People are often quick to shrug off misdemeanor charges as “no big deal.” It’s common to hear, “At least it’s not a felony, right?”
Wrong.
In Oklahoma, misdemeanors can include charges like assault, breaking and entering, DUI, theft, and more. Just because these offenses are not in the same category as murder or armed robbery does not mean they can’t have a lasting impact on your life.
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you should still take the situation seriously and talk to a criminal defense team, such as Jacqui Ford Law, with our seasoned defense lawyers led by Jacqui Ford, about your options.
Understanding the Difference Between Misdemeanors and Felonies
The main difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the potential punishment if you’re convicted. Felonies typically carry longer prison sentences, but misdemeanors can still lead to jail time. In general, a misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of less than one year.
What Are the Common Misdemeanor Charges in OKC?
Misdemeanors in Oklahoma City cover a wide range of offenses. While they are less serious than felonies, they still carry real consequences — including possible jail time, fines, probation, and long-term damage to your record.
Some of the most common misdemeanor charges in OKC include:
- Assault and Battery: Physical contact or threatening behavior that does not rise to the level of a felony assault.
- Petty Theft or Shoplifting: Taking property valued under a certain amount.
- DUI (First Offense): Driving under the influence, depending on the circumstances and prior history.
- Public Intoxication: Being under the influence in a public place to the degree it may endanger oneself or others.
- Disorderly Conduct: Fighting, disturbing the peace, or disruptive behavior.
- Trespassing or Breaking and Entering (Minor Cases): Entering property without permission when the situation does not qualify as a felony.
- Vandalism or Property Damage: Minor damage to property below felony thresholds.
- Driving Without a License or Insurance: Traffic-related offenses that can still lead to court involvement and fines.
Even though these charges may seem minor at first glance, they can still result in arrest, jail time, financial penalties, and long-term consequences for employment and housing.
Consequences of a Misdemeanor Conviction in Oklahoma
For instance, if you’re convicted of assault in Oklahoma, you could face:
- Up to 30 days in jail, and
- A fine of up to $500
And the consequences don’t end when you’ve done your time or paid your fines. A misdemeanor conviction can stay on your criminal record and follow you for years. A record can make it harder to:
- Get a good job
- Find stable housing
- Protect your reputation, since criminal convictions are public record
How Can a Lawyer Help with Misdemeanors?
A criminal defense attorney will carefully review every part of your case. That includes looking at:
- Whether the police followed the law when they stopped you or searched your home or vehicle
- Whether the charges are supported by the evidence
- Whether there are weaknesses in the state’s case that can be used in your favor
An attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or outcomes that may keep a conviction off your record. In some cases, they may help you pursue an expungement, which is the legal process for clearing or sealing your record.
While you are allowed to represent yourself in court or file your own expungement paperwork, it is rarely a good idea. Defending a misdemeanor case and successfully completing an expungement involves strict deadlines, detailed forms, and complex legal rules. Mistakes can cost you time, money, and opportunities to clean up your record.
If you’re charged with a crime, misdemeanor or felony, you have the right to an attorney. But you must clearly ask for a lawyer and stop answering questions until you’ve spoken with one.
Contact Us Today at Jacqui Ford Law For Relentless Defense
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges, contact Jacqui Ford’s office today. You deserve an advocate who will fight for your rights, protect your future, and guide you through every step of the process with honesty and compassion.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and get the legal support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are misdemeanors really serious enough to need a lawyer?
Yes. Even though misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they can still lead to jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A lawyer helps protect your rights and works to minimize long-term consequences.
2. Will a misdemeanor go on my record forever?
A misdemeanor conviction can stay on your record for years unless you pursue expungement. Having it on your record can make it harder to get a job, find housing, or pass background checks.
3. Can a lawyer get my misdemeanor charges dismissed?
Sometimes. A defense attorney may be able to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, or secure alternative sentencing options that reduce or eliminate the charges. Every case depends on the facts and the strength of the state’s evidence.
4. What if I already admitted guilt to the police?
You can still hire a lawyer, and you should. Your attorney can review whether your statements were obtained legally, advise you on next steps, and work to protect you from further self-incrimination.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a first-offense misdemeanor?
Yes, absolutely. First-time convictions still carry consequences, and the outcome of a first offense can set the tone for how future courts view you — especially in cases like DUI, assault, or theft.
6. Can I get a misdemeanor expunged in Oklahoma?
Many misdemeanor convictions can be expunged, but eligibility depends on the charge, your criminal history, and how much time has passed. A lawyer can determine if you qualify and handle the complex paperwork and deadlines involved.
