Washington County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Justice Shouldn’t Depend on Your Wallet or Pocket Book

The Constitution was written to make the law accessible to everyone, not just those with wealth or resources. But too often, people are wrongfully accused and arrested before the police hear both sides of the story. The process can be biased, based on what officers believe rather than what actually happened. Unless you stand up and face it head-on, the system can pull you under.

Being Accused of a Crime Is Scary, Especially When You’re Innocent

When you know the charges against you have no merit, the fear and stress can feel overwhelming. Your freedom, your future, and your reputation are all at risk. The attorney you choose will shape what comes next in your life. That’s a heavy weight to carry alone.

At The Edge Law Firm, our mission is to protect you, relieve the anxiety surrounding your criminal charges so you can sleep at night, and fight for the best possible result. Our goal is to help restore your life, your freedom, and your dignity without leaving you with a criminal conviction or record.

You Are Just as Powerful as the Other Side

You are just as powerful as the side that wants to punish you. In Oklahoma, every citizen is protected by the Constitution and presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. But the system only works if you use it to tell your story clearly and without bias.

The Edge Law Firm is here to do exactly that. We take time to listen, gather the facts the police ignored, and build a defense backed by real evidence. Our legal team works every day to help people like you clear their name, rebuild their reputation, and walk away with their future intact.

A Note of Caution in Washington County

Washington County doesn’t operate like the big-city courts most people are familiar with. The pace, the process, and the expectations here are different, and if you’re not prepared from the beginning, it can catch you off guard.

Unlike in larger cities, success in this courthouse often comes down to local insight. You need a defense team that understands the tendencies and propensities of the judges and prosecutors involved. Knowing your audience from the start creates a strategic advantage, because how you enter a case can influence everything that follows.

Geographies and Practice Areas

The Edge Law Firm defends individuals charged with criminal offenses in all cities and towns within Washington County, including Bartlesville, Dewey, Copan, Ochelata, Ramona, Vera, Talala (partial), Hogshooter, Turley Hill, Cloverleaf, and Clyde.

The Edge Law Firm Defends Citizens Accused of the Following Crimes:

Crimes Against Persons
• Murder (1st and 2nd degree)
• Manslaughter
• Assault and Battery
• Domestic Assault and Battery
• Aggravated Assault and Battery
• Kidnapping
• Stalking
• Harassment

Crimes Against Property
• Theft (Larceny)
• Burglary (1st and 2nd degree)
• Robbery (with or without weapon)
• Embezzlement
• Arson
• Vandalism
• Trespass
• Motor Vehicle Theft

Drug Crimes
• Possession of Controlled Substance
• Possession with Intent to Distribute
• Drug Trafficking
• Drug Manufacturing
• Maintaining a Place for Drug Activity

Weapons Offenses
• Possession of Firearm by Felon
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Pointing a Firearm
• Using a Firearm in a Crime of Violence

White Collar and Fraud
• Identity Theft
• Credit Card Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Forgery
• Check Fraud
• Tax Evasion
• Money Laundering

Juvenile Offenses
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol
• Underage DUI
• Curfew Violation
• Fighting or Assault at School
• Vandalism
• Gang-related Activity

Traffic and Driving Offenses
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• DWI (Driving While Impaired)
• Driving Without a License
• Vehicular Homicide
• Reckless Driving
• Eluding a Police Officer

Public Order Offenses
• Disorderly Conduct
• Public Intoxication
• Obstruction of Justice
• Resisting Arrest
• Perjury
• Bribery

Crimes Against the State
• Treason
• Terrorism
• Riot

What Happens After an Arrest in Washington County, Oklahoma

If you’re arrested in Washington County—whether in Bartlesville, Dewey, Ramona, Copan, Ochelata, or Vera—your case will usually go to the Washington County District Court in Bartlesville. That’s where most felony and serious misdemeanor cases are handled.

Arrest and Booking

After an arrest, local police or the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will take you to the Washington County Jail in Bartlesville. There, you’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and the charges will be officially recorded.

Getting Out of Jail (Bond Process)

Once you’re booked, a bond amount is either automatically set or decided by a judge. This is the amount of money needed to be released from jail while your case is pending. There are a few ways to post bond:

  • Cash bond – Pay the full amount to the court.
  • Surety bond – Use a bail bondsman and pay about 10% of the bond.
  • Personal recognizance (PR) bond – You don’t pay anything upfront but promise to return to court. These are usually given for low-level or non-violent charges.

Bond Hearings

If bond isn’t set right away, or if you can’t afford it, your attorney can request a bond hearing. These are held at the courthouse in Bartlesville.

During the hearing, your lawyer can ask the judge to:

  • Lower the bond
  • Release you on a PR bond
  • Change the conditions (like using an ankle monitor instead of staying in jail)

The judge will consider:

  • Whether you’re likely to return to court
  • Your past criminal record
  • Whether you’re a danger to the public
  • Your ties to the community (like family, job, or school)

The Court Process After You’re Out

  1. Initial Appearance / Arraignment – This happens shortly after your arrest. The charges are read, and the judge confirms or adjusts your bond. A future court date is scheduled.
  2. Preliminary Hearing – For felony cases, the judge reviews the evidence to decide if the case should move forward.
  3. Formal Arraignment – If the case moves ahead, you officially enter a plea. At The Edge Law Firm, the plea is not guilty so they can begin building your defense.
  4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions – Both sides share evidence. Your attorney may file motions to have evidence thrown out or charges dismissed.
  5. Trial or Plea Deal – Your case ends either with a trial in front of a judge or jury, or with a negotiated agreement that avoids trial. Either way, it all happens in the Washington County Courthouse in Bartlesville.

Municipal Court vs. District Court

  • Municipal Court: Handles small things like speeding tickets or city code violations. These cases are usually heard in local town courts like Bartlesville or Dewey.
  • District Court: Handles all felony and most misdemeanor cases. If you’re facing serious charges, your case will go to Washington County District Court no matter where you were arrested in the county.

Preparing to Win Your Criminal Case

At The Edge Law Firm, winning a criminal case is never about luck. It’s about preparation.
We approach every case with the mindset that the outcome depends on strategy, timing, and how effectively your story is told. The side that prepares the most is the side that wins.

Our legal team doesn’t just rely on a deep knowledge of the law. We bring insight into human behavior, courtroom dynamics, and what truly influences judges and juries. We take the time to understand your situation, uncover critical details, and build a defense that reflects the full truth—not just the version found in the charges.

We listen with intention. We prepare with purpose. We fight with precision. That’s how real results happen.

Your Free and Confidential Case Evaluation

If you’re facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, your first step is understanding your position. The Edge Law Firm offers free, no-obligation case evaluations that are completely confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

These evaluations typically last an hour or longer. We’ll ask focused questions, listen carefully to your side of the story, and help you understand your legal options. From there, we outline a customized defense strategy and provide a quote for our services.

There’s no pressure. Just an honest conversation to help you decide if we’re the right team to defend your rights and protect your future.

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