1. Wirth Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with comprehensive legal representation
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, felonies, misdemeanors, theft, domestic violence, weapons offenses
Background: The criminal defense attorneys at Wirth Law Office provide the expertise needed when criminal charges threaten your future. Whether charged with a minor misdemeanor or a major felony, Tulsa criminal defense attorney James Wirth and the experienced Oklahoma defense attorneys are ready to stand up for clients. The firm has reached favorable outcomes at all phases of criminal prosecutions, including dismissals, acquittals, and negotiated pleas. Wirth Law Office offers free initial legal consultations in order to provide an opportunity for the firm to earn trust prior to investment in a retainer fee. The firm is available by phone at 918-879-1681 or toll free at 1-888-Wirth-Law.
Location: 500 W. 7th St., Tulsa, OK 74119
Contact: (918) 879-1681 | https://www.wirthlawoffice.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Boeheim Freeman Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with exceptional trial record
Practice Areas: Murder, rape, child abuse, assault, drug crimes, DUI, theft, domestic violence
Background: The attorneys at Boeheim Freeman Law have handled more trials in the past 5 years than any other firm, including not guilty verdicts in First Degree Murder, Rape, and Child Abuse cases. Even more impressive, they have a significant dismissal rate. The firm is led by attorneys Ciera Freeman and Brian Boeheim. Attorney Miranda Snodgrass and others on the team have achieved notable results including murder charge dismissals. The firm has earned praise for being the hardest working attorneys in Tulsa, with one client noting they received a call back within an hour after calling on Christmas Eve.
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contact: (918) 884-7791 | https://onyourworstday.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
3. Kevin Adams, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 22+ years experience and Clarence Darrow Award
Practice Areas: First degree murder, rape, sexual abuse, lewd molestation, DUI, drug possession, drug conspiracy, domestic abuse, child abuse, white-collar crimes
Background: Kevin Adams is one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma. He was awarded the Clarence Darrow Award by the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association for outstanding criminal defense and is recognized as a Super Lawyer. He attended Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer College and is well experienced in both state and federal courts. With more than 22 years of criminal law experience and over 60 jury trials, Mr. Adams has saved dozens of people from unwarranted prison sentences, helped exonerate multiple clients who were falsely accused of crimes, and has helped hundreds of others. Notable results include not guilty verdicts in First Degree Rape, Forcible Oral Sodomy, Lewd Molestation, and Perjury cases.
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contact: (918) 582-1313 | https://www.oklahomacriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense with focus on protecting freedom and future
Practice Areas: Drug crimes, assault, theft, DUI, domestic violence, sex crimes, violent crimes, weapons offenses
Background: The team of experienced criminal defense attorneys at Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm routinely stand up against prosecutors that try to bulldoze over clients’ legal rights. The attorneys offer free initial consultations because people want to know how the right defense team can make a difference in their particular case. The state of Oklahoma imposes some of the harshest criminal penalties in the nation, and the firm stands by clients because they believe rights and futures are worth protecting. The firm has a solid track record of winning dismissals, acquittals, and legal victories for clients. Representation is available from before charges are filed through the appeals process.
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma (serves Tulsa and surrounding counties)
Contact: (918) 256-3400 | https://www.tulsacriminalattorney.pro/
Consultation: Low-cost initial strategy session and case evaluation
5. Law Office of Carlos L. Williams
Focus Area: Full service law firm with criminal defense focus
Practice Areas: Criminal defense, DUI/DWI, drug charges, assault, theft, domestic violence, immigration
Background: The Law Office of Carlos L. Williams is a full service law firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Attorney Carlos Williams is an experienced Tulsa lawyer with over a decade of experience in Oklahoma courts. The firm prides itself on treating each legal matter as if it were its own. The attorneys understand that when clients face potential loss of freedom, the lawyer must care about the outcome. From the beginning of a case until the end, the attorneys are in the client’s corner fighting. The firm offers free consultations and payment plans suitable for all needs.
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contact: (918) 582-9529 | Contact through firm
Consultation: Free consultation with payment plans available
Criminal Defense Laws in Oklahoma
Felony Classifications
Oklahoma classifies felonies based on potential punishment rather than letter classes:
Capital Crimes: First-degree murder and certain other offenses may be punishable by death. Oklahoma uses lethal injection as the method of execution.
Life Felonies: Include first-degree murder (alternative to death), certain sex offenses against children, and trafficking in controlled substances. Carry potential life imprisonment.
85% Crimes: Certain violent crimes require serving 85% of the sentence before parole eligibility. Include first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, and others.
Standard Felonies: Carry various maximum sentences ranging from 2 years to life depending on the specific offense. Examples include burglary (up to 20 years), grand larceny (up to 5 years), and drug possession (varies by substance and quantity).
