Felony Murder in Oklahoma: The Tough Consequences
In Oklahoma, a type of crime called felony murder carries tough consequences. Unfortunately, these consequences are not widely known, and so the results of a felony murder charge may seem very harsh.
What Is Felony Murder?
Prosecutors can charge a person with felony murder when someone else dies while the person is committing one of a list of specific felonies. In Oklahoma, these felonies include:
- Murder or attempted murder of another person
- Forcible rape
- Robbery with a dangerous weapon
- Kidnapping
- First degree burglary
- First degree arson
- Distribution of controlled dangerous substances
- Trafficking in illegal drugs
- Manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled dangerous substance
- Shooting or discharge of a firearm or crossbow with intent to kill
- Intentional discharge of a firearm or other deadly weapon into any dwelling or building
- Escape from law enforcement custody
- Eluding an officer
The person committing the felony does not have to be the person who commits the murder. Even if the death of another person simply results from the felony – such as if someone dies in a fire started by arson – a felony murder charge may stand.
As you can see, someone charged with felony murder does not even have to commit a murder to be convicted. Any serious crime listed above could lead to the death of another person. There is no requirement that the person involved in the felony has any intent to kill.
What Are the Tough Consequences of a Felony Murder Conviction?
In Oklahoma, felony murder is considered first-degree murder, just like intentional homicide. First-degree murder carries stiff penalties. Someone convicted of it may receive a life sentence (usually 45 years with the possibility of parole after serving most of the sentence), a life sentence without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
Have you been charged with a crime in Oklahoma and don’t know where to turn? Seek out the attorney who knows the system. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor now using his trial experience and expert-level knowledge of DUI science to defend drivers, has the experience and the insight to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.