• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu

The Urbanic Law Firm

Oklahoma city criminal defense attorney Frank Urbanic provides efficient, effective, and relentless representation.

205 W 7th Ave Ste 101C

Stillwater, OK 74074

405-633-3420

  • Home
  • About
    • Firm
      • Law Firm
      • What to Expect When You Call Us
      • What to Expect While Your Case is Pending
      • What we Charge
    • Frank Urbanic
    • Client Testimonials
    • Lawyer Endorsements
  • Answers
    • Criminal Process
    • DUI/DWI/APC
    • Non-Violent Crimes
    • Violent Crimes
    • Drug Crimes
    • Expungement
    • Firearms
    • VPO
    • Sex Crimes
  • Videos
    • Criminal Defense FAQs (Videos)
  • Free Info
    • links
  • Blog
  • Wins
  • Contact

A Simple Start to Each Case

February 1, 2016 by Frank Urbanic

My first step after interviewing a client seems pretty obvious, but surprisingly it’s not always done. In the words of the great Pat Metze, “RGDS!”. Put another way … Read the statute!

I read the statute of the crime my clients are charged with every time. Not everyone does this. Even the most experienced attorneys do not have every statute memorized. This is why we must familiarize ourselves with the statute every time it applies to one of our cases. Although it seems so obvious, it is often overlooked.

There are numerous reasons for reading the statute. The most important is to know exactly what the client is accused of doing and what the state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. If there are multiple elements to a crime, then the state must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt. The law could have changed. The Oklahoma legislature is constantly rewriting laws, so a law could easily be different from one year to the next. Finally, the statute must match up with the charging document. Mismatches mean that someone working for the state messed something up.

I pledge to you that I will read the statute of the crime you are accused of committing whether I have had one or 1000 prior clients charged with that crime. Additionally, I will review previously decided cases that are relevant to your case. Reading relevant cases helps build a better picture and highlights areas in your case to look at for potential issues.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your case please do not hesitate to call me! (405) 633-3420

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: approach, statute

Copyright © 2025