Besides the emotional trauma they induce, dog bites create unsightly scars and sometimes lead to dangerous infections. Understanding a dog’s body language informs individuals of when an attack could be imminent. Recognizing the signals that a hound is ready to pounce offers an opportunity to neutralize the situation and avoid trouble. Raising hackles One sign of a defensive dog is when the fur…
Expungement is a legal process that offers individuals a chance for a clean slate by erasing or sealing past convictions. By making it easier to reintegrate into society, this process opens up opportunities for employment, housing and other aspects of life. In Oklahoma, specific rules govern this process, determining who qualifies and how to navigate the steps involved. Check your eligibility Before diving…
In Oklahoma City, the parole process is a significant aspect of the criminal justice system. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board granted parole to about 3% of prisoners in 2021. House Bill 4369 reduces parole periods, providing a more efficient and cost-effective approach. If you or a loved one is eligible for parole, start taking action now. Understanding the process is essential for…
If store security stops you for shoplifting in Oklahoma, you have certain rights. It is important to handle the situation calmly and know how to protect yourself. Retailers have the right to detain a person if they have reasonable grounds to believe that shoplifting has occurred. However, there are limitations to their authority. You can document the incident If stopped for shoplifting, it…
It only takes one instance of drunk driving to lead to a DUI. Sometimes, Oklahoma law enforcement uses breathalyzers to make DUI-related determinations. However, you can challenge a breathalyzer’s results in court. Challenging a breathalyzer On the surface, breathalyzers look like fully functional devices. But they’re not always reliable. There have been numerous cases won when breathalyzers produced inaccurate results. For example, one…
Overdoses are a leading cause of death among pregnant and postpartum women in Oklahoma, yet many female addicts remain afraid to seek help believing child abuse laws will take away their children. An increasing number of experts are calling for changes to these laws so more addicts can get treatment. Drug treatments during pregnancy Even though drug treatments during pregnancy are safe for…
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense with severe legal and professional consequences. For Oklahoma nurses, a DUI conviction can have far-reaching impacts on their nursing license, employment, and reputation. Professional consequences Nurses are held to high professional standards, and a DUI conviction can put their nursing license in jeopardy. Nursing regulatory bodies may view DUI as a violation of…
Curfew laws could put juveniles on a confrontational path with the police. Oklahoma youths might discover these laws result in additional charges and possible penalties. Curfew and young persons In more than 400 localities, including states, counties, and cities, curfew laws remain on the books. These laws prohibit persons under a specified age to be outside the home without adult supervision. Governing factors…
With most crimes in Oklahoma, you have to actually commit the act for the court to convict you. But there are special circumstances where the court could convict a person for a crime they haven’t committed yet. Understanding criminal conspiracy in Oklahoma A conspiracy in Oklahoma is when two or more people make an agreement to commit a crime and have taken some…
When it comes to criminal law, few topics are as controversial as plea bargains and wrongful convictions. Both of these aspects of the criminal justice system in Oklahoma and around the country can have a profound impact on the lives of defendants and their families. What are plea bargains? Plea bargains are agreements between defendants and prosecutors in which the defendant agrees to…
