According to Oklahoma criminal statutes, a crime is defined as any “…act or omission prohibited by the law which, upon conviction, is punishable by fine, imprisonment, removal from office, disqualification to hold office, or death.” “Misdemeanor” and “felony” are terms used to categorize crimes by the severity of the punishment you may possibly receive. This article explores the difference between misdemeanors and felonies in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Misdemeanors in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Misdemeanors generally carry less severe penalties than felonies. In Oklahoma, a misdemeanor is an offense that is punishable by no more than one year in a county jail. Examples of misdemeanors in Oklahoma include:
- Battery.
- Simple assault.
- Shoplifting.
- Vandalism.
- Breaking and Entering.
- DUI, DWI, and APC.
- Marijuana Possession.
- Petit Larceny.
Felonies in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma law states, “A felony is a crime which is, or may be, punishable with death, or by imprisonment in the penitentiary.” Typically, however, a felony offense in Oklahoma is one which is punishable by one year or more in a state or federal prison.
Felonies are generally more extreme crimes than misdemeanors, with an extreme example being murder. Here are other examples of felonies in Tulsa:
- Homicide
- Rape
- Robbery
- Sexual Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Child Abuse or Neglect
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Drug Trafficking
Felonies in Tulsa generally have more severe consequences than misdemeanors, including the loss of certain civil rights. A person convicted of a felony will lose the right to use, own or possess a firearm, the right to sit on a jury and the right to vote, to name a few. In addition, felony offenders will face fairly severe employment consequences and will likely be prohibited from holding any position which involves the handling of money or getting licensed in any type of profession.
Wobbler Crimes in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sometimes the nature of the offense itself will dictate whether the crime is classified a felony or misdemeanor. For instance, theft of property with a value of less than $500 will be classified a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, while theft of property will be classified a felony if the values stolen exceed $500.
In addition, a subsequent offense of a misdemeanor-level crime you’ve been convicted of in the past can be considered a felony. For instance, a person’s first DUI conviction in Oklahoma is usually a misdemeanor, but a second or subsequent conviction for DUI within a ten-year period may be classified a felony.
Initial Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Attorney
Whether you have been charged with a felony or a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, it is very important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that he or she can intervene early with the state prosecutor in attempt to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed completely.
Contact your defense team at Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm today for a initial, confidential consultation. A Tulsa criminal attorney can advise you how the criminal justice process works and offer answers to your specific questions. To begin your low-cost initial strategy session, call now: (918) 256-3400.