Sex Crime Sentencing in Oklahoma

Oklahoma Criminal Sentencing Guidelines

If you've been convicted of a sex offense in Oklahoma, you will face stiff penalties, as Oklahoma is known as a jurisdiction that has "gotten tough" on sex-related offenses. These guidelines are just that - guidelines, and you need to contact us if you've been charged with a sex-related offense to allow us time to form a strategy that could possibly reduce these penalties. Below is a brief description of Oklahoma's criminal sentencing guidelines.

Oklahoma Criminal Sentencing - Felonies

Oklahoma is consistent with other jurisdictions in that felony convictions carry much more severe penalties than misdemeanors. Oklahoma also allows for two possible scenarios when it comes to sentencing:

  1. Probationary Penalty: In this situation, even if a defendant is convicted of a felony, he or she may be granted probation in certain instances. This probation usually includes the requirement to serve up to one year in the county jail followed by a period of time when the defendant is under close supervision by Oklahoma's law enforcement.
  2. Prison Term Penalty: If a convicted defendant is given a prison term to be served in the state penitentiary, and criminal sentencing guidelines can be informally divided into three categories: "low," "middle," and "high" prison terms. These sentences can range from one year in prison up to and including life in prison without the possibility of parole and even the death penalty in certain situations.

Oklahoma Criminal Sentencing Guidelines - Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are generally considered less "serious" by the legislature and by result the court system. Being convicted of a misdemeanor means that the defendant can be sentenced to serve up to one year in the county jail and be given probation following this sentence. There are also other remedies available to the state including required rehabilitation and restitution, but generally speaking, any defendant would be in a better situation if he or she is convicted of a misdemeanor as opposed to a felony.

How this Applies to Oklahoma Sex Crimes

Generally speaking, almost every sex-related offense in Oklahoma is considered a felony, with a few notable exceptions. Regardless, public policy usually dictates that any sex-related crime be initially classified as a felony, and that's usually how the process begins with an indictment.

One of the many benefits of working with an experienced criminal defense attorney is that he or she may, in certain situations, be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to have a charge re-classified from a felony to a misdemeanor. This is not always the case, but a criminal defense attorney with a track record of success and who also has experience working with a particular prosecutor's office will have more of an opportunity to negotiate such an arrangement than the defendant will by acting alone.

Therefore, you need to contact our firm today, as we will be able to explain not only your charges to you, but also the sanctions you may be facing and the possibility of lessening the severity of these charges. Regardless of whether or not this would be possible, you owe it to yourself and to your future prospects for freedom to provide yourself with the strongest defense possible. It's your Constitutional right to do so, and we will guide you through this stressful process with professionalism and a zealous level of advocacy. Contact us today for a consultation.

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