I think most Oklahomans would be shocked to know that prosecutors can legally withhold evidence from a criminal defendant here. A defendant in Oklahoma is not "entitled" to certain evidence until various points in time--typically ten days before trial. In Texas, on the other hand, defendants are entitled to almost every piece of evidence immediately upon requesting it from the … [Read more...] about Enact Texas’s Michael Morton Act In Oklahoma
criminal justice reform
New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part IV – Reduction of mandatory minimums for drug offenses
HB 2479 reduces the mandatory minimum sentences for first and second felony drug possessions and lowers the maximum sentence for all felony drug possession charges. The previous minimum for first-time possession of Schedule I and II drugs (except marijuana) was two years. On November 1, 2016, there will be no mandatory minimum for first-time possession of those drugs. A … [Read more...] about New Oklahoma laws in 2016 Part IV – Reduction of mandatory minimums for drug offenses