Assault and battery charges in Oklahoma can escalate from a misdemeanor to a life sentence depending on the circumstances. I provide fair, aggressive representation — because intent, circumstances, and provocation all matter under Oklahoma law.
Under Oklahoma law (Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes), assault and battery is defined as the willful and unlawful use of force or violence against another person. The base offense — simple assault and battery — is a misdemeanor carrying a maximum of 90 days in the county jail. However, the penalties escalate dramatically based on the circumstances.
When a weapon is involved, when the victim is a family member or household member, or when the victim is a law enforcement officer, the charges can jump to a felony level with penalties ranging from several years to life in prison. Oklahoma law takes these charges very seriously, and the consequences extend far beyond jail time — affecting your right to possess firearms, where you can live, your custody arrangements, and your employment opportunities.
I believe in justice, but I equally believe in everyone's right to fair representation and an appropriate sentence. With assault and domestic violence charges, the circumstances surrounding the incident are critical. I ensure that my clients' stories are heard, and that the full context — including self-defense, provocation, and mitigating circumstances — is presented to the court.
Under Oklahoma law, domestic violence is defined as when a family member or household member over 13 years of age, or an emancipated minor, commits harm or threatens harm against another family or household member. This includes current and former spouses, people in dating relationships, parents, children, and anyone living in the same household.
A first offense domestic A&B is a misdemeanor. However, a second conviction (even from another state) becomes a felony. Oklahoma takes domestic violence allegations seriously, and a conviction can result in mandatory protective orders, loss of firearm rights under both state and federal law, impacts on child custody arrangements, and difficulty finding employment or housing.
I represent clients facing domestic violence charges throughout Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, and surrounding areas. I understand the sensitive nature of these cases and work to ensure my clients receive fair representation. In many cases, charges can be reduced, dismissed, or resolved through deferred sentencing to protect your record. After completing a deferred sentence, expungement may be available.
This felony charge applies when assault and battery is committed using a dangerous object — whether a sharp instrument, firearm, or conductive energy source (such as a taser). Under Title 21, § 645 of the Oklahoma Statutes, this offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
If you have been accused of A&B with a dangerous weapon in Oklahoma, prompt legal representation is critical. The prosecution must prove both the assault and the dangerous nature of the weapon — and there are often legitimate defense strategies, including self-defense, defense of others, and challenging the classification of the object as "dangerous."
This is one of the most serious assault charges in Oklahoma, defined as assault and battery performed with intent to cause great bodily harm using a weapon capable of producing death. This offense can result in a life sentence.
Given the severity of potential punishment, skilled legal defense is essential. I will examine every aspect of the case — the circumstances of the incident, whether self-defense applies, the nature of the alleged weapon, and whether the evidence supports the charge of "intent to cause great bodily harm."
Willfully and forcefully harming any law enforcement or corrections officer while on duty is a criminal offense in Oklahoma. The only legal exception is reasonable resistance during a wrongful arrest. This charge applies to highway patrol officers, county sheriff's deputies, city police officers, and corrections personnel.
This is typically charged as a misdemeanor but can be elevated to a felony depending on the severity of injury. If you are facing this charge, legal representation can help determine whether the arrest was lawful and whether your actions constituted reasonable resistance. See also my page on procedural crimes including resisting arrest.
A first offense is typically a misdemeanor. However, a second or subsequent domestic A&B conviction — even if the prior was from another state — becomes a felony under Oklahoma law.
A domestic violence conviction in Oklahoma triggers firearms restrictions under both state and federal law. Under federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment), anyone convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Oklahoma recognizes self-defense and Stand Your Ground laws. If you were defending yourself or others from imminent harm, this is a valid legal defense that can result in charges being reduced or dismissed.
If your case resulted in a dismissal, acquittal, or successful completion of a deferred sentence, you may be eligible for expungement. Learn more about the expungement process.