Domestic violence is a serious issue in Oklahoma and throughout the United States. Everyone needs to understand the state’s definition of domestic violence and what to expect from a conviction for such offenses. Unfortunately, some domestic violence cases are filed wrongfully, and others boil down to “he said, she said” situations with minimal clear evidence. If you are charged with domestic violence in Oklahoma, it’s essential to connect with an experienced Oklahoma domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible.

Attorney Lloyd Brent Palmer is a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can help you overcome the charges you face. If you are wrongfully accused or acted in self-defense, and your attacker tried to have you convicted of domestic violence, attorney Palmer will work diligently to secure dismissal of your charges as quickly as possible. If you have engaged in domestic violence, your defense team will do everything possible to have your charges dropped and penalties reduced.

Military Courts

Lloyd Brent Palmer is the Legal Administrator for the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He has twenty years of experience in the US Army and United States Marine Corps, on active duty and in the reserves. He is uniquely experience to represent you in the unique Military Courts under Federal Law.

Hire a Oklahoma Domestic Violence Attorney with Trial Experience in Your Federal Court:

  • United States District Court for the NORTHERN District in TULSA
  • United States District Court for the WESTERN District in OKLAHOMA CITY
  • United States District Court for the EASTERN District in MUSKOGEE

Why Do I Need a Domestic Violence Attorney in Oklahoma?

You might assume that sticking with a public defender will help you save money on legal costs in your case, but public defenders cannot provide the individualized representation you would expect from a private Oklahoma domestic violence defense lawyer. Public defenders typically manage several cases at a time. They cannot devote much attention to each case every day, whereas a private defense firm can offer a more robust defense.

When you Call Palmer and secure legal representation from an experienced Oklahoma domestic violence defense attorney, you are investing in your future. Domestic violence conviction can lead to severe penalties, including fines, jail time, and loss of your child custody rights in some situations. Your attorney will help you uncover exculpatory evidence and prove your side of the story if you are wrongfully accused, and assist in securing the lightest possible sentence if necessary.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Oklahoma

Many people are surprised to learn how expansive the definition of domestic violence is in the Oklahoma Criminal Code. Typically, domestic violence involves violence against a member of your family or household, but Oklahoma’s definition includes ex-spouses, a current spouse’s ex, former roommates, and relatives by blood or marriage who do not live with the accused. Some may assume that domestic violence would be similar to assault and battery from a prosecutorial standpoint, but this is not the case in Oklahoma. The state considers simple assault and battery a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in prison, but domestic violence carries much harsher penalties.

Oklahoma’s domestic violence laws are just as detailed in the potential penalties prescribed for these offenses as they are in defining possible victims. Depending on the facts of a case, domestic violence can easily escalate from misdemeanor to felony status. Consider a few examples of the potential penalties for felony-level domestic violence offenses in Oklahoma:

  • A first offense for domestic violence is a misdemeanor that carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and fines up to $5,000.
  • A second conviction for domestic violence carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
  • Domestic abuse of a pregnant woman carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
  • If domestic abuse of a pregnant woman results in miscarriage, the offender faces a minimum of 20 years in prison.
  • Domestic assault and battery with any dangerous weapon can lead to 10 years in prison.
  • Domestic assault and battery with a deadly weapon can incur a maximum sentence of life in prison.
  • A second conviction of domestic assault and battery in the presence of a child can lead to one to five years in prison.
  • If an individual is arrested for domestic abuse and has a prior pattern of committing physical abuse, they face up to 10 years in prison.
  • Domestic abuse by strangulation can lead to one to three years in prison.

These penalties should make it clear to anyone that facing domestic violence charges is a grave matter. While you might assume that you face a misdemeanor at first, it is very easy for the prosecution to escalate the case to felony status depending on the material evidence of the case, the relationship between the accused and the victim, and any history of domestic violence on the part of the accused.

Building A Strong Defense Against Domestic Violence Charges

If you are wrongfully accused of domestic violence, the two primary defenses available to you are false charges and self-defense. It’s common for people to wrongfully allege domestic violence out of spite, relying on the biases of police to have the target arrested for something they did not do. It’s also common for aggressors in domestic violence incidents to try and spin the situation against their victim, accusing them of starting the altercation in question.

Some domestic violence cases may seem hopeless, but hiring an experienced Oklahoma domestic violence defense attorney like attorney Palmer can help you overcome the situation and avoid unjust punishment for a crime you didn’t commit. If you have engaged in domestic violence at any level, your defense attorney can potentially help you secure a plea agreement with minimized penalties.

Every domestic violence case is unique, and you could have more defenses available to you than you initially realize. It’s also possible that the police made mistakes or violated due process in handling your arrest, obtaining evidence, and building the case against you. Your Oklahoma domestic violence defense lawyer will carefully review the circumstances of your arrest and verify that due process was followed to the letter in the initial handling of your case. It’s possible to have your charges dropped, and the case dismissed in the event the police violated your constitutional rights or if your attorney uncovers exculpatory evidence in your favor during the initial phases of your case.

Contact Our Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney in Oklahoma

You cannot afford to wait to seek legal representation if you face domestic violence charges in Oklahoma. It’s essential to begin work on your defense as soon as possible for the best chance of defeating the charges against you and clearing your name. If you are ready to discuss your legal options for defense with an experienced and reliable Oklahoma domestic violence defense attorney, Call Palmer Law or contact us online to schedule a case review.