Oklahoma Felonies Unlike other states Oklahoma does not break its felonies into
different classifications. Instead each felony is measured by a
specific degree under each individual crime. These categories defined
the crimes as violations, misdemeanors, or felonies and places each
into differing required sentences. All felony offense punishments are
to be served in state prison facilities instead of county or local
jails as these are reserved for lesser crimes and lesser punishments.
However there are a few exceptions.
Oklahoma Punishments Murder in the first degree can be punished by death as Oklahoma
has capital punishment. First-degree murder is also punishable by life
in prison without the chance of parole or life in prison with the
opportunity to be paroled. The severity of the sentence depends on the
severity of the crime as well as any prior offenses or additional
offenses. Murder in the second degree is punishable by confinement of
no less than ten years but no more than a single term of life in
prison. Second-degree murder cases can have varying consequences if an
individual pleads nolo contender or pleads guilty to the offense. At
times the punishment can be lesser and sometimes the punishment can be
more severe.
Offenses classified as domestic abuse can have different ranges of
punishments that are based on prior behavior of physical abuse. Usually
these kinds of punishments are served in the Department of Corrections
under special custody for no more than ten years. These kinds of
offenses can also receive a fine requirement with or without an
incarceration sentence that cannot exceed five thousand dollars. An
assault and battery offense with the use of a deadly weapon can have an
imprisonment term of no more than ten years in a state prison facility
or can be punishable by no more than a single year in a county or local
jailing facility. The attempt to kill another by the use of poison is
punishable by no less than ten years in a state prison.
Oklahoma also has classifications for driving under the influence
offenses that can be classified as either felonies, with high
punishments for multiple offenses, or misdemeanors, with lower
punishments for single offenses. Marijuana charges can also be
classified as both felonies and misdemeanors. These classifications
depend on the amount of marijuana in possession and the number of prior
offenses for the single individual. Other offenses are sited as
felonies in Oklahoma and can include embezzlement charges, conspiracy
charges, rape charges, child prostitution charges, tax violation
charges, and many others. These charges can range from ten years to no
less than one year of incarceration.
Oklahoma Felony Expungement Expungement in the state of Oklahoma is only allowed in special
circumstances. Cases where individuals have been convicted of prior
felonies are not allowed to apply for expungement unless the otherwise
waived by the court. Individuals who have plead nolo contender or
guilty to a sexual offense and are required to register as sex
offenders are also not permitted to apply for expungement in the state
of Oklahoma. Deferred judgment also eliminates expungement eligibility.