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 Writ of Habeas Corpus in Tulsa?

Writ of Habeas Corpus

When someone is jailed in Tulsa, one of the most powerful legal tools is a writ of habeas corpus. Known as the “Great Writ,” habeas corpus protects individuals from being held illegally by requiring the government to justify why they’re in custody. If the detention is unlawful, the court can order the person’s release. Understanding what a writ of habeas corpus is—and when it applies—can be crucial in protecting your rights. What Does Habeas Corpus Mean? “Habeas corpus” is a Latin phrase meaning “you shall have the body.” In practical… 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

What Role Do Expert Witnesses Play in Tulsa Court Cases?

Expert Witnesses

Whether you are involved in a criminal case, a family law dispute, a personal injury claim, or a civil lawsuit, expert witnesses can play a crucial role in how Oklahoma courts evaluate the facts. Expert witnesses provide specialized knowledge that helps judges and juries understand issues that lie beyond everyday experience. Their testimony can strengthen your case, clarify complex evidence, and influence how the court interprets key events. Understanding the role of expert witnesses can help you decide whether you need one and how they may assist… Read More

What Witnesses Can I Call in a Protective Order Defense Case in Oklahoma?

Witnesses in a Protective Order

When someone files a protective order against you in Oklahoma, the consequences can be serious. A protective order can affect your job, gun rights, reputation, and even your ability to see your children. One of the most important ways to defend yourself is by presenting the right witnesses. Strong witness testimony can clarify misunderstandings, challenge false allegations, and help the court see the full story—not just the accusations. Below are the types of witnesses who can strengthen your defense in an Oklahoma protective order case. Eyewitnesses to… 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 Pays the Attorney Fees in a False Protective Order Case in Oklahoma?

Attorney Fees in False Protective Order

When someone is falsely accused of domestic abuse, harassment, stalking, or other conduct leading to a protective order, the legal and personal consequences can be significant. In Oklahoma, defending against a protective order requires court appearances, evidence gathering, and often the assistance of an attorney. One of the most common questions clients ask is whether they can recover their attorney fees if the protective order was filed in bad faith or without any legal basis. Understanding Attorney Fees in Oklahoma Protective Order Cases Protective orders in Oklahoma… Read More

What is an Initial Appearance in Tulsa Criminal Cases?

Kinds of Witnesses

When someone is arrested and charged with a crime in Tulsa, their first formal step in the court process is the initial appearance. This hearing takes place shortly after the arrest and serves as the defendant’s first opportunity to appear before a judge. Understanding what happens at an initial appearance is important because this hearing sets the stage for the rest of the criminal case, including bond conditions, scheduling, and the defendant’s legal rights moving forward. Understanding Initial Appearances Under Oklahoma Law An initial appearance is a brief… Read More