What is The Charge of Uttering a Forged Instrument in Oklahoma, and Is It a Serious Crime

Uttering a forged instrument

In Oklahoma, many people are surprised to find themselves facing felony charges for something as seemingly simple as handing a piece of paper to a bank teller. This specific crime is known as Uttering a Forged Instrument, and under Oklahoma law, it is treated with significant severity. At Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm, we believe that understanding the nuances of criminal statutes is the first step in building a strong defense. Here is a breakdown of what “uttering” actually means and what the prosecution must prove. What… Read More

What Is a Personal Recognizance Bond in Tulsa?

Personal Recognizance Bond

If you or a family member is arrested in Tulsa, one of the first questions you may have is how to get out of jail. While many cases require posting cash or hiring a bondsman, some individuals qualify for a personal recognizance bond—often called a “PR bond.” This type of bond allows a person to get out of jail without paying money upfront, provided they promise to return to court. Understanding how PR bonds work in Tulsa can help you navigate a criminal case and protect your rights. What Is… Read More

What Kinds of Witnesses Are There in a Tulsa Criminal Case?

Kinds of Witnesses

If you are charged with a crime in Oklahoma, the witnesses involved in your case can make a major difference in the outcome. Judges and juries rely heavily on witness testimony to determine what happened, who was responsible, and whether the State has met its burden of proof. Understanding the different types of witnesses—and how each one can be used—can help you better prepare for court and work with your attorney to build a strong defense. Below is an overview of the main categories of witnesses in… Read More

When Is Self-Defense in a Domestic Assault and Battery Case in Tulsa Valid?

Self-Defense in a Domestic Assault

Self-Defense in a Domestic Assault case is possible and may help get your case dismissed. Being charged with Domestic Assault and Battery (Domestic A&B) in Oklahoma is frightening and confusing—especially when you were the one trying to protect yourself. Many people are surprised to learn that self-defense is absolutely a recognized and valid legal defense in domestic violence cases. Oklahoma law does not take away your right to defend yourself simply because the accused and the alleged victim are related or live together. However, Self-Defense in a… Read More

Can The Police Force You to Unlock Your Phone in Oklahoma?

Uttering a forged instrument

Smartphones contain some of the most private information a person owns—messages, photos, banking apps, location data, internet searches, and more. So it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions we receive in Oklahoma criminal cases is: “Can the police force me to unlock my phone?” The short answer is: usually no—Oklahoma law and the U.S. Constitution provide strong protections against compelled phone searches. But the full answer involves understanding how the Fifth Amendment, search warrants, and digital privacy rules work together. 1. The Police Cannot… Read More

Who Presses Charges in an Oklahoma Domestic Assault & Battery Case? The Prosecutor or the Victim?

Domestic Assault & Battery

If you or a loved one is facing a domestic assault & battery charge in Oklahoma, one of the first questions you may have is: Who actually presses charges—the alleged victim or the prosecutor?This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Oklahoma criminal law, and clearing up this confusion can help you understand your rights and how your case may move forward. The Victim Does Not Decide Whether Charges Are Filed In Oklahoma, criminal charges are brought by the State of Oklahoma, through the local District… Read More

How Long Can I Be Held In Jail Before Bail Is Set In Tulsa

Held In Jail Before Bail

In Oklahoma, you can be held in jail before bail is set, but there is a time limit. Being arrested is a frightening and confusing experience, especially when you are unsure how long you might stay in jail. The law requires that anyone arrested must be brought before a judge for an initial appearance and bail determination without unnecessary delay. Understanding how this process works and what your rights are can help you take steps toward a quick release. When Will Bail Be Set? After an arrest, a… Read More

What Oklahoma’s New DUI Law Means for Those Facing Charges

Oklahoma’s New DUI Law

Oklahoma’s New DUI Law Starts November 1, 2025. The state of Oklahoma will implement major reforms to its driving-under-the-influence (DUI) laws. They significantly raise the stakes for drivers charged with DUI. These changes expand when a DUI may be charged as a felony and impose more severe consequences for impairing driving in certain aggravating circumstances. For anyone facing a DUI in Oklahoma — or advising someone who is — the landscape has shifted. Here’s what you need to know. What’s Changing in the DUI Law? Here are… Read More

Can Expunging Larceny Charges in Oklahoma Help Me?

Expunging Larceny Charges

Expunging Larceny Charges that haunt your past is possible. If you’ve been charged with larceny in Oklahoma, one of your biggest concerns is how it will affect your future. Even after serving your sentence or completing probation, a theft charge on your record can make it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or rebuild your reputation. Fortunately, under Oklahoma law, certain larceny convictions — and even dismissed charges — can be expunged. What Is an Expungement? An expungement is a legal process that seals your… Read More

The Difference Between Petit and Grand Larceny in Tulsa

Beat a Reckless Driving Ticket

If you’re accused of stealing property in Oklahoma, the charge will usually fall into one of two categories — petit larceny or grand larceny. While both involve the unlawful taking of someone else’s property, the distinction between the two is critical because it determines whether you face a misdemeanor or a felony. What Is Larceny in Oklahoma? Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 1701, larceny means taking another person’s property without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. This covers everything from shoplifting… Read More