HB 2479 reduces the mandatory minimum sentences for first and second felony drug possessions and lowers the maximum sentence for all felony drug possession charges. The previous minimum for first-time possession of Schedule I and II drugs (except marijuana) was two years. On November 1, 2016, there will be no mandatory minimum for first-time possession of those drugs. A … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part IV – Reduction of mandatory minimums for drug offenses
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New Oklahoma Laws in 2016 Part III – Expungement Reform
On November 1, 2016, a variety of new measures will go into effect that make it easier for people to expunge their criminal records. HB 2397 makes the following changes to 22 OS 18: You are now eligible to expunge a misdemeanor that was dismissed following successful completion of a deferred sentence if you have previous misdemeanor convictions. Nonviolent felony … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws in 2016 Part III – Expungement Reform
New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part II – Discretion to file misdemeanor charges under certain circumstances
HB 2472 gives prosecutors discretion to file charges for non-85% crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. Eighty-five percent crimes are considered to be particularly bad crimes. They include murder, first-degree rape, and child molestation. They are found in 21 OS 13.1: http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=104306. So, this new law means that … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part II – Discretion to file misdemeanor charges under certain circumstances
New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part I – DUI prosecutions by municipalities
This is the first of a five-part series discussing new laws related to criminal defense that go into effect November 1, 2016. This post discusses HB 3146, which affects the ability of some cities to charge individuals with DUI. When this bill goes into effect, only the cities of Oklahoma City and Tulsa will be able to charge someone with a DUI. A DUI arrest in every other … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part I – DUI prosecutions by municipalities
DUI
DISMISSED - Municipality; DISMISSED - DPS … [Read more...] about DUI