Tulsa Criminal Defense Lawyer

Are you looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Tulsa, OK?

At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we are criminal defense lawyers with 5 years of experience guiding clients through complex matters in Tulsa.

If you are facing criminal charges in Tulsa, having the right attorney from the beginning can change the outcome of your case. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a serious felony, the consequences of a conviction include jail or prison time, fines, a permanent criminal record, and long-term effects on your career and personal life.

Our Tulsa, OK criminal defense lawyer at Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC represents clients across Tulsa County in all types of criminal matters. We offer free consultations, and we are prepared to begin working on your defense from the day you reach out.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Tulsa, OK

Criminal defense is the area of law that focuses on representing individuals accused of committing crimes. That representation spans every stage of the process, from the initial arrest through trial and sentencing, and in some cases, appeals and post-conviction relief.

A criminal defense attorney in Tulsa handles cases at every level of severity. On one end, that includes charges like public intoxication or petty theft. On the other, it includes violent felonies, drug trafficking, and sexual offenses. The attorney’s role is to investigate the facts, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, protect the defendant’s constitutional rights, and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.

Types of Criminal Defense Cases We Handle in Tulsa

Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC defends clients against a broad range of criminal charges in Tulsa County and the surrounding area. Below are the primary categories of criminal cases we handle.

• DUI. Driving under the influence is one of the most commonly charged offenses in Oklahoma. We challenge the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the chemical test results. A DUI conviction can also create complications in custody proceedings and other family law matters.
• Drug crimes. Oklahoma prosecutes drug offenses aggressively, from simple possession to trafficking. The penalties increase significantly depending on the substance, the quantity, and whether the charge involves distribution. Felony drug charges in particular carry lengthy prison terms and substantial fines.
• Assault and battery. Assault charges range from simple misdemeanor battery to assault with a dangerous weapon. The circumstances of the incident and the severity of any injuries are what separate a minor charge from a life-altering felony.
• Domestic violence. Oklahoma treats domestic violence as a separate category from general assault. First-offense domestic assault and battery is a misdemeanor, but aggravating factors or repeat offenses elevate the charge. Protective orders and custody consequences often accompany these cases.
• Sex crimes. Charges involving sexual assault, rape, lewd conduct, and other sexual offenses carry some of the most severe penalties in Oklahoma law, including mandatory sex offender registration. These cases require a defense built on thorough investigation and careful handling of sensitive evidence.
• Theft and property crimes. Theft charges cover everything from retail shoplifting to grand larceny and embezzlement. The value of the property involved determines whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, and the defense strategy depends on the evidence the prosecution has collected.
• Misdemeanors. Lower-level criminal charges still carry real consequences, including county jail time, fines, probation, and a criminal record. We treat every misdemeanor case with the same level of preparation we bring to felony matters.
• Felonies. Felony charges are the most serious criminal offenses under Oklahoma law. Convictions can mean years in state prison and follow a person for the rest of their life. Our firm handles felonies across multiple categories, from violent crimes to drug offenses to weapons charges.
• Juvenile offenses. Criminal charges against minors are handled differently under Oklahoma law. The youthful offender system has its own procedures and sentencing structures, and a conviction or adjudication can still affect a young person’s future.

Why Choose Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC as My Criminal Defense Lawyer in Tulsa, OK?

5 Years of Criminal Defense in Oklahoma

Braden Turner has practiced criminal defense in Oklahoma for 5 years. He handles cases ranging from first-offense misdemeanors to serious felonies in Tulsa County District Court. A graduate of the OU College of Law, Braden earned his Juris Doctor in 2020 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2016. He is licensed in three states, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kentucky, and is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Braden’s criminal defense practice covers the full scope of charges filed in Tulsa County. He understands how local prosecutors operate, what evidence they use to build their cases, and how to identify weaknesses before a case gets to trial. That understanding of how the local system operates informs every aspect of the defense we build.

Case Results and Client Outcomes

Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC has a record of achieving favorable results in criminal cases, including a case dismissal in a drug trafficking matter. Every case is different, but we bring the same discipline and preparation to a misdemeanor that we would to a charge carrying years in prison. Our testimonials reflect the standard of representation we hold ourselves to. We provide free consultations for all criminal defense cases so you can make an informed decision about your defense.

