Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lawton

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lawton, Oklahoma?

  The Lawton Police Department can be reached at (580) 581-3240.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lawton, Oklahoma?

  To obtain police reports from the Lawton Police Department, call (580) 581-3233.

• What classifies as a violation of one's civil rights in Lawton?

  When a person's civil rights are violated, it may point to a failure in the system that was designed to do the opposite. This almost always means that perpetrators come from government institutions or law enforcement. Civil rights violations in Lawton include racial profiling, excessive use of force by police officers, denial of medical treatment, or failure to protect.

• What are some qualifiers for an offender to be eligible for expungement in Lawton?

  Here are some requirements that offenders in Lawton must satisfy to be eligible for expungement:

  • You received a full pardon from the Governor
  • You were under 18 years old when you committed the offense and have received a full pardon for it
  • Your innocence was established with the use of DNA testing

  If all of your misdemeanor and felony charges have been dismissed and have never been convicted of a felony, you may also eligible for expungement.

• Will previous criminal charges in Lawton affect the current charge an offender is facing?

  It depends. If the offender was only charged with a crime but was not found guilty, then it should not have any effect on their current charges. However, if the previous charges are related to the current one then it may impact the outcome of the trial. For example, if the offender is on their third drug-related charge, then they may be facing a felony case instead of just a misdemeanor.

• Can you appeal a wrongful conviction in Lawton?

  Yes, you can, but only if you have a good reason. Some examples of these would be using false evidence, being trialed by an unreliable jury, the discovery of new evidence, and some information being withheld. You can even make an appeal if you believe that your own hired legal counsel in Lawton was ineffective.

• Does domestic abuse count as a misdemeanor in Lawton?

  Yes, for first-time offenders, who will still be facing jail time of up to a year and paying a fine of up to $5,000. However, it does not take too much for this misdemeanor charge to be upgraded to a felony domestic abuse. If, for example, the abuse involved a dangerous weapon, or done in the presence of a child, the offender will most definitely face much harsher consequences.

• What does a criminal defense lawyer do?

  Criminal defense attorneys provide help to those facing misdemeanor or felony criminal charges. The attorney will research the circumstances surrounding the charge and investigate the case on behalf of the client. This may involve talking to police, interviewing witnesses, determining a plea, and assessing possible sentences. With this information, the defense attorney can negotiate plea deals or navigate a court case on behalf of the client. In some cases, the attorney may get a case dismissed entirely, a reduction in bail or jail time, or probation or community service instead of prison.

• How do I know if I need a criminal attorney?

  Any criminal charge that could result in a prison sentence requires the help of a criminal defense lawyer. This applies to both misdemeanor and felony charges, including:

  Misdemeanors

  • Petty theft
  • Public intoxication
  • Simple assault
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Vandalism
  • Reckless driving

  Felonies

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Kidnapping
  • Aggravated assault
  • Specific types of fraud
  • Possession of certain types of drugs

• What steps should I take after being charged with a crime?

  The first thing to do after being charged with a crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is best to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible after being released from arrest, and before an arraignment takes place. The attorney will explain charges in detail, and possible consequences, to help you decide whether a plea deal or a jury trial is the best option. Most attorneys offer free consultations to discuss the circumstances of a criminal case and how they're able to assist. Speaking with a number of defense attorneys before hiring one can increase the likelihood of finding the right fit, and getting the best defense possible.

• What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

  All Americans are afforded the right to hire an attorney to act as a defense in a legal case. However, not everyone can afford one. If an attorney isn’t in a defendant’s budget, and the defendant’s income meets designated state or local thresholds, the court system will provide a public defender. This attorney usually works on cases pro bono or without any fees paid by the defendant. Many public defenders have a high caseload, which can limit the amount of time they are able to devote to each case. In most situations, hiring a dedicated criminal defense lawyer ensures the best outcome. This is particularly true in more serious felony cases that can result in a significant prison sentence without the involvement of a skilled, experienced defense attorney.

• Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

  Working with a criminal defense attorney is the best way to minimize the ramifications of committing or being accused of a crime. Criminal attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding a case to prove innocence or inspire reasonable doubt in a jury. Criminal defense lawyers also are better prepared to negotiate with the prosecutors. Due to the high cost and logistics involved with taking a case to trial, many prosecutors are willing to reduce sentences in exchange for avoiding a jury trial. An experienced criminal attorney understands what would be a reasonable deal for a specific criminal charge, and will negotiate it on behalf of the defendant.

• Are legal fees for criminal defense tax deductible?

  Whether legal fees from a criminal case can be deducted on a tax return depends on the circumstances. If criminal charges pertain to activities related to a trade or business, attorney fees can be deducted on a business tax return, as they are considered an expense associated with the normal course of business. However, personal legal fees cannot be deducted.