Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington County
Serving Washington County, Oklahoma Since 1947, with 75 Years of Combined Experience
When you’re facing criminal charges in Washington County, OK, the attorneys you call matter. At Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC, Jeffrey A. Hensley and Leah A. Perdue represent people through some of the most serious situations a person can face. Together they bring 75 years of combined legal experience to every case, and the firm has been serving Oklahoma clients since 1947.
If you’ve been arrested or contacted by law enforcement in Washington County, call us now at (918) 380-3444 to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
What Sets Our Criminal Defense Representation Apart
Jeffrey A. Hensley and Leah A. Perdue give each client direct, personal attention from the first conversation through the resolution of the case. They work to understand a case from every angle so no detail is overlooked, and they communicate clearly about what the process involves and what your options are at each stage.
Shoemake Law Firm, PLLC also offers bilingual Spanish-speaking services, making the legal process more accessible for clients who are more comfortable communicating in Spanish. Throughout our representation, we treat every client with dignity and respect in a supportive environment.
Criminal Charges We Defend in Washington County
Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients facing a wide range of charges, including DUI, assault, murder, domestic violence, robbery, and burglary. We also handle restraining order matters as a distinct area of our criminal defense practice.
A conviction in Oklahoma carries consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom. Fines, jail time, and probation are common outcomes, but a permanent criminal record can follow someone for years, limiting employment opportunities and affecting certain civil rights. The stakes are high from the moment charges are filed, and often well before that.
The Criminal Process at Washington County District Court
Washington County District Court sits in Bartlesville, the county seat, within Oklahoma’s 11th Judicial District. It holds general jurisdiction over felony and misdemeanor criminal matters. Municipal ordinance violations and traffic infractions are handled separately by Bartlesville Municipal Court. We serve clients throughout Washington County at every stage of this process.
From Arrest Through Appeal
After an alleged offense, law enforcement arrests the individual and brings them to a local jail or detention center for booking. A judge then determines bail at the initial appearance, and a defense attorney can file motions seeking release or a reduction before that hearing.
At arraignment, charges are formally read and a plea is entered. The case then moves into the discovery phase, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence. This is a critical window: our attorneys examine the record for procedural errors, inconsistencies, and grounds to file motions to suppress evidence or seek dismissal before trial. If the case doesn’t resolve through plea negotiation, it proceeds to trial before a judge or jury. When an outcome is unfavorable, we review the record for grounds to appeal.
Your Rights Before & After an Arrest
Before custodial questioning begins, law enforcement is required to inform you that anything you say can be used against you in court. You have the right to have an attorney present before and during questioning, and you should use it.
Before Charges Are Filed
If law enforcement contacts you before charges are filed, take three steps to protect yourself:
- Decline to speak without an attorney present
- Clarify whether you’re being treated as a witness or a suspect
- Document the details of the encounter
After an Arrest
Once you’re in custody, the actions you take can directly affect your defense. Don’t discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, don’t waive your Miranda rights, and don’t contact witnesses connected to the case. We provide clear guidance on what to do and what to avoid so your rights can stay protected from the start.
Since our doors first opened in 1947 we have been committed to providing a friendly and professional environment for our local clients. Schedule a initial consultation with Shoemake Law Firm to learn more.
Why Choose Shoemake?
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Client Focus
We provide a friendly and professional environment with an acute focus on our clients’ needs and a desire to build long-standing relationships with our clients.
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Extensive Experience
We are committed to quality legal work and bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the law to each case.
Contact Us for a free 15-Minute Consultation
