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Call us now or use the form below. Frequently Asked Questions about Criminal Defense LawQ: Do I need a lawyer's help if I am accused of a crime? A: It is always in your best interest to consult a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible if you suspect you will be facing the criminal justice system. Whether or not you believe you have been wrongfully accused, an attorney will fight for your legal and constitutional rights and monitor the proceedings for legality and fairness. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal counsel. Q: What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor? A: The traditional definition of a felony is a crime that is punishable by a year or more in jail. A misdemeanor is a crime that is punishable by imprisonment of less than one year. Felonies are more serious crimes than misdemeanors. Since 1992, the likelihood of an arrest leading to a conviction has generally risen. Although some defendants think that they can "beat the system" on their own, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is the best way to prevent becoming another statistic. Criminal Defense Attorneys - Federal - OklahomaWhite Collar Crime - Insurance Fraud - EmbezzlementIf you have been charged with an Oklahoma or federal crime, the respected criminal defense attorneys at Richardson Law Firm, P.C., in Tulsa, Oklahoma, will put our more than 60 years of combined legal experience behind you. With our backgrounds as a former U.S. attorney, assistant U.S. attorney, and district attorney of Tulsa County, our lawyers have earned the respect of judges and opposing counsel in cases ranging from traffic tickets to embezzlement to first degree murder. Because time is of the essence and many things can be done before charges are filed, it is important to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you believe you may be a suspect in a crime. Since our law firm was founded in 1985, our attorneys have effectively used aggressive investigation, negotiation, and hard-fighting trial representation to get favorable outcomes in many high-profile cases. Criminal Defense - An OverviewOur criminal justice system can be overwhelming and frightening. The incarceration rate in the United States is much higher than that of other industrialized countries. Prison sentences are getting longer and more frequent. If you face the possibility of being accused of a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early in the process as possible, preferably even before questioning or investigation by the police. A skilled attorney can fight for your legal and constitutional rights. Constitutional Protections for the Criminal DefendantThe United States Constitution and its subsequent amendments define the scope of governmental power and reserve certain individual rights to the people. The first 10 amendments, also called the Bill of Rights, contain basic, fundamental rights of individuals on which the government may not impinge. Many of these constitutional rights provide protection to criminal defendants in the criminal justice system. The Fourteenth Amendment extends substantive due process rights beyond just the federal system to criminal defendants in state courts where the vast majority of criminal trials occur. The basic constitutional rights of the criminal defendant permeate every aspect of the criminal justice process. If you have been accused of a crime, whether federal, state or local, a seasoned criminal defense attorney can explain these rights to you and help you to fight for them at every step of the way. Classifications of CrimesBecause the negative behavior regulated by the criminal laws varies from relatively minor to devastatingly violent, crimes are classified into levels or degrees. The classification of a crime reflects its seriousness. The actual classification of a particular offense varies depending on the jurisdiction. If you are questioned about a crime or are accused of or arrested for a crime, you should consult an experienced attorney as early in the process as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the particular crime involved and its possible ramifications. The Right to CounselThe Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right to an attorney to anyone facing federal criminal charges. The 14th Amendment and some state constitutions also afford this right to anyone facing state felony charges. Those who are indigent and cannot afford an attorney have the right to have one appointed to them for free. Most people, however, do not understand what the right to an attorney means, when this right attaches or who qualifies for a court-appointed lawyer. If you are accused of a serious crime, it is essential that you retain the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to fight for your legal and constitutional rights throughout the criminal justice process. Criminal Defense Resource Links
Equal Justice, USA
ACLU: Prisoners' Rights
Justice Denied
The Sentencing Project
Prison Policy Initiative
Whether you have been charged with insurance or Medicare fraud, a white collar crime, a DUI, or even first degree murder, the sooner a skilled lawyer is involved, the better your chances to protect your rights. To learn more about how our state and federal criminal defense lawyers can help you if you have been charged with a crime, contact our Tulsa, Oklahoma, criminal defense law firm, Richardson Law Firm, P.C., P.C., today for a free initial consultation. From our law office in Tulsa, we provide skillful legal representation to clients throughout Oklahoma, including the counties of Muskogee and Creek. |
