Criminal Conviction
Being convicted of a felony in Oklahoma is one of the most serious consequences one can face, especially with the collateral consequences that come from a felony conviction. The most well-known consequence of a felony conviction is obvious, incarceration, which can consist of a year or less time in a county jail, or up to life in prison.
The first step to help seeking a resolution of your case that does not involve prison or a conviction is to hire an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney. CANNON & ASSOCIATES is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for those facing criminal charges or probation violations in Oklahoma. Once you have hired an Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney, you can begin to build your defense, tell your story, and seek to avoid a conviction.
Types of Convictions
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes, which carry no more than a year in jail. Felony crimes have a broad range of punishment, from a short prison sentence all the way to life in prison, or even the death penalty for capital murder. Substantial fines and restitution, to make victims whole, can be imposed in felony cases in addition to the length of time one can be sentenced to prison for felony crimes. The fines imposed in felony cases are potentially far greater than one-thousand dollars.
Punishment Beyond Court
The punishment with the longest lasting effect in most felony cases is the collateral consequences; the negative effects not directly related to the sentence passed down or as part of a felony plea agreement. These collateral consequences, the third type of punishment in a felony conviction, cause the denial of rights and privileges afforded to citizens without a felony conviction. Some, but not all, of these consequences are the following:
- Loss of driving privileges for a period of time
- Denial of Possessing a liquor store license
- Loss of the Right to Vote
- Loss of the Right to Possess a Firearm
- Loss of the ability to serve in the Armed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Reserve Forces
- Loss of the following employment opportunities:
- Licensed Attorney
- Medical Careers: medical doctor, M.D.; dentistry; D.O.; chiropractic medicine; veterinary medicine; nursing; pharmacology; psychology; physical therapy; occupational therapy; and others
- Accountant
- Architect
- Counseling: Marriage; Mental Health; Family; and others;
- Licensed Realtor or real estate appraiser
- Law Enforcement: FBI, CIA, Highway Patrol, Police, Sheriff, etc.
- Licensed Pawnbroker
- Bail Bondsman
- Court Reporter
This list is extensive, but not completely exhaustive of the rights, privileges, and opportunities forfeited upon becoming a convicted felon. This list is focused on the consequences of a felony conviction on rights and privileges under Oklahoma law; however, there are consequences under federal law, local ordinances, and administrative consequences, which are not listed here.
A felony accusation is a very serious circumstance to face; however, a felony conviction may follow you and your family the rest of your life. When facing a felony, you have limited opportunities to avoid the long-lasting effects of a felony conviction: enter a plea agreement to avoid a felony offense, fight your case with the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, or seek redress through an appeal.
Avoid a Conviction
The decision on how to approach a felony accusation or felony charge is a very important decision. You have the right to competent criminal defense counsel; use it. Hiring the right Oklahoma criminal defense attorney with the experience necessary to assist you through these difficult decisions will be an invaluable investment. You need a
Fierce Advocate to protect your rights, your liberty, and your privileges.
Contact Cannon & Associates Today
Our firm will do everything possible to defend your freedom and your future, including seeking to avoid a conviction in your case. When facing criminal charges in Oklahoma; threating your future, finances, and freedom, contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES in Oklahoma City for your defense. We will help you avoid a conviction, if possible in your case.
Every crime in Oklahoma carries jail or prison time, a reality, which far too many criminal defendants come to realize at some point. As a former prosecutor, John knows being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. You have the right to the presumption of innocence and representation by the best criminal defense attorney you can find. A conviction can follow you the rest of your life and you need a Fierce Advocate to fight for you and your future.
John has been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 in Criminal Defense by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, he has an outstanding record of reaching the best possible outcome for hundreds of clients accused of the wide variety of criminal charges, as evidenced by receiving the highest possible AVVO rating – 10 (superb). Contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES today for a free confidential consultation.
