OK Courts

Steel v. State - Criminal Appeals Opinion

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a judgment and sentence for John Anthony Steel, who was convicted of a lewd or indecent proposal to a child under 16. The court found sufficient evidence to support the conviction, upholding the maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Revises Rule 1.7

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has revised Rule 1.7 to update the correct and current address for the Clerk of the Court. This amendment, effective March 9, 2026, ensures communications are directed to the appropriate physical and mailing addresses.

Oklahoma Supreme Court Grants Writ of Prohibition in Chick-fil-A Case

The Oklahoma Supreme Court granted a writ of prohibition in the case of Chick-fil-A, Inc. v. The Honorable Richard Ogden. The court found that the trial court abused its discretion in a discovery order related to a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a fatal accident in a Chick-fil-A drive-through lane.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule Revision

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has revised Rule 1.7 to update the correct and current mailing address for the Clerk of the Court. These amendments are effective immediately upon the date of the order.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Adopts 2026 Jury Instructions

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has adopted the 2026 revisions to the Oklahoma Uniform Jury Instructions-Criminal (Second Edition). These updated instructions, submitted by the Committee for Preparation of Uniform Criminal Jury Instructions, are effective immediately and will be provided to District Courts for implementation.

Terry v. Gentner Drummond & Vicki Behenna - Certified Questions of Law

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued an opinion answering certified questions of law from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Terry v. Gentner Drummond & Vicki Behenna. The court addressed questions regarding the mens rea required for threats prosecutions and the scope of statutes prohibiting threats and riots.

Gray Media v. Comanche County Facilities Authority - Open Records Act Appeal

The Supreme Court of Oklahoma is reviewing an appeal concerning whether a detention center managed by a public trust qualifies as a "law enforcement agency" under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. The case involves a media group's request for video footage.

Jacobs v. State - First-Degree Manslaughter Conviction Upheld

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals upheld the first-degree manslaughter conviction of James Wesley Jacobs, Jr. The court found no abuse of discretion in the jury instructions and affirmed the sentence of forty years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Adds Rule for Generative AI

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has adopted a new rule governing the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting documents for court filings. The rule requires parties or counsel to verify the accuracy of any AI-generated content before filing.

Battee v. State - Conjoint Robbery Conviction Appeal

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed a conjoint robbery conviction for Trymel Keith Battee. The appeal raised issues regarding the trial judge's potential conflict of interest due to seeking employment with the OSBI and the reliability of an in-court identification.