Oklahoma divides criminal offenses into two general categories: misdemeanors and felonies. The primary difference between the categories is the severity of the sentence you will receive if convicted of the offense. What follows is a brief survey of the sentences for felonies in Oklahoma.
Misdemeanors vs. Felonies in Oklahoma
A misdemeanor crime is one for which the punishment will be no more than a year in a county jail. A felony crime can be defined as one for which the punishment may be death or incarceration in a state penitentiary.
Furthermore, many states divide felonies into different classes. For example, the most serious felony crimes are classified as Class A, Class B for less serious felony crimes, and so on. Each class then will be subject to a specific range of penalties. For instance, Class A felonies may receive up to 30 years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. For Class C, up to 10 years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.
Oklahoma does not make such distinctions between felony crimes. Instead, each specific felony offense has a range of penalties associated with it. For example, one violent crime may be punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to 5 years in prison, while another may be punishable by a $25,000 fine and up to 35 years in prison.
In addition, penalties will be added for repeat felonies in Oklahoma.
For instance, the possession of certain illegal drugs in the presence of a child under 12 years old is a felony crime.
A first offense is punishable by a $2,000 fine, up to two years in prison, or both.
On the other hand, a second offense is punishable by 4 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The 85% Rule
Oklahoma also requires that persons convicted of certain felony crimes serve a minimum of 85% of their imposed sentences. For instance, if you are convicted of first degree manslaughter and receive a sentence of 10 years in prison, you will be required to serve 8.5 years before being eligible for early release. Crimes for which this 85% rule is applied include, but are not limited to, the following:
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First-degree murder.
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First-degree manslaughter.
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Assault with the intent to kill.
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First degree rape.
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First degree arson.
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Bombing.
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Child pornography.
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Child prostitution.
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Aggravated drug trafficking.
For more detailed information on the sentencing for felonies in Oklahoma City, or to find out what the potential sentence may be for a felony offense that you or a loved one has been charged with in Oklahoma City, contact an experienced Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney.
Consultation: Oklahoma City Felony Defense Attorney
For a consultation with an Oklahoma City felony defense attorney, call 405-888-5400. You can also submit an email question from the top right corner of this page.
We will respond as quickly as possible to all questions.
