Homicide Crimes in Wagoner County are prosecuted on a daily basis. Many television shows focus on the crime of homicide.  These often have a group of agents attempting to find the perpetrator and solve the crime using forensics and policing.  However, homicide crimes are often less sensational.  Oftentimes, homicides are accidental and occur when an offender is in the process of another crime.  For instance, if you are robbing a house and accidentally kill the owner you commit homicide, or felony murder.  This article will explain more.

Homicide Crimes Under the Law

Oklahoma Law defines homicide under Title 21 §691(A), “Homicide is the killing of one human being by another.”  This is the basic definition.  However, several categories exist.  These include:  murder, manslaughter, and excusable or justifiable homicide.  The last category of excusable or justifiable means that the killing falls under an excuse defense.  So, the person who kills must be defending another person of themselves.  Further, excessive force cannot be a factor in the killing.  If these two elements exist, then an excuse defense may be viable.

Oklahoma Punishments

Oklahoma punishes homicide crimes in a variety of ways depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the crime.  For example, a first-degree murder will result in a possible death penalty conviction or life without parole.  But, second-degree murder can only face felony charges with imprisonment of 10 to life.  Manslaughter crimes have much different punishments.  These can range anywhere from 2-4 years and incur fines plus monetary judgments in civil court.  However, if a person successfully show an excuse defense, then no prison time or fines will be necessary.

QUESTIONS ABOUT FIRST-DEGREE MANSLAUGHTER?  SEE OUR BLOG ARTICLE .

Wagoner Criminal Defense Lawyers

If you’re facing charges for homicide crimes you could be facing prison time. Defending homicide crimes in Wagoner County requires a defense that challenges each and every element of the crime. The Wagoner County district attorneys office will employ all its resources to paint the accused in a light least favorable to a jury. Our attorneys work tirelessly to expose weaknesses in the States case and get you the best possible resolution.