1. Fassio Law, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, felony defense, misdemeanor defense, DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug possession and distribution, violent crimes, domestic violence, theft, assault, property crimes, sex crimes, homicide
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, preliminary hearings, jury trials, sentencing hearings, probation violation hearings
Background: Marcy Fassio founded Fassio Law and has practiced criminal law exclusively for over 15 years. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2005 with a Juris Doctorate With Distinction. Former Assistant District Attorney at the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office in Oklahoma City where she gained prosecution experience handling cases from misdemeanors to murders. The Fassio Law team handles negotiations, motion practice, hearings, sentencings, and jury trials. The firm defends cases throughout central Oklahoma including Oklahoma County (Oklahoma City), Cleveland County (Norman and Moore), and Canadian County (El Reno, Yukon, and Mustang).
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contact: https://fassiolaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Wyatt Law Office
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in state and federal courts, civil rights litigation, record expungement
Case Types Handled: Drug crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, theft, assault, homicide
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, post-conviction relief, expungements, federal court representation, pre-charge investigation, plea negotiations, jury trials
Background: Bob Wyatt founded the firm and has been practicing for over 30 years. Named to Best Lawyers since 2007 and Super Lawyers since 2006. AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory since 1999. The firm is Tier 1-rated by U.S. News and World Report/Best Lawyers in the Best Law Firms category. In 2015, Bob Wyatt received the Oklahoma National Memorial’s Reflections of Hope Award for his role in seeking justice in the Oklahoma City Bombing case. Clint James is a criminal defense attorney with the firm who devotes approximately 60% of his practice to criminal defense and 20% to criminal record expungement. Clint James was recognized as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer in 2024. Tim Laughlin is also a criminal defense attorney with the firm. The firm has offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Location: Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma
Contact: https://wyattlaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. The Urbanic Law Firm
Practice Focus: Criminal defense in state and federal courts, DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex offenses, white collar crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, federal court representation, jury trials, sentencing advocacy, pre-charge investigation
Background: Frank Urbanic is the founding attorney of The Urbanic Law Firm based in Oklahoma City. The firm represents clients across the entire state of Oklahoma in all areas of criminal defense. The firm has been voted one of Oklahoma City’s top DUI firms multiple times. The firm provides representation in misdemeanor charges, felony cases, and complex federal prosecutions. The attorneys have extensive trial experience and a record of obtaining dismissals, acquittals, and reductions in charges.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (serves clients statewide)
Contact: (405) 633-3420 | https://www.urbanic.law
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Cannon & Associates
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, military law, family law, record expungement
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, military justice matters, weapons charges
Legal Services: Trial defense, military court-martial defense, UCMJ proceedings, expungements, plea negotiations, pretrial investigation, sentencing advocacy
Background: John P. Cannon founded Cannon & Associates. The firm has over 30 years of military law experience including military divorce, retirement, division of assets, service benefits, and misconduct investigations. The firm defends service members facing military justice action. Criminal defense attorneys handle cases throughout Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, Canadian County, Logan County, and Pottawatomie County. The firm has received recognition including Enterprise.com Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oklahoma City 2022. The attorneys maintain high AVVO ratings.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contact: https://jpcannonlawfirm.com
Consultation: Case Strategy Session available
5. Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, sex crimes defense, drug crimes defense, violent crimes defense, white collar defense, appeals and expungements
Case Types Handled: Murder, sex crimes including sexual battery and rape, drug trafficking, possession and distribution, violent crimes, white collar crimes including fraud and embezzlement, DUI/DWI, domestic violence
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, expungements, appeals, pre-charge investigation, sentencing advocacy
Background: Adam R. Banner founded the Law Offices of Adam R. Banner, P.C. in Oklahoma City. The firm specializes in criminal defense for Oklahomans facing misdemeanor and felony charges. The attorneys have helped hundreds of clients facing serious criminal charges throughout the State of Oklahoma including Oklahoma City, Yukon, Moore, Edmond, and Norman. The firm practices in state courts, county courts, and district courts throughout Oklahoma. The firm has achieved dismissals in cases including multiple life felony charges.
