{"id":375768,"date":"2023-11-25T14:08:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T19:08:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/oklahoma-law\/oklahoma-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-11-25T14:08:32","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T19:08:32","slug":"oklahoma-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/oklahoma-law\/oklahoma-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Oklahoma District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Eric Harvey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Oklahoma has 27 judicial districts. They cover the state’s 77 counties. Each county has its own office of the district attorney. After charges are filed, the defendant will face a bail hearing. The defendant will be arraigned.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In most states, a criminal case begins only after the district attorney files charges<\/a>. In many states, a criminal case may also only begin after a grand jury decides to indict<\/a> a defendant. District attorneys (D.A.s) represent the state where they are elected. They do so by prosecuting cases within their district. A district typically covers one or more counties.<\/p>\r\n

At an arraignment, a defendant is formally informed about the charges against them. The defendant then enters their plea. Sometimes, speaking with the D.A.’s office may make sense, such as when negotiating a plea bargain<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

It’s always best only to speak with the D.A.’s office with the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. After all, the prosecutor will be working hard to get a conviction. The D.A. reserves the right to use anything you say or reveal against you. Below, you’ll learn about the role of the Attorney General, Oklahoma’s district attorneys, and how to contact them.<\/p>\r\n

Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General<\/h2>\r\n

The highest-ranking prosecutor and law enforcement official is the Oklahoma Attorney General<\/a> (A.G.). They represent the state in litigation matters. By contrast, the D.A.s prosecute state crimes within their respective districts. They investigate white collar crimes<\/a>, consumer fraud, and many violent crimes.<\/p>\r\n

The A.G.’s office also provides legal services for the state. These include victim services<\/a>. The A.G.’s office also enforces federal and state civil rights laws. A.G.s and D.A.s handle the administration of the criminal justice system in their respective jurisdictions throughout the state of Oklahoma.<\/p>\r\n

District attorneys also prosecute a variety of crimes, such as the following:<\/p>\r\n