Resisting arrest, destruction of evidence, obstructing an officer, and interfering with emergency calls are all criminal offenses in Oklahoma. I defend clients facing these charges throughout Oklahoma City and all 77 counties.
Under Oklahoma law, obstruction of justice encompasses any act through corruption, communication, or force that interferes with the administration of justice. These charges are often filed alongside other offenses — for example, a person arrested for DUI who resists the arrest may face both charges simultaneously.
The severity of obstruction charges in Oklahoma varies based on the specific offense and the intent behind the act. While most procedural crimes are misdemeanors, they still create a criminal record and can enhance the penalties of the underlying charge they are associated with.
I have worked with many obstruction of justice cases throughout Oklahoma County and surrounding jurisdictions. I understand the nuances of these charges and know how to present effective defenses that protect my clients' rights.
Under Oklahoma law, resisting arrest is a misdemeanor carrying penalties ranging from a $500 fine to up to 1 year in the county jail. The charge applies to anyone who provides physical resistance against an officer during an arrest — even in situations where the officer is making an arrest without proper cause.
Oklahoma's general rule is that you should cooperate with officers during the arrest, then challenge the arrest's legality through the court system afterward. However, there are nuances: reasonable resistance during a clearly wrongful arrest may be a valid defense. I examine the circumstances of each arrest to determine whether the charge is justified and how best to defend against it.
Resisting arrest charges are frequently filed alongside other offenses like DUI, domestic violence, or drug charges. I defend against the full set of charges to achieve the best overall outcome.
Willfully destroying, concealing, or tampering with evidence that you know is relevant to an ongoing investigation or court proceeding is a crime in Oklahoma. All evidence must be preserved while an investigation or proceeding is active.
Destruction of evidence is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail. The prosecution must prove that you knew the evidence was relevant to a legal proceeding and that you intentionally destroyed or concealed it. I challenge these elements when the evidence of intent is weak or circumstantial.
When a law enforcement officer is on duty and performing official duties, interfering with their work is a criminal offense. In Oklahoma, you can be charged with obstructing an officer based on physical interference or even verbal conduct that impedes their ability to perform their duties.
This is typically classified as a misdemeanor. However, the line between exercising your First Amendment rights and "obstructing" can be unclear. I help my clients understand their rights and build defenses when charges are unwarranted.
Preventing or impeding someone from making a 911 emergency phone call is a crime in Oklahoma. This charge is frequently filed in connection with domestic violence cases when the accused allegedly prevented the victim from calling for help.
Even if you believe the emergency call is unnecessary, the best course of action is always to allow the call to be made. Preventing it adds an additional criminal charge to whatever underlying situation is occurring. I defend clients facing this charge and work to resolve it alongside any related charges.
Resisting arrest is typically a misdemeanor in Oklahoma, carrying up to 1 year in jail and a $500 fine. However, if the resistance results in injury to an officer, additional felony charges may apply.
Oklahoma law generally requires cooperation during an arrest, even if you believe it is unlawful. The proper remedy is to challenge the arrest's legality in court afterward. However, reasonable resistance during a clearly wrongful arrest may be a defense.
Yes. If your case was dismissed, you were acquitted, or you completed a deferred sentence, obstruction charges may be eligible for expungement.
The prosecution must prove you knowingly destroyed evidence that was relevant to a legal proceeding. Lack of knowledge about the evidence's significance can be a valid defense.