Facing homicide charges is incredibly serious and daunting. The Oklahoma legal system is complex and can be intimidating.
Oklahoma Homicide Lawyer |
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It is critical to have a homicide attorney dedicated to your case. With an experienced Oklahoma City homicide lawyer, you know your rights are protected. You can also expect to be treated fairly and with respect as you face a murder charge. Through this challenging process, your attorney works as your guide, trusted ally, and advocate.
Contact Shelton Law Firm when you need an Oklahoma City murder defense attorney. We are available 24/7.
Initial Stages: Arrest to Formal Charges
As your homicide lawyer, we remain by your side throughout the process. That can include the initial arrest, booking, and court appearances. Having an attorney working just for your benefit is critical as you face questions. What you say could be used against you.
At the initial stage, an investigation into the victim’s death often becomes centered on potential suspects, and that could mean you are facing charges. Our murder defense lawyers provide you with the protection you need to minimize the risk of charges and convictions by law enforcement and the court. We help you navigate your bond hearing and argue for reasonable bail.
Once you contact our legal team and retain Shelton Law Firm as your attorneys, we work for you immediately. That means stepping in to minimize confrontations and questioning. It means having someone there as you face the courts. We complete the initial case assessment and start working to build your case.
Stage 1: The Arraignment
The next step in this process is the arraignment, which is the first formal court appearance. This happens after formal charges are applied. You will read those charges, providing you with clarity on what you are facing. At that point, you have the right to enter a plea. Most often, this is not guilty, but our legal representation ensures you know all of your options and the implications of each.
Our criminal defense lawyers ensure you fully understand the specific charges you are facing. We explain each type of plea and the implications of any you select based on the homicide charges you face. Additionally, we handle all of the paperwork from the prosecution. Expect our homicide lawyer to keep you informed and work on vindicating you throughout this legal process.
Stage 2: The Preliminary Hearing
Often called Prelim, this is a crucial time in your case. A judge will determine if the prosecution has enough probable cause to proceed with charges. Note that this is not a trial that determines if you are guilty. It is a part of the legal system and process before a trial. The procedure will present key evidence and witnesses.
Your criminal defense attorney cross-examines any prosecution witnesses. We challenge any weak evidence that does not support the charges and identify flaws in the state’s case. If we find these to occur, our murder attorney will argue for dismissal and reduction of charges. That is often due to a lack of probable cause. Additionally, your homicide lawyer gathers crucial information about the case against the client during this discovery process.
Stage 3: District Court Proceedings & Motions
After the preliminary hearing, if probable cause is established – meaning the judge agrees that there is reason to charge you with this crime – the case is bound over. That means the case moves forward to the District Court to determine if a trial will occur. It is not uncommon for another arraignment to occur at this time.
Motions are another important part of this process. The motion practice allows legal arguments to be made before trial. For example, a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence may be made by your homicide lawyer. Motions that challenge procedures and motions for discovery are also likely.
In this phase, your homicide lawyer analyzes each phase and looks specifically for errors or violations of your rights or any other component that weakens the prosecutor’s murder case. Your attorney drafts and argues for motions that weaken the case or exclude evidence, as applicable. This is an important strategic time for your homicide lawyer in murder cases, as the errors and holes we can create here can build a long-term impact on your case.
Stage 4: Plea Negotiations
A plea can happen at any time. They allow your homicide lawyer and the prosecutor to resolve the case without a trial. Your murder lawyer will evaluate the strength of evidence against you and offer guidance on what the risks and benefits of going to trial may be for you. If you want to consider a plea, your lawyer represents you and negotiates assertively. You always make a final decision in homicide cases about whether a plea is the best route for you or not.
Factors like whether there is a risk of the death penalty, the number of years in prison (or life in prison), and other contributing factors like drugs or alcohol are all considered in plea agreement decisions. We explain them all to you.
Stage 5: The Trial
With no plea agreement, your case is presented to the judge and jury for a decision. There are several phases to this process:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Evidence presentation
- Closing arguments
- And jury deliberation before a verdict
Your murder defense lawyers will develop and execute your trial strategy, select jury members, and present evidence or witnesses that weaken the prosecutor’s case. Your homicide lawyer will also cross-examine those witnesses and make legal objections that protect your rights. We fight for acquittal in every trial that we can.
Stage 6: Sentencing (If Applicable)
If you are found guilty of murder and homicide, a separate hearing is established to impose a sentence under Oklahoma Law. You can expect your homicide lawyer to fight for your rights to ensure your sentence is as lenient as possible and follows the law.
The Critical Importance of a Homicide Attorney
The complexity of homicide cases and the level of risk involved make it critical to have a homicide lawyer. At every stage, we protect your rights, challenge evidence, navigate the court’s requirements, and advocate for you fiercely.
If you are facing serious charges in Oklahoma City, such as any degree of murder or other violence-related charges, let Shelton Law Firm guide you. Call 405-550-7399 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
*This content is meant for information only and not to be used as legal advice.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and surrounding areas. As a leading criminal defense attorney, personal injury attorney, estate planning attorney, and family attorney, we offer a wide range of legal services to protect your rights and interests. From defending against criminal charges to handling complex personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel. Trust Shelton Law Firm for your legal needs in OKC.