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Contact: (405) 778-4800 | https://www.oklahomalegalgroup.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Oklahoma
Oklahoma requires attorneys to be admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association and maintain active licensure. The Oklahoma Bar Association provides a disciplinary process and maintains records of attorney standing.
Oklahoma does not have a formal board certification program for criminal defense attorneys. Attorneys may demonstrate expertise through peer recognition organizations such as Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell ratings, and membership in the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) provides representation to defendants who cannot afford private counsel. Eligibility is determined based on financial guidelines established by the agency.
Oklahoma uses a classification system based on the specific offense rather than broad felony classes. Felonies in Oklahoma are generally punishable by one year or more in state prison or by death for capital offenses. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Oklahoma has comprehensive expungement provisions under Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Section 18/19 provides for full expungement of arrest and court records for qualifying individuals. Section 991c provides for expungement of deferred sentence court records but does not seal arrest records. In 2022, Oklahoma enacted automatic expungement for certain “clean slate eligible” records including misdemeanor convictions, dismissed cases, acquittals, and pardoned juvenile adjudications. Nonviolent felonies may be eligible for expungement five years after dismissal of deferred sentence with no subsequent convictions. Violent felonies listed in 57 O.S. Section 571 are not eligible for expungement.
Oklahoma has the death penalty for capital murder. Capital cases require special procedures and qualified defense counsel. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals handles all criminal appeals.
Bail in Oklahoma is determined by the court based on the nature of the offense, flight risk, and danger to the community. Oklahoma allows bail bondsmen to post bonds for defendants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Oklahoma County?
After an arrest in Oklahoma County, defendants are typically transported to the Oklahoma County Detention Center. A bail amount may be set according to a bond schedule, or the defendant will see a judge within 48 hours for a bail determination. Arraignment occurs where formal charges are read and a plea is entered. For felonies, a preliminary hearing is held within 20 days (if in custody) or 60 days (if released) to determine if probable cause exists to proceed. The defendant may waive the preliminary hearing or the case may be bound over to District Court for trial.
How does a deferred sentence work in Oklahoma?
A deferred sentence in Oklahoma allows a defendant to plead guilty or no contest, but the court delays accepting the plea and entering judgment of conviction. The defendant serves a period of probation with conditions such as community service, drug treatment, payment of fines and costs, and avoiding new criminal charges. If the defendant successfully completes probation, the case is dismissed and no conviction is entered. A deferred sentence can be expunged under Section 991c immediately upon dismissal (sealing court records) and later under Section 18/19 (sealing arrest records) after required waiting periods of one year for misdemeanors or five years for nonviolent felonies.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma reformed its drug laws effective November 2016, reducing simple possession of any controlled dangerous substance from a felony to a misdemeanor for first and second offenses. Simple possession of Schedule I through V substances is now punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 for a first or second offense. Third and subsequent offenses remain felonies. Possession with intent to distribute remains a felony with penalties varying based on the substance and amount. Drug Court is available in Oklahoma County and other jurisdictions as an alternative to incarceration for qualifying defendants with substance abuse issues.
Can I get my record expunged in Oklahoma City?
Expungement eligibility in Oklahoma depends on the outcome of your case. Dismissed charges are generally eligible when the statute of limitations has expired or the prosecutor confirms charges will not be refiled. Misdemeanor deferred sentences are eligible for court record expungement immediately upon dismissal under Section 991c, and full expungement including arrest records one year later under Section 18/19. Nonviolent felony deferred sentences are eligible five years after dismissal. Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after waiting periods with no subsequent convictions. The expungement fee is $150 payable to OSBI plus potential fees to local law enforcement agencies. A petition must be filed with the District Court where the case was heard.
What diversion programs are available in Oklahoma County?
Oklahoma County offers several diversion and alternative sentencing programs. Drug Court provides treatment-based supervision for defendants with substance abuse issues as an alternative to incarceration. Mental Health Court serves defendants with qualifying mental health conditions. Veterans Court is available for eligible military veterans. The District Attorney’s Office may offer pre-trial diversion for certain first-time offenders, which can result in dismissal upon completion. Community Sentencing allows defendants to serve sentences through community supervision rather than incarceration for qualifying offenses. Successful completion of diversion programs can lead to dismissal and potential expungement eligibility.