In criminal law you will hear many different words used by lawyers, court staff and judges. Plea bargain is one of those terms, and it is a controversial concept in the law. A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and the prosecutor, where the defendant...
Crimes
The consequences of bribing an officer to get out of trouble
Some say money can fix anything. However, offering money to a law enforcement or judicial officer to avoid punishment can only worsen things. In Oklahoma, bribing an officer is a serious felony, and those who commit this crime can spend up to 10 years in prison....
Racketeering charges explained
Racketeering in Oklahoma happens when a group of individuals organizes and operates an illegal business. Racketeering cases can also involve the use of a legitimate business to embezzle money. Some of the racketeering-related crimes identified by the Racketeering...
Activists say justice unequal for minorities
Many residents of California have questioned the treatment of people of color at the hands of law enforcement personnel. Activists warn that the same level of scrutiny should apply to the prosecutors and judges who decide the outcomes of criminal cases. Activists...
Oklahoma oil executive sentenced for fraud
An Oklahoma man who once owned a business that provided services to companies in the energy sector has been sentenced to 121 months in a federal prison for bilking his clients out of more than $4 million. After hearing testimony and arguments for six days in late...
Racketeering allegations in white-collar crime cases
Oklahoma residents who are accused of white-collar crimes may also face racketeering charges, especially when prosecutors are pursuing an aggressive strategy. Racketeering laws, like the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), were originally passed...