Common Defenses To Felony Charges

Facing a felony charge can turn your life upside down. At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we work with clients every day to protect their rights and build a strong defense. If you’re searching for an Oklahoma City, OK felony lawyer, it’s important to have a team that will stand with you and take your case seriously. We have over five years of experience helping Oklahomans with felony charges such as DUI, drug crimes, and domestic violence, and other criminal defense needs. We know how stressful and scary it is when arrested and charged with a crime, and we have 24/7 hour live answering so that you do not have to feel like you are alone in this ordeal.

Lack Of Evidence

One of the most common defenses is pointing out that the prosecution simply doesn’t have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The burden is on them to show every element of the alleged crime. If the evidence is weak, unclear, or missing key facts, we push hard to get charges reduced or dismissed.

We carefully review police reports, statements, and any physical or digital evidence to find gaps. In some cases, the state may rely on assumptions or flawed testimony that doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity happens more often than people realize. In high-pressure situations, eyewitnesses can be unreliable. Someone may be accused simply because they look like another person, were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or drive a similar vehicle.

We work to present solid evidence—such as phone records, surveillance footage, or alibis—that show our client was not the person involved. Disproving identification can be a powerful defense in many felony cases.

Self-Defense

In cases involving assault or homicide charges, self-defense may apply if the accused was protecting themselves or someone else from immediate harm. For this defense to be valid, there must be some evidence that force was used in response to a real threat.

We focus our criminal defense strategies on showing that our clients acted reasonably under the circumstances they were in. This might include highlighting past threats, injuries, or other context that supports the use of force.

Unlawful Search And Seizure

If police obtained evidence through an illegal search, that evidence may not be allowed in court. This defense is based on violations of constitutional rights—particularly the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches. If the police found substances such as prescription drugs that did not belong to you or marijuana during an illegal search, the state may not be able to use this against you.

We often review whether law enforcement had a valid warrant or legal reason to conduct a search. If they didn’t, we file motions to suppress that evidence, which can weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.

Duress Or Coercion

In some situations, a person may have committed a crime only because they were threatened or forced to do so. Duress is a valid defense when someone reasonably believed they or someone else would be harmed if they didn’t follow through with the act.

We look for evidence that supports this claim, such as messages, threats, or witness accounts. The goal is to show our client had no real choice under the circumstances.

Talk To Our Legal Team

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we treat every case with the attention it deserves. We have over five years of experience helping Oklahomans with felony and other criminal charges. We know how stressful and scary it is when arrested and charged with a crime, and we have 24/7 hour live answering so that you do not have to feel like you are alone in this ordeal.

If you’re facing felony charges, contact Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC today. We’re ready to listen, review your case, and take the next steps to help protect your rights and your future.