Your Life. Your Freedom. Your Defense
Being accused of murder is terrifying. You’re suddenly staring down the possibility of life imprisonment – or worse. At Shelton Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this moment feels.You need a team that will fight for you, with compassion, focus, and the determination to win.
Every person deserves a defense. That is our core belief. As criminal defense lawyers, we fight hard to protect your rights and your future. You don’t have to go through this battle alone. Our homicide defense lawyers will be at your side every step of the way.
Oklahoma Homicide Charges
In Oklahoma, homicide charges are classifiedby both your intentions and the details of what happened. It’s not just about what took place – it’s about why and how. Understanding these legal distinctions is critical when facing murder and homicide allegations. A seasoned murder attorney knows how to navigate these complicated cases.
First Degree Murder
Thisis the most serious homicide charge in Oklahoma. It involves planning and intent, sometimes called “malice aforethought.” It can also include capital murder, where the death happens during a felony like robbery or kidnapping. A guilty verdict could mean life in prison without parole or even the death penalty. These cases move fast, and you need a skilled murder attorney right away.
Second Degree Murder
Second-degree murder involves reckless actions that cause death, even without intent. It also covers certain felony-related deaths that don’t fall under first-degree murder. The consequences are still life-changing, with sentences ranging from ten years to life in prison. If you are facing this charge, experienced criminal defense attorneys are essential.
Manslaughter
Not all cases involve intent to kill, but that doesn’t mean the legal risks aren’t severe.
First Degree Manslaughter
First degree manslaughter in Oklahoma involves killings that are unintended but occur under aggravated circumstances. This charge applies when someone dies during a misdemeanor, a sudden burst of anger, or while resisting a crime, without planning to kill. Even so, a conviction carries a mandatory minimum of four years.
Second Degree Manslaughter
This applies to deaths caused by gross negligence. There’s no intent, but the law still imposes criminal responsibility. Our murder attorneys dig into every detail to uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s claims.
Whatever the charge, whether murder or manslaughter, our homicide attorneys stand ready to defend you.
How We Build Your Defense
Aggressive Defense Strategies for Homicide Charges
At Shelton Law Firm, we don’t wait for prosecutors to make the first move. Our homicide defense lawyers take the initiative, piecing together facts, gathering witnesses, and buildinga strategy that fitsyour unique circumstances.Every murder case is different, and we treatit that way.
Challenging the Evidence
We pull apart the evidence presented by prosecutors. From forensic reports to witness statements and police records, nothing escapes our scrutiny. Our murder attorneys challenge faulty lab results, mishandled evidence, and unreliable testimony – whatever it takes to weaken the case against you.
Self-Defense
If you acted to protect yourself or another person, Oklahoma law givesyou the rightto claim self-defense.We carefully lay out the events leading up to the incident, showing you acted reasonably to prevent harm.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
If your constitutional rights are violatedduring arrest, questioning, or investigation, our criminal defense attorneys will call it out.Illegal searches or improper interrogations can lead to key evidence being thrown out, shifting the entire direction of your murder case.
Mistaken Identity
It happens more often than people think. We will verify alibis, challenge unreliable IDs, and dig into every inconsistency to prevent wrongful conviction of murder.
Hire an Experienced Murder Attorney
When you’re accused of murder or manslaughter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why you need more than just any murder attorney – you need a true advocate, ready to go to trial if necessary.
Shelton Law Firm brings courtroom experience and a proven track record in homicide cases. We don’t shy away from a tough fight. We work with respected experts and experienced investigators, preparing every angle of your case.
Whether it takes negotiation or trial, we are ready. With our criminal defense lawyers behind you, you won’t face your case alone.
Oklahoma Murder Attorney FAQs
Every murder case is different. Costs depend on how complex your case is, how much investigation is needed, and how experienced your murder attorney is. We will explain all fees upfront during your first meeting.
Winning a murder case isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Our job is to poke holes in the prosecution’s claims, expose illegal actions by police, and fight for your rights in front of a jury. With an experienced murder attorney, you have a real chance.
Dismissals happen when evidence is too weak, rights are violated, or new facts come to light. A Shelton Law Firm murder attorney hunts for any opportunity to get your murder charge dismissed before it ever reaches trial.
If prosecutors realize they can’t win – due to lack of evidence, alternative suspects, or cooperation – you may see your murder charge dropped. Our homicide attorneys fight hard forthese outcomes whenever possible.
Many homicide cases end with plea deals, but because of the serious nature of murder charges, a higher number go before a jury. That’s why we are always ready for a trial.
Looking for a “murder defense attorney near me” in Oklahoma City? Shelton Law Firm is here to help. We are local, experienced, andready to defend your murder case.
Your Life and Freedom Are on the Line
The first hours after an arrest are critical. You need a seasoned murder attorney immediately. Speak to no one, not even the police, without legal representation.
At Shelton Law Firm, we move quickly to protect your rights. Don’t let mistakes or false accusations define your life. Let our battle-tested murder attorneys fight for your freedom and future.