What is Flight Risk and How Do Courts Determine it?

Flight Risk

In Oklahoma criminal cases, one of the first things a court does is assess a person’s flight risk when deciding whether to release them before trial and under what conditions. Here’s what this determination means and how Oklahoma courts evaluate it when deciding bail or pretrial release conditions. What Does Flight Risk Mean? Flight risk refers to the likelihood that a person accused of […]

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How Do I File Probate in Creek County?

File Probate

When a loved one passes away in Creek County, Oklahoma, and leaves behind assets that are solely in their name, you may need to file probate. Probate is the court-supervised procedure for distributing the deceased person’s assets, paying debts, and closing out their estate. When Probate Is Necessary Probate is usually required when the deceased (called the “decedent”) owned assets in their name alone—like […]

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What Does ‘Beyond A Reasonable Doubt’ Mean in Oklahoma Criminal Cases?

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Oklahoma—or are following a criminal case—you’ve likely heard the phrase “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It’s one of the most important standards in our justice system, but what does it actually mean? In short: it’s the level of certainty the prosecution must meet to convict someone of a crime. Here’s what that means for criminal defendants and […]

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What is Joint Custody in Creek County?

Joint Custody

Joint custody is a common arrangement that allows both parents to share in the rights and responsibilities of raising their child, even if the child primarily lives with one parent. When parents in Creek County go through a divorce or separation, one of the most important legal decisions involves child custody. But what does it really mean, and how does it work in Creek […]

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What is a Guardian ad Litem and What is Their Role in Creek County?

Guardian ad Litem

When child custody, guardianship, or deprivation of child cases come before the court in Creek County, the judge may appoint a special person known as a guardian ad litem (GAL). The GAL plays a critical role in representing the best interests of the child, especially when the parents are involved in a highly contested legal matter or when there are allegations of abuse, neglect, […]

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What Happens At An Arraignment Hearing?

Arraignment Hearing

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Oklahoma, your first court appearance is likely to be an arraignment hearing. This hearing marks the official beginning of the criminal process, during which the court informs you of your rights, the charges against you, and asks you to enter a plea. While it may seem simple, this hearing can impact how your case proceeds, so […]

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How Does the Court Decide on Bail?

Decide on Bail

After an arrest, many people have questions about how the court will decide on bail. Bail plays a critical role in the criminal justice process, as it determines whether a defendant remains in jail while awaiting trial or is released under certain conditions. Understanding how Oklahoma courts decide on bail can help you prepare and advocate for a fair outcome. What Is Bail? Bail […]

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How Does A Bench Trial Work in Oklahoma?

Bench Trial

A bench trial is a trial decided entirely by a judge, with no jury involved, and can be used in both civil and criminal cases. While jury trials are more common in serious criminal cases, bench trials are often used in family court, small claims, and certain misdemeanor or civil cases. Understanding how a bench trial works in Oklahoma can help you decide if […]

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What is Physical Custody?

Physical Custody

If you’re involved in a child custody case—whether during a divorce, separation, or paternity action—you’ll likely hear the term “physical custody.” Understanding what this means and how it differs from other types of custody can help you make informed decisions about your parenting arrangement and protect your child’s well-being. Physical Custody Defined Physical custody refers to where the child lives on a day-to-day basis […]

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What is Legal Custody in Oklahoma?

Legal Custody

Child custody in Oklahoma is divided into two parts: legal custody and physical custody. When parents go through a divorce or separation in Oklahoma, one of the key issues the court must resolve is custody of the children. Understanding what legal custody means—and how it affects your rights as a parent—is essential to protecting your role in your child’s life. What Does Legal Custody […]

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