Committing a felony offense in Oklahoma is not something that should be taken lightly due to the severity of the penalties you can face. Upon conviction, you may find that you can face time behind bars and hefty fines, on top of severely damaging your social and professional reputation. If you’re facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, it’s imperative to understand what the 85% rule is, as this can impact the penalties you can endure. The following blog explores what you should know about this rule and why it’s critical to connect with an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer who can help represent you in these matters.
How Does the 85% Rule Work?
The 85% rule is imposed by the state of Oklahoma and dictates how much of a convicted criminal’s sentence they must serve before they are eligible for parole. The law surrounding this matter states that those convicted of certain offenses cannot serve less than 85% of their sentence. This is to ensure those who commit what are considered heinous crimes are to serve the large majority of time behind bars. This differs from other, lesser offenses that only require someone to fulfill 25%, for example, of their sentence before they are eligible for parole.
What Crimes Does This Apply To?
It’s important to understand that only certain offenses are required to serve 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for parole. These offenses are violent or sexual felony offenses. As such, if you are charged with any of the following, you should expect to serve 85% of the sentence if you are convicted:
- First or second-degree murder
- First-degree manslaughter
- Use of a deadly weapon with intent to kill
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- First-degree rape
- Child abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Human trafficking
- Bombing
- First-degree arson
- Lewd molestation of a minor
What Should I Do if I’m Facing an 85% Rule Crime?
If you are facing a felony offense of a violent or sexual nature, it’s important to do everything you can to fight for a more favorable outcome. The most important thing you can do during these times is to connect with an experienced felony defense attorney. They will examine the circumstances of your case to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. For example, they may be able to craft a defense to help you beat the charges against you. Additionally, they may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to lessen the charges against you.
When you’re in legal trouble, you shouldn’t delay receiving legal representation. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the better, as they can help ensure our rights are protected throughout the entire legal process. At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for those charged with crimes in Oklahoma. Connect with us today to discuss the circumstances of your case.
