1. The Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive statewide coverage
Practice Areas: Murder defense, violent crimes, drug crimes, DUI/DWI, theft, assault, expungements, appeals
Background: The Law Offices of Adam R. Banner is an aggressive criminal defense firm that has helped hundreds of clients facing serious criminal charges throughout the State of Oklahoma. The firm works in state courts, county courts, and district courts throughout Oklahoma, including OKC, Yukon, Moore, Edmond, and Norman. Attorney Banner is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, Oklahoma County Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Location: 1900 Northwest Expy, #603, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Contact: (405) 778-4800 | https://www.oklahomalegalgroup.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Fassio Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, violent crimes, white collar crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Attorney Marcy Fassio, the founder of Fassio Law, has practiced criminal law exclusively for over 15 years and has litigated hundreds of cases. She began her legal career at the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, where she was an Assistant District Attorney for several years. From her years at the District Attorney’s Office, Marcy can help find the best strategy and develop creative solutions for clients. The firm has defended cases throughout central Oklahoma, including Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City), Cleveland County (Norman and Moore), and Canadian County (El Reno, Yukon, and Mustang).
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (serves OKC Metro including Norman, Yukon, Edmond)
Contact: (405) 593-8444 | https://fassiolaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
3. William H. Bock, Inc.
Focus Area: AV-rated criminal defense with 35+ years experience
Practice Areas: Misdemeanors, murders, drug crimes, DUI, assault, theft, violent crimes, federal crimes
Background: William H. Bock (“Billy”) has helped thousands of clients across Oklahoma, successfully defending cases from misdemeanors to murders. With more than 35 years of experience, the firm effectively guides clients through the criminal justice system and minimizes consequences. Billy is AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest recognition possible in the legal industry, for his professionalism and ethics. His career began in 1990 and he is determined to help people manage their way through the legal system. The firm encourages close collaboration and clients benefit from diverse talents, backgrounds, and experiences.
Location: 6402 N. Santa Fe Avenue, Suite A, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
Contact: (405) 848-5400 | https://www.williamhbock.com/
Consultation: Initial consultation available
4. Josh Lee & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with over 20 years trial experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, violent crimes, felonies, appeals, post-conviction relief
Background: Founding attorney Josh Lee has over 20 years of experience and has dedicated his practice to representing defendants accused of crimes. The firm has represented clients in every county in Oklahoma. A recent jury verdict resulted in a Not Guilty finding where a client was charged with Aggravated Domestic Assault and the victim testified and presented photographs. The firm thoroughly investigates cases to uncover potentially helpful evidence, interviews all witnesses, helps identify new witnesses, and fights the admission of illegal evidence. If the case goes to trial, the attorneys have extensive courtroom experience.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (serves all Oklahoma counties)
Contact: (405) 759-5529 | https://www.joshleelaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
5. Box and Box Attorneys
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience and award-winning attorney
Practice Areas: Criminal law, drug charges, DUI, assault, theft, family law, juvenile law, appeals
Background: Box and Box Attorneys provides criminal defense representation with decades of experience in Oklahoma’s legal system. Attorney Irven R. Box represented the first defendant in the United States to be exonerated based on a re-examination of DNA evidence. He has won multiple awards including the Clarence Darrow Award, signifying him as the outstanding criminal defense attorney for the State of Oklahoma. Irven serves as a legal analyst on KWTV, KOTV, and various national TV shows. In addition to private practice, he teaches at seminars to practicing attorneys on issues concerning criminal law.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contact: (405) 632-7778 | https://www.irvenbox.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Oklahoma
Felony Classifications
Oklahoma classifies felonies by specific punishment ranges rather than letter grades. However, felonies are generally categorized as:
Violent Felonies: Include murder, rape, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and assault with a deadly weapon. First-degree murder carries death or life imprisonment without parole. Other violent felonies carry sentences ranging from 5 years to life.
Non-Violent Felonies: Include drug possession, property crimes, and certain fraud offenses. Sentences vary based on the specific offense, from 1 year to 20 years or more.
Drug Felonies: Trafficking in controlled substances carries 4 years to life depending on the substance and quantity. Distribution offenses carry 2 years to life.
State Question 780 (2016) reclassified simple drug possession and certain property crimes (under $1,000) from felonies to misdemeanors, significantly changing Oklahoma’s criminal landscape.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Oklahoma misdemeanors are not formally classified by letter but carry the following general penalties:
Standard Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty of 1 year in county jail and/or fines up to $1,000 for most misdemeanors.