What Is Important to Understand About Criminal Defense Cases?

Charges, Penalties, and Defense Strategies for Criminal Cases

Oklahoma criminal law divides offenses into misdemeanors and felonies, with penalties that scale based on the severity of the charge. Understanding what you are facing is the first step toward building a defense.

• Misdemeanor penalties include up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, and community service
• Felony penalties range from one year to life in prison, depending on the offense and any aggravating circumstances
• Certain offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, which limit the judge’s discretion at sentencing
• A conviction creates a permanent criminal record unless the case is later eligible for expungement
• Sex offenses and certain violent crimes require registration on state databases
• Fines, restitution, and court costs can add up to thousands of dollars

Defense strategies vary case by case. A DUI defense may focus on the legality of the traffic stop. A drug case may hinge on whether the search was constitutional. An assault case may involve self-defense or witness credibility issues. The attorney’s job is to identify the strongest available defense and build the case around it.

What Are Important Aspects of a Criminal Defense Case?

The outcome of a criminal case depends on a number of factors that come into play well before the case reaches a courtroom. Paying attention to these early makes a difference.

• The quality of the evidence is the single most important factor. If the prosecution’s evidence is weak, incomplete, or improperly obtained, that opens the door for motions to suppress or dismiss.
• How the arrest was conducted matters. Constitutional violations during a stop, search, or interrogation can result in key evidence being excluded from trial.
• Prior criminal history affects both the charges and the potential sentence. First-time offenders generally have more options, including diversion programs and deferred sentencing.
• The prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate varies. Factors like caseload, the strength of the evidence, and the defendant’s background all influence whether a plea agreement is possible.

What Is the Criminal Defense Case Timeline?

Criminal cases in Oklahoma follow a structured process, but the pace varies depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies involve more procedural steps and take longer to resolve.

• Arrest and booking, followed by an initial appearance or bond hearing where conditions of release are set
• Preliminary hearing (felonies), where the state must show probable cause that a crime was committed
• Arraignment, where the defendant enters a formal plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest
• Discovery, during which both sides exchange evidence and the defense investigates the case
• Pretrial motions, which may include motions to suppress evidence, compel disclosure, or dismiss charges
• Trial, either before a jury or a judge, if the case is not resolved through plea negotiations

Misdemeanor cases in Tulsa County often resolve within two to six months. Felony cases frequently take six months to over a year, and cases involving complex evidence or serious charges can extend longer.

What Should You Bring to Your Criminal Defense Consultation?

Bringing the right materials to your first meeting helps us assess the case and give you direct answers about your legal situation.

• Any charging documents, citations, or arrest paperwork you have received
• Bond paperwork and any conditions of release
• Police reports or witness statements, if available
• Relevant photos, text messages, or electronic communications
• Information about any prior criminal history

The consultation is confidential. We will review the charges, explain the process ahead, and discuss initial defense options. Most first consultations take between 30 minutes and an hour.

What Are Important Oklahoma Legal Resources for Criminal Defense Cases?

Oklahoma provides several public resources that can help you access information about criminal law and the court system. The following are useful starting points:

• The Oklahoma statutes database allows you to search the full text of Oklahoma’s criminal code, including offense definitions, penalties, and procedural rules.
• The Tulsa County Court Clerk maintains records for all criminal cases filed in Tulsa County District Court and provides information on court dates and case status.
• The Oklahoma district attorneys page lists the 27 elected DAs across the state, including the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office.
• The Oklahoma District Courts page outlines the structure of Oklahoma’s trial courts and provides contact information for local judicial districts.
• The Oklahoma Bar Association offers public resources on navigating the legal system and locating an attorney.

Reach Out to Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC to Schedule a Consultation

Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC represents clients facing criminal charges across Tulsa, OK. Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC offers free consultations for every type of criminal defense case. You will sit down with an attorney, go over the details of your situation, and receive a clear assessment of your defense options. Contact us to schedule a consultation.