A criminal defense attorney should do more than appear in court. If you are charged with a crime in Oklahoma, your lawyer should help you understand the charge, protect your rights, review the evidence, explain your options, and prepare a defense strategy based on the facts.
1. A Clear Explanation of the Charges
Your attorney should explain what the State has charged, whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony, the possible punishment, and what the prosecutor must prove. You should not be left guessing about what you are facing.
2. Honest Advice
A good criminal defense attorney should tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. That includes discussing weaknesses in the State’s case and weaknesses in your defense.
3. Protection of Your Rights
Your lawyer should protect your constitutional rights, including your right to remain silent, your right to counsel, your right to challenge unlawful searches, and your right to require the State to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
4. Review of the Evidence
Your attorney should review police reports, videos, witness statements, photographs, body camera footage, lab reports, medical records, and other evidence. A defense strategy should be based on evidence, not assumptions.
5. Communication About Court Dates
You should know when to appear, where to appear, and what will likely happen at each setting. Missing court can create warrants and bond problems, so communication about court dates is important.
6. Explanation of Plea Offers
If the prosecutor makes a plea offer, your attorney should explain the offer, the risks, the benefits, and the consequences. You should understand probation, fines, jail time, deferred sentences, suspended sentences, treatment requirements, and criminal record issues before making a decision.
7. Preparation for Hearings or Trial
If the case requires a hearing or trial, your attorney should prepare. This may include reviewing witnesses, filing motions, preparing exhibits, challenging evidence, and developing themes for the defense.
8. Discussion of Possible Defenses
Possible defenses may include self-defense, lack of intent, mistake, false accusation, insufficient evidence, unlawful search, unreliable witnesses, lack of possession, or mistaken identity. The best defense depends on the charge and facts.
9. Guidance on What Not to Do
Your attorney should tell you what conduct can hurt your case. This may include contacting witnesses, posting about the case online, violating bond conditions, missing court, discussing facts with police, or ignoring treatment requirements.
10. A Realistic Plan
A criminal case can be stressful. Your attorney should help you understand the process and develop a plan. That plan may involve fighting the charge, negotiating a better outcome, seeking dismissal, pursuing a deferred sentence, preparing for trial, or protecting your record after the case ends.
If you are charged with a crime in Oklahoma, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The earlier your lawyer becomes involved, the sooner your rights, evidence, and options can be protected. Call our team at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or contact us online for a consultation.