Specific Misdemeanor Penalties: DUI first offense carries 10 days to 1 year in jail. Domestic assault and battery carries up to 1 year. Petit larceny (under $1,000) carries up to 1 year.
Record Clearing Options (Expungement)
Oklahoma has expanded expungement options significantly:
Section 18 Expungement (Arrests without conviction): Available immediately after dismissal, acquittal, or reversal on appeal.
Section 18 Expungement (Deferred sentences): Available 1 year after completion of deferred sentence for misdemeanors, 5 years for non-violent felonies.
Section 18a Expungement (Pardoned offenses): Available for those who have received a full pardon.
Section 991c Expungement (Convictions): Available 5 years after completion of sentence for misdemeanors, 10 years for non-violent felonies. Violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible.
Automatic Expungement: Oklahoma has implemented automatic expungement for certain eligible records, reducing the burden on individuals.
DNA Exoneration: Those exonerated through DNA evidence may have records expunged regardless of waiting periods.
DUI Laws
Oklahoma has DUI (BAC .08% or higher) and DWI (BAC .05%-.079%). First offense DUI carries 10 days to 1 year in jail, $500-$1,000 fines, and license suspension. Oklahoma has an implied consent law. Refusal results in automatic 180-day license revocation. Aggravated DUI (BAC .15% or higher) carries enhanced penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did State Question 780 change Oklahoma criminal law?
State Question 780, passed by Oklahoma voters in 2016, made significant changes to how certain offenses are classified. Simple drug possession (personal use quantities of any controlled substance) was reclassified from a felony to a misdemeanor. Property crimes with values under $1,000 (including theft and receiving stolen property) were also reduced from felonies to misdemeanors. This was part of criminal justice reform efforts to reduce Oklahoma’s incarceration rate, which was among the highest in the nation. However, this change does not apply retroactively to prior convictions. If you have a felony conviction from before 2016 for an offense that would now be a misdemeanor, you may need to pursue other remedies such as a pardon or wait for expungement eligibility.
What is a deferred sentence in Oklahoma and how does it affect my record?
A deferred sentence in Oklahoma is a type of plea arrangement where you plead guilty or no contest, but the judgment and sentence are deferred while you complete probation. If you successfully complete all terms of probation, the case is dismissed without a conviction being entered. This means you were not “convicted” for purposes of most background checks. However, the arrest and deferred sentence remain on your record until expunged. You become eligible for expungement 1 year after completing a deferred sentence for misdemeanors, or 5 years for non-violent felonies. A deferred sentence can be beneficial because it allows you to eventually clear your record, but violations can result in the original sentence being imposed.
What happens at a preliminary hearing in Oklahoma County District Court?
In Oklahoma, a preliminary hearing is held for felony charges to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that you committed it. You have the right to a preliminary hearing within 20 days of arraignment if in custody, or 30 days if released. At the hearing, the prosecution presents evidence and witnesses, and your attorney can cross-examine. The standard is probable cause, much lower than “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If probable cause is found, you are bound over for arraignment in District Court. If not, charges are dismissed (though the prosecution may refile). Many defendants waive preliminary hearings, but they can be strategically valuable. Your Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney will advise on the best approach.
Can I get my gun rights restored after a felony conviction in Oklahoma?
Restoring gun rights after a felony conviction in Oklahoma requires either a full pardon or expungement. A full pardon from the Governor restores civil rights including the right to possess firearms. However, obtaining a pardon requires application to the Pardon and Parole Board and approval by the Governor, which can be a lengthy process. Alternatively, if your conviction is expunged, your gun rights may be restored under state law. However, federal law also restricts firearm possession by felons, and a state expungement may not restore federal gun rights. An experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney can evaluate your specific situation and advise on the best path to restore your rights.
What are the penalties for domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma City?
Domestic assault and battery in Oklahoma is treated seriously. A first offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in county jail and fines. A second or subsequent offense, or if committed in the presence of a child, becomes a felony carrying 1-10 years in prison. If strangulation is involved, it is a felony carrying up to 3 years. Domestic violence offenses result in a protective order, which can affect your ability to return home or see your children. A conviction also results in loss of gun rights under federal law. Oklahoma uses a 10-year look-back period for prior offenses. Diversion programs may be available for first-time offenders. Given the serious consequences, immediate representation from an experienced Oklahoma City attorney is essential.