SB 1159 legalized the carrying of any dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, or sword cane. A bill that went into effect in 2015 legalized the carrying of switchblades. Convicted felons cannot carry firearms, so this law will be useful in allowing them to carry something for self-defense. It also decriminalizes behavior that many people were doing anyway. It's a good way to allow … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 22 – Legally Carry More Types Of Knives
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New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 21 – Granting Drug Courts Authority To Waive Remaining Fees, Court Costs, & Fines
HB 3119 grants drug courts authority to waive remaining fees, court costs, and fines, upon successful completion of drug court if the court believes that continued payment would create a financial hardship for the offender. The court can also now waive any requirement that fines and costs be satisfied by a person prior to that person being eligible for a provisional driver … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 21 – Granting Drug Courts Authority To Waive Remaining Fees, Court Costs, & Fines
New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 20 – Granting Trial Courts Authority To Waive Fines, Court Costs, & Fees
HB 3160 gives trial courts the authority to waive fines, court costs, and fees of individuals who have been released from the Department of Corrections. The defendant must have made 24 months of timely payments every month following release and must have complied with all probation or supervision requirements following release. This waiver does not apply to restitution or child … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 20 – Granting Trial Courts Authority To Waive Fines, Court Costs, & Fees
New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 19 – Expanding The Force Element In Specific Sexual Assault Crimes & Defining The Necessary Consent For A Sexual Act
HB 2398 expanded the force element in specific sexual assault crimes and defined the necessary consent for a sexual act. This part of the bill created 21 OS §§ 111-113. In all instances of sexual assault including, but not limited to, rape, rape by instrumentation and forcible sodomy where force is alleged, the term "force" shall mean any force, no matter how slight, … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part 19 – Expanding The Force Element In Specific Sexual Assault Crimes & Defining The Necessary Consent For A Sexual Act
New Oklahoma Laws in 2016 Part 18 – Traditional Insanity Acquittal Abolished
SB 1214 abolishes the traditional insanity acquittal and authorizes new verdicts of "guilty with mental defect" or "not guilty by reason of mental illness." A defendant found “guilty with mental defect” is subject to ordinary punishment, including probation, if authorized. A defendant found "not guilty by reason of mental illness" shall not be released until the court has … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma Laws in 2016 Part 18 – Traditional Insanity Acquittal Abolished