Homicide Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma

At the Law Offices of Adam R. Banner we focus EXCLUSIVELY on defending our clients from criminal charges. Murder can put you behind bars for life.  

Entrust your legal defense to the firm with a laser focus on protecting your rights at every step of the legal process. You wouldn't take a Ferrari to just any mechanic, would you? No. You would take it to a Ferrari expert.  

The same goes for legal defense. If you're facing charges, you need an Oklahoma attorney experienced with murder defense.

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In terms of harm, there is no greater criminal violation than homicide. It is defined as the killing of one human being by another. Moreover, under Oklahoma law, the term “human being” includes an unborn child. Furthermore, the crime committed in a criminal prosecution is generally determined by the state of mind of the Defendant.

A homicide defense attorney can argue for different charges based on different states of mind. Regardless of how one is charged, convictions for murder carry severe repercussions and possibly lead to capital punishment.

Oklahoma Homicide Laws

Homicide is classified as manslaughter, murder, excusable homicide, or justifiable homicide.

Below is a brief overview of the related offenses:

Manslaughter Charges

Manslaughter is a lesser form of homicide than murder. It is fairly common for attorneys to request an instruction for the lesser-included offense of manslaughter during jury trial for a murder case.

While a charge of manslaughter means that a human being has died, it is treated differently by many prosecutors in Oklahoma. Much of this is due to the culpability factor. Another reason is due to the smaller punishment range available to the prosecution.

A manslaughter defense attorney can help ensure you receive fair treatment before the law.  Manslaughter is divided into first and second degree.  For more information you can visit our manslaughter page.

Murder Charges

When a person unlawfully and with malice aforethought causes the death of another human being. Malice is the deliberate intention to unlawfully take away the life of a human being, which is manifested by external circumstances capable of proof.  The deliberate nature of this crime makes punishments extremely harsh.  If you or a loved one are facing charges in Oklahoma you should consult an experienced murder defense lawyer.

Murder is also divided into several different types of charges including first degree, second degree, and felony murder.

Excusable Homicide

1. When committed by accident and misfortune in doing any lawful act, by lawful means, with usual and ordinary caution, and without any unlawful intent.
2. When committed by accident and misfortune in the heat of passion, upon any sudden and sufficient provocation, or upon a sudden combat provided that no undue advantage is taken, nor any dangerous weapon used, and that the killing is not done in a cruel or unusual manner.

Justifiable Homicide

1. When resisting any attempt to murder such person, or to commit any felony upon him, or upon or in any dwelling house in which such person is; or,
2. When committed in the lawful defense of such person, or of his or her husband, wife, parent, child, master, mistress, or servant, when there is a reasonable ground to apprehend a design to commit a felony, or to do some great personal injury, and imminent danger of such design being accomplished; or,
3. When necessarily committed in attempting, by lawful ways and means, to apprehend any person for any felony committed; or in lawfully suppressing any riot; or in lawfully keeping and preserving the peace.

Legal Defense Strategies

If you or a loved one has been charged with homicide in Oklahoma, time is of the essence. You need an experienced defense attorney, and you need one right now. Call the Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C., and retain an accomplished homicide lawyer ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (405) 778-4800 for a free consultation.