon and Firearm Offenses
• Kidnapping

Specific defense strategies vary depending on the crime or crimes with which a defendant is charged and the unique circumstances for each case. Our attorneys closely evaluate each case to determine the optimal strategies for defense, and we are committed to obtaining the best result possible.

In Oklahoma, violent crimes are typically prosecuted as felonies. In many cases, they are subject to what is known as the "85 Percent Rule." This means that individuals convicted of certain violent felonies must serve at least eighty-five percent of their sentences before becoming eligible for parole. In addition, most violent felonies are ineligible for record expungement, meaning that even after a sentence is served and even if the convicted felon never has any more trouble with the law, he or she will be unable to clear his or her criminal record. Felony conviction also carries collateral consequences, including the loss of one's right to possess firearms, loss of voting rights, and the inability to obtain or keep certain professional licenses.

Murder

Under Oklahoma law, murder is a violent offense that involves the unlawful killing of a human being. Murder charges are divided into first degree murder and second degree murder charges. First degree murder (21 O.S. § 701.7) is a Class Y felony offense in Oklahoma. First degree murder charges are filed when the killing takes place with malice aforethought, during the commission of serious felonies such as robbery with a dangerous weapon, forcible rape, kidnapping, first degree burglary, first degree arson, escape from lawful custody, eluding an officer, and a range of serious drug offenses such as trafficking, manufacturing, or distributing controlled or synthetic controlled substances. Second degree murder (21 O.S. § 701.8) is a Class A1 felony offense. 2nd degree murder is charged when a death results from an act that is highly dangerous and demonstrates a depraved mind or complete disregard for human life, but without the element of premeditation. Second degree murder charges also apply when a person causes a death while committing any felony other than those listed under Oklahoma's first degree murder statute. Murder is a violent offense with severe consequences. The consequences of a murder conviction include the most severe penalties available under Oklahoma law. These penalties include life imprisonment and in some cases the death penalty.

A murder defense attorney provides legal representation to individuals facing allegations of first degree or second degree murder. An Oklahoma City murder defense attorney examines police conduct, evidence collection, forensic conclusions, and witness statements. A murder defense strategy focuses on intent, self defense, accident, mistaken identity, or constitutional violations such as unlawful searches or coerced statements. The defense attorney manages expert testimony, challenges the narrative of the prosecution, and protects the defendant’s rights throughout the criminal process.

Manslaughter

Manslaughter is a violent criminal offense involving the unlawful killing of another person without intent to cause death, typically resulting from reckless behavior, negligence, or emotionally charged actions rather than deliberate planning. Manslaughter charges are divided into first degree (21 O.S. § 711) and second degree (21 O.S. § 716) manslaughter. First degree manslaughter in Oklahoma, also known as voluntary manslaughter, is a Class A2 felony that applies when a death occurs without intent to kill, but under serious and unlawful circumstances. It includes deaths caused while committing a misdemeanor, killings committed in the heat of passion using a dangerous weapon or cruel manner, and deaths resulting from unnecessary force while resisting or after stopping a crime. Second degree manslaughter is a Class B5 felony. 2nd degree manslaughter in Oklahoma means causing someone’s death through careless or reckless behavior, not through intent to kill. It applies when the killing does not meet the legal definitions of murder, first degree manslaughter, or justified or excusable homicide.

A manslaughter defense attorney represents individuals accused of first or second degree manslaughter. An Oklahoma City manslaughter defense attorney examines the facts, evidence, and circumstances to challenge the prosecution's allegations of recklessness or negligence. Manslaughter defense strategies focus on negating intent, disputing causation, and establishing self-defense, accidental conduct, or mitigating factors.

Assault

Assault is a violent criminal offense that is charged as a Class B4 felony in Oklahoma. Assault involves intentionally attempting to cause bodily harm to another person with no justifiable or excusable cause. Under Oklahoma law, assault includes committing an assault, battery, or assault and battery. Circumstances of assault include using a sharp or dangerous weapon, or shooting at another person with a firearm, air gun, or other weapon, with intent to injure the person but not to kill them. The focus is on intent to harm. Death is not required. The violent conduct itself is enough. Assault conviction carry significant penalties, including up to ten years in the State Penitentiary or up to one year in county jail.

