When talking about the need for criminal defense in Oklahoma, that actually involves a wide range of violations and possible sentencing recommendations. Being charged with a criminal act could get any number of different punishments depending on what the crimes were and whether or not there were any aggravating circumstances that might have led to such an act taking place. For example, if you rob a convenience store and someone is shot and wounded, then you are looking at a charge of armed robbery with a dangerous weapon. However, if that person were to die than every person involved in the robbery, regardless of whether or not they actually fired the weapon would be eligible to receive capital punishment for first degree murder. Anytime a murder is committed during the act of a secondary crime it is automatically a capital case for everyone involved. It is important that you know and understand the different subtle variances in the criminal defense world so that you can understand how they might apply to your case.
Appearing in Court
Before you go into court for criminal defense in Oklahoma trial, you should have read up on any and all information that you could pertaining to your charges and visited with your lawyer. The better you understand what is going on, and the more prepared you are to answer questions and discuss the case, the better your chances are of getting a better deal because the court will believe that you are trying to be a better person. It is important to demonstrate at all times through the manner of your appearance and your responses that you are a productive member of society that would do best if not confined in jail. Believe it or not, this has a big impact on many juries.
Pleas and Sentencing
Plea deals are common if you case is something that the District Attorney either doesn't want to have to prosecute or that they feel it would benefit the public good to end the criminal defense in Oklahoma early. Sometimes DAs will even offer a plea deal up in an attempt to avoid trial because they might have a weak case. At sentencing, the jury will give a recommendation about your sentence which the judge can either listen to the guidelines, or he can even set his own.
