DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEY
IN SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA

According to the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, 1,881 people died because of domestic violence in Oklahoma between 1998 and 2019. In the state of Oklahoma, a domestic violence crime involves assault or battery committed against a member of your family or household. An offender convicted of domestic violence may face massive fines, possible jail time, a protection order, and other life-altering ramifications.

If you've been arrested and charged with domestic violence, it is imperative that you hire a skilled Oklahoma criminal defense attorney immediately to help build your defense. At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I'm committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals facing domestic violence allegations. As your legal counsel, I will fight vigorously to defend your rights and strategize an effective defense for your case.

My firm, Wilson Law Firm PLLC, proudly serves clients across Shawnee, Oklahoma, and the surrounding areas of Norman, Chandler, Ada, and Okemah.

Domestic Violence in Oklahoma

In the state of Oklahoma, the term domestic violence is commonly referred to as "domestic abuse." Under Oklahoma Statutes Section 21-644, any person who commits any assault or "assault and battery" offense against a family member or household member may be charged with domestic abuse.

Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Section 21-641, "assault is any willful and unlawful attempt or offer with force or violence to do a corporal hurt to another."

According to Oklahoma Statutes Section 21-642, "battery is any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another."

In essence, anyone who threatens or attempts to cause physical harm, or intentionally uses force or violence upon a family or household member may be charged with domestic abuse.

General Provisions of the Law

Under Oklahoma Statutes Section 21-644, a domestic abuse victim who is considered a "family or household member" may include any of the following:

• A current or former spouse

• The present spouse of a former spouse

• The former spouse of a present spouse

• Parents

• A foster parent

• A child

• A person otherwise related by blood or marriage

• A person with whom the defendant is or was in a dating relationship

• An individual with whom the defendant has had a child

• A person who formerly lived in the same household as the defendant

• A person currently living in the same household as the defendant

Possible Penalties

The possible penalties of a domestic violence conviction in Oklahoma include:

• First Offense: A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of imprisonment in the county jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.

• Second & Subsequent Offense: A felony punishable by up to four years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.

• Domestic Abuse with a Prior Pattern of Physical Abuse: A felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $5,000, or both.

Domestic Abuse Committed in the Presence of a Child

• First Offense: A misdemeanor offense punishable by between six months and one year in jail, a fine of $5,000, or both.

• Second & Subsequent Offense: A felony punishable by up to one year in prison, a fine of $7,000, or both.

Domestic Abuse Committed Against a Pregnant Woman

• First Offense: A misdemeanor offense punishable by one year in jail.

• Second & Subsequent Offense: A felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

• Miscarriage or Injury Occurs to the Unborn Child: Punishable by a minimum of 20 years in prison.

Domestic Abuse Resulting in Great Bodily Injury

“Great bodily injury” includes significant injuries like fractures, visible disfigurement, severe head injury, or loss of function in some part of the body. This is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Domestic Abuse by Strangulation

• First Offense: A felony offense punishable by three years in jail and a maximum fine of $3,000.

• Second & Subsequent Offense: A felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $20,000.

Other Possible Consequences

• Probation

• 52-week mandatory Batterer's Intervention Program

• Community service

• Inability to own or possess a firearm in Oklahoma

• Loss of parenting privileges or child custody rights

• Ineligibility to apply for certain jobs, professional, or educational opportunities

• Future employment difficulties

• Possible deportation from the United States (if immigration issues are involved)

• A domestic violence protective or restraining order

• A permanent criminal record

Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

When facing domestic abuse allegations, trying to defend yourself can expose you to the risk of receiving the maximum penalties. If convicted, you could face severe consequences that can cause devastating damage to your reputation, quality of life, freedom, and other future opportunities. Hiring an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and help build your defense strategy.

At Wilson Law Firm PLLC, I handle domestic abuse cases and work to help clients fight their domestic violence allegations. As your legal counsel, I can review and investigate all the facts of your situation and strategize an effective defense for your case. I can help you navigate the Oklahoma criminal justice system and represent you vigorously in every phase of the litigation. Having me on your side can make a difference in your domestic violence case.