Oklahoma uses a system where judges have broad discretion in sentencing within statutory ranges, and prosecutors can file multiple counts that run consecutively.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Misdemeanor: Carries up to 1 year in county jail and/or $1,000 fine. Examples include petit larceny (under $1,000), simple assault, and first-offense DUI.
Violation of Municipal Ordinance: May carry various penalties depending on the city ordinance. Many are treated similarly to misdemeanors.
Oklahoma does not have formal misdemeanor classifications (A, B, C), but individual offenses specify their own penalties within the general misdemeanor range.
Expungement Laws
Oklahoma has expanded expungement eligibility:
Eligible Offenses: Oklahoma allows expungement of many arrest records and some conviction records. Eligibility depends on offense type, disposition, and time elapsed.
Automatic Expungement: Oklahoma now provides automatic expungement for certain arrests not resulting in conviction after specified waiting periods.
Conviction Expungement: Certain misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions may be expunged after completion of sentence and waiting periods (typically 5-10 years depending on offense).
Ineligible Offenses: Violent felonies, sex offenses requiring registration, and certain other serious offenses generally cannot be expunged.
Pardon Requirement: Some felony expungements require a pardon from the Governor before the record can be sealed.
DUI Laws
Oklahoma DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial). First offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year jail and $1,000 fine. Second offense within 10 years is a felony carrying 1-5 years prison. Third offense is a felony carrying 1-10 years prison. Oklahoma has implied consent; refusal results in license revocation (180 days first offense, 1 year second, 3 years third). Oklahoma requires ignition interlock devices for many DUI offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Tulsa County Courthouse and the federal courthouse?
Criminal cases in Tulsa are heard in one of two court systems. State charges are heard at the Tulsa County Courthouse at 500 South Denver Avenue. This includes all violations of Oklahoma state law and Tulsa municipal ordinances. Federal charges are heard at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma at 333 West Fourth Street. Federal cases include violations of federal law such as drug trafficking across state lines, federal tax crimes, immigration offenses, and crimes on federal property or Indian Country. After the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision, many crimes involving Native Americans or occurring on tribal land are now prosecuted in federal court. Having a Tulsa criminal defense attorney familiar with the specific court system where your case is pending is essential.
How did the McGirt decision affect criminal cases in Oklahoma?
The 2020 U.S. Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma held that much of eastern Oklahoma (including Tulsa) remains Indian Country because Congress never officially disestablished the Creek Nation reservation. This means that crimes involving a Native American defendant or victim in this area fall under federal or tribal jurisdiction rather than state jurisdiction. Many state criminal cases were dismissed or transferred to federal court following McGirt. If you are a tribal member or the alleged victim is a tribal member and the crime occurred on tribal land, your case may be federal rather than state. Federal courts have different procedures, sentencing guidelines, and potential outcomes than state courts. A Tulsa criminal defense attorney can determine which court has jurisdiction over your case.
What are Oklahoma’s “85% crimes” and how do they affect sentencing?
Oklahoma law designates certain serious violent crimes as “85% crimes” under 21 O.S. Section 13.1. Offenders convicted of these crimes must serve at least 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration. These crimes include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, manslaughter in the first degree, robbery or attempted robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to kill, first-degree burglary, kidnapping, first-degree rape, lewd molestation of a child, child abuse, arson in the first degree, use of a firearm during certain felonies, and others. If you are charged with an 85% crime and receive a 20-year sentence, you must serve at least 17 years before becoming eligible for parole. A Tulsa criminal defense attorney can advise whether your charges are 85% crimes and develop strategies to avoid or minimize these enhanced penalties.
What is a deferred sentence in Oklahoma and how does it work?
In Oklahoma, a deferred sentence is a type of plea agreement where you plead guilty or no contest, but the judge delays entering judgment and sentencing. Instead, you are placed on probation for a specified period. If you successfully complete probation without violations, the case is dismissed and you have no conviction on your record. The dismissed case may then be eligible for expungement. If you violate probation, the court can enter the conviction and impose any sentence within the legal range for the offense. A deferred sentence is not available for all offenses. The prosecutor must agree to it, and the judge must approve it. A Tulsa criminal defense attorney can negotiate for a deferred sentence where appropriate and help you understand the conditions you must follow.
What should I know about Oklahoma’s drug laws and penalties?
Oklahoma has reformed its drug laws in recent years but still imposes serious penalties for drug offenses. Simple possession of a controlled substance is now generally a misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail) for first and second offenses under recent reforms. Possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and trafficking remain felonies with significant prison time. Marijuana possession under 1.5 ounces is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $1,000 fine) for first offense and becomes a felony for subsequent offenses. Medical marijuana is legal in Oklahoma with a license, but possession without a license or exceeding allowed amounts is still criminal. Drug trafficking penalties depend on the type and quantity of substance and can range from years to life imprisonment. A Tulsa drug crimes attorney can evaluate the specific charges and explore defense strategies including challenging searches, questioning the quantity calculations, and negotiating for treatment alternatives.