Has Road Rage Landed You in Trouble?

Road Rage Could Lead to Criminal Charges

Road rage is all the rage in the news these days, but road rage in particular is not considered a specific crime in Oklahoma. Criminal charges from road rage incidents result from crimes committed during the enraged state: often assault, battery, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct – in some tragic cases even murder. If your actions during a road rage incident lead to allegations that you violated Oklahoma criminal law, you could face felony charges, depending on the severity of the situation.

For example, if you intentionally cause an accident or injury as a result of your road rage, you could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon or aggravated assault, which are both felonies in Oklahoma. Similarly, if you brandish a firearm during a road rage incident, you could be charged with the felony offense of using a firearm in the commission of a crime.

Road rage is generally considered to be a type of aggressive behavior that occurs while driving. It can take many forms, including tailgating, honking excessively, yelling, making obscene gestures, and even physical violence. Drivers  engage in road rage behaviors in response to a variety of factors, including traffic, stress, and frustration.

If you are charged with crimes due to road rage or have been arrested for a related offense in Oklahoma, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. An Oklahoma defense attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing, build a strong defense strategy, and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

 Here are some common legal defenses for road rage charges in Oklahoma:

1. Self-defense: If you acted in self-defense, you may be able to argue that you were justified in your actions. Self-defense is a legal defense that allows you to use reasonable force to protect yourself from harm.
2. Provocation: If the other driver provoked you, you may be able to argue that your actions were a reasonable response to their behavior. However, this defense can be challenging to prove, as the prosecution may argue that you should have acted differently.
3. Mistaken identity: If you were not the driver involved in the incident, you may be able to argue that you were mistakenly identified as the person responsible for the road rage incident.
4. Lack of intent: If you did not intend to cause harm, you may be able to argue that you did not intentionally commit any crimes when responding to someone’s road rage. This defense can be challenging to prove, as the prosecution may argue that your actions were reckless or negligent.
5. Insanity: If you have a mental illness or disorder that affects your ability to control your actions, you may be able to argue that you were not responsible for your behavior. However, this defense can be challenging to prove and requires expert testimony from a qualified mental health professional. Of course, arguing against your own sanity could have implications outside the courtroom as well.
6. Lack of evidence: If the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove their case, you may be able to argue that the charges should be dismissed.

Get the Legal Help You Need?

For clients facing charges resulting from a road rage incident, Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm seeks to provide legal support and representation to help avoid a conviction, to reduce the severity of any conviction that might result and to minimize the impact of any civil litigation that might arise from the incident. Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers routinely defend clients against assault charges, disorderly conduct charges, reckless endangerment charges, firearms charges and similar offenses. We have a thorough understanding of the Oklahoma legal system and can help you navigate the legal process. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights, build a strong defense strategy, and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Call the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm

Road rage can be a dangerous and costly problem in Oklahoma. By staying calm, keeping a safe distance, using defensive driving techniques, and seeking legal help if needed, you can avoid road rage situations and stay safe on the road. However, if you do find yourself facing charges arising from a road rage incident, don’t hesitate to call the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm for help.

If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges due to road rage in Oklahoma, contact the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm at (918) 256-3400 for a low-cost initial strategy session. Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers will fight endlessly to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t wait – call us today. We understand the seriousness of your situation and will provide you with the necessary support and guidance to help you through it.