1. Kevin Adams, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Murder defense, sex crimes defense, federal crimes, drug crimes, domestic violence, DUI defense, appeals, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, first-degree murder, rape, lewd molestation, sexual abuse, perjury, domestic abuse, child abuse, DUI, drug possession, drug conspiracy, bank robbery, capital cases
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, appeals, plea negotiations, expungements, federal court representation, Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals representation
Background: Kevin Adams has over 22 years of criminal law experience and has conducted over 60 jury trials. He received the Clarence Darrow Award from the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association for outstanding criminal defense. Attorney Adams attended Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer College and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer. He has achieved numerous not guilty verdicts in serious cases including first-degree murder and conspiracy charges. Notable case results include acquittals in murder cases, dismissal of first-degree murder charges for insufficient evidence, and non-death verdicts in capital cases. He has successfully represented clients in federal court and before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, including having convictions overturned on appeal.
Location: 5801 E. 41st Street, Suite 800, Tulsa, OK 74135
Contact: (918) 234-7902 | https://www.oklahomacriminallaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. Boeheim Freeman Law
Practice Focus: Murder and manslaughter defense, shooting with intent to kill, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, DUI defense, juvenile defense, expungements
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, murder, manslaughter, shooting with intent to kill, drug possession, drug trafficking, rape, child abuse, assault, robbery, burglary, theft, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, juvenile offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion to suppress hearings, constitutional defense (entrapment, illegal search and seizure, Miranda violations), speedy trial enforcement, expungements, record sealing
Background: Boeheim Freeman Law has been described as having handled more trials in recent years than any other firm in the region, including not guilty verdicts in first-degree murder, rape, and child abuse cases. The firm maintains a high dismissal rate for cases. Their attorneys appear daily in Tulsa County District Court and municipal courts throughout Tulsa County, including Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Jenks, Owasso, Sand Springs, Glenpool, and Collinsville. The firm raises constitutional defenses including entrapment, illegal search and seizure, Miranda violations, and files motions to suppress evidence. They also handle family law matters including divorce and child custody.
Location: 15 E. 5th Street, Suite 3600, Tulsa, OK 74103
Contact: (918) 938-8499 | https://onyourworstday.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Berlin Law Firm, PLLC – Lee Berlin
Practice Focus: Sex crimes defense (adult and juvenile), domestic violence defense, assault charges, drug crimes, DUI defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes (all categories), sexual assault, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, DUI/DWI
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, pretrial investigation, reduced charge negotiations
Background: Lee Berlin is a former prosecutor who uses his insight into how sex crime prosecutions are built to develop defense strategies. His practice philosophy is informed by treating clients as individuals rather than case numbers. Attorney Berlin has represented both adult professionals facing career-threatening accusations and teenagers whose futures hang in the balance. He focuses on age-specific defense strategies, working to preserve careers and reputations for adult clients while protecting scholarship opportunities and developmental futures for younger clients. He has successfully negotiated reduced charges in cases involving serious allegations.
Location: 702 S. Cincinnati Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74119
Contact: (918) 384-0850 | https://www.defendingtulsa.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Office of Carlos L. Williams
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, immigration law, family law
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, immigration-related criminal matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, immigration consequences analysis, concurrent immigration representation
Background: Attorney Carlos Williams has over two decades of experience in Oklahoma courts. His firm handles criminal defense along with immigration, family law, and personal injury cases. This combination of practice areas allows the firm to address criminal cases that may have immigration consequences for non-citizen defendants. The firm offers consultations and payment plans. Attorney Williams provides representation that takes into account the broader impacts of criminal charges on clients’ lives, including employment, family, and immigration status.
Location: 1717 S. Boulder Avenue, Suite 700, Tulsa, OK 74119
Contact: (918) 582-9529 | https://www.cwilliamslegal.com
Consultation: Consultation available, payment plans offered
5. Tracy Tiernan, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, theft crimes, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug charges, theft charges, violent crimes, sex crimes, traffic tickets
Legal Services: Trial defense, jury trials, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, personal injury representation
Background: Tracy Tiernan is a jury-trial tested criminal defense attorney with experience ranging from traffic tickets and misdemeanor arrests to serious felony charges. He is licensed to practice before all municipal, county, and federal district courts throughout Oklahoma. Attorney Tiernan personally handles cases from the initial telephone interview through trial, ensuring direct attorney-client communication throughout the process. He provides both criminal defense and personal injury representation.
Location: 7171 S. Braden Avenue, Suite B, Tulsa, OK 74136
Contact: (918) 970-4630 | https://www.oklawguy.com
Consultation: Free telephone consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Oklahoma
Oklahoma attorneys must be licensed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and registered with the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA). Admission requires passing the Oklahoma Bar Examination or meeting admission requirements through reciprocity for attorneys licensed in certain other jurisdictions. The Oklahoma Supreme Court oversees attorney discipline through the OBA Professional Responsibility Commission and the Professional Responsibility Tribunal.
Oklahoma requires attorneys to complete 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) annually, including at least 1 hour in ethics. Oklahoma does not have a state-administered specialty certification program for criminal defense attorneys, though attorneys may obtain certification through national organizations.
The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) provides representation for indigent defendants in non-capital felony cases. County public defender offices in some counties (including Tulsa County) also provide indigent defense. For capital cases, the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Capital Division provides representation. Eligibility for appointed counsel is determined by income guidelines.
