An Experienced Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney
“We the jury find the defendant guilty!” If you or a loved one face criminal charges, you never want to hear those condemning words. It’s time to call an experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney. Located in Oklahoma City, The Law Office of Elliott C. Crawford, P.C. is zealously dedicated to representing those accused of criminal offenses. My goal is simple: to represent your legal interests with the utmost diligence, excellence, and passion. My philosophy is simple: I believe in quality rather than quantity. As such, I differ from most Oklahoma criminal defense attorneys in that I do not take on too many cases at a time because I feel that when my client’s life and freedom are at stake, anything less than a 110% commitment is unsatisfactory.
The criminal process can be very confusing and intimidating for the accused and the accused’s family. Thus, I believe in educating my clients and their families not only on the judicial process, but also on every legal aspect relevant to the case. My strategy is simple: the best defense is a good offense. In other words, I’m very aggressive and proactive. In choosing an Oklahoma City criminal attorney, do not retain a timid lawyer who will attempt to cut a deal in order to avoid the courtroom. When you are charged with a criminal offense, YOU NEED TO WIN AND WIN CONVINCINGLY!! At the Oklahoma City law offices of Elliott Crawford, we handle each case as if it was our very own.
If you have been arrested and charged with a criminal offense:
NEVER RESIST ARREST
- If you are arrested, cooperate and never resist arrest. Resisting arrest will only escalate physical force by law enforcement and lead to additional charges. Immediately inform the officer that you will go peacefully, invoke your right to remain silent and request to have an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney present during questioning.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT: USE IT!
- If you have been arrested for a criminal offense in Oklahoma, it’s paramount that you exercise your constitutional rights to remain silent and have an Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer present during questioning. As soon as your Miranda warnings are issued and you express that you do not wish to talk without an attorney present, law enforcement is required by law to cease questioning.
- Remember, POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS!! Law enforcement officers are trained to elicit statements to use against the accused in court. Despite what they tell you, police officers will neither “cut you a break” nor “help you by informing the assistant district attorney that you were cooperative”. Do not fall for these tricks!
DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE
- Do not discuss the details of your case with family, friends, or inmates. It’s a very common practice for the prosecution to utilize “jailhouse snitches” who, in return for a reduced sentence, allege that the accused confessed the crime while in jail. Further, if you discuss details of your case with your family and/or friends, they could potentially be called by the State to testify against you at trial.
POST BOND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
- After arrest and booking, a judge must set the amount of bond before you can be released. In some instances, the judge may grant an Own-Recognizance Bond (“O.R. Bond”) which does not require payment for release (see “Criminal Process”). If not granted an O.R. Bond, make arrangements through a bondsman to secure your release. The sooner you are released from jail, the sooner you can start putting your life back together.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY
After charges have been filed, TIME IS CRITICAL!! After a crime has been committed, witnesses forget details, evidence gets lost or destroyed, etc. Schedule an appointment with an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to develop your case’s strategy. Inform your attorney of witnesses and evidence that may help or impair your case. It’s very important to be completely honest with your attorney about your criminal background and the facts surrounding the alleged offense. Remember that whatever is discussed between you and your attorney is protected by the attorney-client privilege. Being less than 100% honest with your attorney will only hurt your case.
NEVER REPRESENT YOURSELF
A man who represents himself has a fool for a client.
– Abraham Lincoln
Even if you have watched more Law & Order episodes than anyone else, you should never attempt to represent yourself. Oklahoma Criminal law is more complex than most people think. In order to prevail, one must be well-versed in Oklahoma criminal procedure and substantive law, constitutional law, evidence and rules of the Oklahoma criminal courts. Furthermore, each and every stage of the criminal process is unique and encompasses different strategies and formalities. Finally, simply having an Oklahoma attorney by your side will force the prosecution and the court to take you seriously.
REPRESENTING YOUR LEGAL INTERESTS WITH THE UTMOST DILIGENCE, EXCELLENCE, AND PASSION
Oklahoma defense criminal lawyer Elliott Crawford offers experienced legal advice and representation for those accused of all Oklahoma criminal offenses including but not limited to: federal crimes, homicide, alcohol offenses, theft/property crimes, drug crimes, sex crimes, assault and battery offenses, municipal offenses, and weapon related offenses. Furthermore, criminal defense attorney Elliott Crawford handles cases in state, municipal, federal court, and paroles/parole revocations before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. If you find yourself needing representation, call us at (405) 519-3796 to have your case reviewed by Mr. Crawford at our Oklahoma City law firm at absolutely no cost to you.
The Law Office of Oklahoma City criminal attorney Elliott C. Crawford, P.C. serves Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, Canadian County, Logan County, Payne County, and the United States District Courts for the Western, Northern, and Eastern Districts.
If you’ve been charged with a crime anywhere in Oklahoma, call an experienced Oklahoma criminal attorney.
