Oklahoma City Criminal Defense FAQs

No, but you should act quickly. A defense lawyer can review what you said, whether police were required to read your Miranda rights, and whether your statement can be challenged or suppressed. The sooner Billy Coyle steps in, the more evidence can be preserved and the more options stay open. Do not make any more statements until you have spoken with an attorney.

Bond is the amount you must post to be released while your case is pending. In Oklahoma County it may be set from a standard schedule or by a judge, based on the charge, your record and whether you are seen as a flight risk or a danger. You can post cash, use a licensed bail bondsman, or have your lawyer ask the court for a lower bond or a personal recognizance (OR) bond.

Yes. Innocent people are charged — and sometimes convicted — because of mistaken witnesses, weak lab work or statements taken out of context. Prosecutors work for the State, not for you. A defense lawyer protects your rights from day one, challenges the evidence and can often get a case dismissed before it reaches trial.

Billy Coyle defends state and federal criminal charges across Oklahoma, including DUI and DWI, drug crimes, federal crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, murder and manslaughter, assault and violent crimes, student charges, professional license cases and expungements. See all criminal defense services in Oklahoma City.

Yes. Arrests happen at night and on weekends, so the phone line at (405) 232-1988 is answered 24/7. Our office is at 125 Park Ave #100 in downtown Oklahoma City, a short walk from the Oklahoma County Courthouse.

Yes. If you cannot come to our downtown Oklahoma City office, Billy Coyle can consult by phone or video. This helps clients in Edmond, Norman, Moore and other parts of Oklahoma, and families helping a loved one who is in jail.

You work directly with Billy Coyle, not a junior associate. He began his legal career as a prosecutor, has more than 20 years of courtroom experience and has handled thousands of criminal cases in Oklahoma County and federal court. He is rated by Super Lawyers, prepares every case for trial and is available 24/7.

A misdemeanor is generally punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or a fine. A felony can be punished by time in state prison with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. A felony conviction also brings long-term consequences, such as losing the right to own a firearm and failing background checks for jobs and housing.

Most criminal cases are resolved without a jury trial, through a dismissal, a reduced charge or a negotiated outcome. The best results usually come when the prosecutor knows your lawyer is ready for trial, so Billy Coyle prepares every case as if it will go before a jury.

A deferred sentence lets you plead guilty or no contest while the judge delays judgment. If you complete the terms, such as probation, fines and classes, the plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed. A completed deferred sentence may then qualify for expungement. Not every charge or person is eligible, so ask whether it is an option in your case.

Often not. Since State Question 780 took effect in 2017, simple possession of most drugs for personal use is usually a misdemeanor in Oklahoma. Possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, manufacturing and some possession cases near schools or children can still be felonies. Learn more about drug crime defense in Oklahoma City.

A case is federal when it is charged under federal law and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, usually after an investigation by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF or IRS. Common examples include drug trafficking, wire and mail fraud, federal firearm charges and certain crimes in Indian Country. Federal cases from Oklahoma City are heard in the Western District of Oklahoma. See federal criminal defense.

It can. Students may face campus discipline in addition to court, and nurses, teachers, doctors and other licensed professionals may have to report an arrest to their board. Early legal help protects both your record and your career. Learn more about student charges and professional license defense.