Oklahoma classifies crimes into felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies carry potential imprisonment in the state penitentiary, with penalties varying based on the specific offense. Many felonies have specific penalty ranges set by statute rather than a class system. Misdemeanors carry penalties of up to one year in county jail and/or fines. Some offenses can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors depending on the circumstances.
Oklahoma retains the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances. Oklahoma has used lethal injection as the method of execution. Capital defense attorneys must meet specific qualification requirements set by the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System.
Oklahoma’s bail system allows judges and magistrates to set bail based on the nature of the offense, criminal history, and risk factors. Bail schedules exist for certain offenses. Defendants may post cash bond, use a bail bond company (typically 10% premium), post property bond, or be released on personal recognizance for certain offenses. Oklahoma has implemented bail reform measures including risk assessment tools in some jurisdictions.
Oklahoma has comprehensive expungement laws that have been significantly expanded in recent years. Eligibility for expungement depends on the disposition of the case and the type of offense. Cases dismissed, resulting in acquittal, or where charges were not filed may be eligible for expungement. For convictions, eligibility depends on the offense level and waiting periods. Non-violent felony convictions may be eligible for expungement after 5-10 years depending on the offense. Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after shorter waiting periods. Certain violent and sex offenses are generally not eligible for expungement. Expungement in Oklahoma seals the record from public view, though law enforcement and certain agencies may still access sealed records.
Oklahoma imposes enhanced penalties for habitual offenders. Under the habitual offender statutes, defendants with prior felony convictions may face enhanced sentences. A defendant convicted of a second felony may receive up to twice the maximum penalty. A third or subsequent felony conviction may result in life imprisonment for certain offenses.
Attorney advertising in Oklahoma is governed by the Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit false or misleading communications. Attorneys must not make claims that cannot be substantiated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Tulsa County?
After an arrest in Tulsa County, the defendant is typically transported to the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center (Tulsa County Jail) at 300 N. Denver Avenue for booking. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and intake. For felonies, the defendant must appear before a judge within 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the judge advises the defendant of the charges and rights, addresses bail, and appoints counsel if needed. A preliminary hearing must be held within 20 days for in-custody defendants (60 days for out-of-custody) to determine probable cause. Cases bound over for trial proceed to Tulsa County District Court. Misdemeanors are handled in Tulsa Municipal Court or Tulsa County District Court depending on where the arrest occurred.
How does bail work in Tulsa County?
Bail in Tulsa County is set by a judge or magistrate based on statutory factors including the nature of the offense, criminal history, community ties, employment, and risk of flight or danger. Tulsa County utilizes a bail schedule as a starting point for common offenses. Options for release include: cash bond (full amount paid), surety bond through a bail bond company (typically 10% non-refundable premium), property bond, or release on personal recognizance (PR bond) for lower-risk defendants. The Tulsa County Court Clerk’s Office handles bond processing. For domestic violence cases, defendants are typically held until they can appear before a judge. Tulsa County has implemented pretrial release programs that may recommend release conditions including supervision, electronic monitoring, or drug testing.
What are the penalties for DUI in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma DUI penalties are serious and escalate with subsequent offenses. A first offense DUI is a misdemeanor carrying: 10 days to 1 year in jail (often suspended for probation), up to $1,000 fine, license revocation for 180 days, mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment, and possible installation of ignition interlock device. A second offense (within 10 years) carries: 1-5 years imprisonment, up to $2,500 fine, 1-year license revocation, and mandatory ignition interlock device. A third or subsequent offense is a felony carrying: 1-10 years imprisonment, up to $5,000 fine, and 3-year license revocation. Aggravated DUI (BAC of 0.15 or higher) carries enhanced penalties. Tulsa County has a DUI Court program providing intensive supervision and treatment for eligible repeat offenders as an alternative to incarceration.
Does Tulsa County offer diversion or deferred sentencing programs?
Tulsa County and Oklahoma offer several alternatives to traditional prosecution. Deferred Sentencing allows a defendant to plead guilty or no contest, with sentencing postponed while the defendant completes probation conditions; upon successful completion, the case may be dismissed. Drug Court provides intensive supervision and treatment for defendants with substance abuse issues. Mental Health Court serves defendants whose mental health conditions contributed to their criminal conduct. Veterans Court assists eligible military veterans. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office may offer diversion for certain first-time, non-violent offenders, where charges are dismissed upon completion of program requirements. For traffic and minor misdemeanor offenses, Tulsa Municipal Court offers deferral programs. Eligibility for all programs depends on the offense, criminal history, and other factors.
How can I get my criminal record expunged in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma’s expungement laws (22 O.S. § 18-19) have been significantly expanded. Eligibility depends on the case outcome and offense type. For arrests not resulting in charges or charges dismissed, expungement may be available immediately. For acquittals, expungement is available after the appeal period expires. For deferred sentences successfully completed, expungement may be available 1 year after dismissal (misdemeanors) or 5 years (non-violent felonies). For convictions, waiting periods apply: misdemeanors may be eligible 5 years after completion of sentence; non-violent felonies may be eligible after 5-10 years depending on the offense. To petition for expungement in Tulsa County, file a petition with the Tulsa County District Court, pay the filing fee (approximately $235), and attend a hearing. The District Attorney may object. If granted, the record is sealed from most public access, though law enforcement and certain agencies may still view sealed records. Certain offenses including violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, and offenses with victims under 18 are generally not eligible for expungement.