An assault defense attorney represents individuals accused of intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily harm to another person. An Oklahoma City assault defense attorney examines intent, justification, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged conduct. Defense strategies focus on claiming the defendant acted in self defense, showing a lack of intent, mistaken identity, or the presence of a reasonable excuse for the act. The goal of the defense is to challenge whether the elements of the offense are met and to reduce or eliminate criminal exposure.

Rape

Rape is a violent crime in which the act of nonconsensual sexual intercourse, either vaginal or anal penetration, takes place with a male or female. In Oklahoma, rape is categorized into first degree and second degree charges. First degree rape in Oklahoma is a Class A2 felony that includes rape or rape by instrumentation committed under specific aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances include sexual intercourse with a victim below a legally protected age, intercourse with a person incapable of giving legal consent due to mental illness or unsoundness of mind, intercourse with a victim rendered intoxicated by the accused, intercourse with a victim known by the accused to be unconscious, or intercourse accomplished through force, violence, or threats of force. First degree rape also includes rape by instrumentation, which is classified as first degree regardless of the age of the victim or the accused.

Second degree rape in Oklahoma is a Class B2 felony that applies to rape cases that do not meet the legal requirements to be considered first degree rape. Second degree rape is not a violent crime, as it involves unlawful sexual intercourse where the victim is legally incapable of giving valid consent due to age or some other limitation. 2nd degree rape does not involve aggravating factors such as force or threats, unconsciousness, intoxication caused by the accused, or rape by instrumentation.

A rape defense attorney represents those facing charges of first or second degree rape in Oklahoma. An Oklahoma City rape defense attorney has a deep understanding of sex crime-related law in Oklahoma. Attorneys use this understanding to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution and secure the best possible outcome for their client.

Sexual Battery

Sexual battery in Oklahoma is a Class B4 felony offense that involves the knowing and intentional, lewd, and lascivious touching of the body or private parts of another person who is sixteen years of age or older. Sexual battery (§21-1123v3) charges do not require sexual penetration. This violent offense focuses on intentional sexual touching that violates consent or exploits authority. Sexual battery occurs when the contact is made without the victim’s consent, or when consent is legally invalid due to a power imbalance created by custody, supervision, or institutional authority.

A sexual battery defense attorney represents individuals accused of unlawful sexual touching and examines consent, intent, and authority relationships at the center of the charge. Defense strategies used by an Oklahoma sexual battery defense attorney often focus on whether the contact was sexual in nature, whether consent existed, whether the accused exercised authority over the alleged victim, and whether the prosecution can prove each statutory element beyond a reasonable doubt.

Robbery

Robbery is a violent crime that involves taking money or property from another person using force, threat, or fear. The defining feature of robbery is violent confrontation. Robbery is categorized into first and second degree charges under Oklahoma law. First degree robbery occurs when a theft is committed using force or fear that creates an immediate risk of serious bodily harm. First degree robbery is an A2 felony. First degree robbery also includes situations where the defendant commits or threatens to commit another felony against the person while taking the property. Second degree robbery is a Class B4 felony. Second degree robbery applies when a theft is committed without the aggravating factors required for first degree robbery.

A robbery defense attorney represents those accused of first or second degree robbery charges. An Oklahoma City robbery defense attorney examines the facts surrounding the alleged theft, the level of force or fear involved, and whether the prosecution can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense strategies in robbery cases focus on challenging identification, disputing the use or threat of force, contesting intent, or arguing that the conduct does not meet the legal definition of robbery. The goal of the attorney is to seek dismissal, reduction of charges, or the most favorable outcome possible given the circumstances.

Domestic Violence

Weapon and Firearm Offenses

Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, such as in armed robbery, is prosecuted as a violent crime even if no one is shot or otherwise physically wounded during the robbery. The presence of the firearm and the implicit threat of its use are enough to escalate simple larceny charges to a serious violent felony.

Kidnapping

By hiring a qualified and experienced defense lawyer with a proven record of success, you maximize your potential for a favorable outcome. With wise legal counsel and skillful representation you may be able to:

• Get your bond reduced
• Have your case dismissed
• Avoid jail or prison
• Get your charges reduced
• Negotiate a lighter sentence
• Receive an acquittal or a "not guilty" verdict at trial

‍