Best Criminal Lawyer in Oklahoma
ADAM R. BANNER
Criminal Lawyer
Time and again, Mr. Banner has proven himself a formidable opponent to those who would challenge his client’s constitutional rights. In recognition of his results in criminal litigation, he has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Oklahoma. He is “Lead Counsel” rated, and Avvo has named him as one of the small percentage of “Superb” rated criminal defense attorneys in Oklahoma.Moreover, he has been selected to the prestigious “Super Lawyers” list in Oklahoma criminal defense. Aside from his various accolades, Mr. Banner also prides himself on contributing to other’s understanding of the law. He has taught continuing legal education classes for fellow attorneys on topics such as the use of technology in the law, sex crimes, violent crimes, and drug crimes in Oklahoma. Additionally, he serves as an adjunct law professor at Oklahoma City University School of Law.
Experience
Mr. Banner has a proven track record as an Oklahoma criminal defense attorney who will represent his clients to the fullest extent possible. Whether through the suppression of illegally obtained evidence, a not guilty verdict at jury trial, a reversal of a conviction on appeal, or a modification of a sentence, Adam has shown time and again that he is a tenacious advocate who will get his clients the best result possible.
However, many attorneys can and will say they are at the top of their field. As a criminal defendant, you must make sure any attorney you hire has the results to back up his or her claims. Mr. Banner has won appeals in front of the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Moreover, he has received dismissals and jury acquittals in various misdemeanor and felony cases.
Law School
Adam began his legal career at the Oklahoma City University School of Law as a merit scholar, where he earned his Juris Doctorate Magna Cum Laude, and graduated number ten overall in his class. While at OCU Law, Adam established himself as one of the school’s top scholars, earning various awards and distinctions including: Faculty Honor Roll, Dean’s List, Staff Member for the Oklahoma City University Law Review, numerous Cali awards for earning top honors in his courses (including Criminal Law and Appellate Research and Writing), and awards from many of the university’s section groups.
Internships
During law school, Adam interned at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office for three years, where he first began to hone his courtroom abilities. At the Public Defender’s Office, Adam represented hundreds of individuals in the misdemeanor, felony, and capital punishment divisions. He has carried that experience with him into the private sector, and he is ready and willing to fight your fight for you
CLAY CURTIS
Criminal Lawyer
Clayburn T. Curtis was born and raised in Oklahoma City. Clay attended Bishop McGuiness High School and went on to Oklahoma State University, where he received his Bachelor’s in Science in Economics while minoring in Philosophy and Sociology. After College, Clay attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law where he graduated from in 2011. While in Law School Clay received an academic achievement award in Criminal Procedure and was on the honor roll several times. He was an active participant in the College of Law’s Criminal Defense Clinic and represented numerous individuals’ pro bono while still in school. Clay was also involved with moot court while at OU Law and enjoyed participating in virtually all intramurals offered at the college. While in school, Clay worked for Wiggins Sewell and Ogletree, a practice focused largely on medical malpractice defense.
After School, Clay briefly did Title work before joining the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office. Clay considered the Public Defender’s Office his home for over six years. While there, Clay was a part of the Oklahoma County Drug Court Program and was heavily involved with Diversion programs in Oklahoma County, such as Remerge and Female Diversion. Clay became very familiar with a courtroom and has tried over 25 cases to a jury. He has numerous not guilty verdicts varying from minor felonies to Murder in the First Degree. Clay also attended and is a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College in Dubois, Wyoming. He has logged hundreds of hours in CLE credits focusing on criminal defense law and trial advocacy. Clay has also been involved with cases where the State is seeking the Death Penalty and has attended numerous seminars focused on Capital Punishment Defense as well as Mitigation. Additionally, Clay graduated from the first ever criminal defense course offered to lawyers focusing on crime scene investigation techniques by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
After his time in the Public Defender’s Office, Clay worked with the Buxton Law Group focusing primarily on personal injury and wrongful death as well as civil rights claims. Clay went on to form his own law firm, Clay Curtis Law PLLC, focusing primarily on criminal defense law. Clay remained at his own firm until founding both Overman Legal Group and Climb-Collective.
Clay is a fierce advocate for his clients in a courtroom and brings both a dedication to trial advocacy, a passionate belief in justice, and the presumption of innocence. He is committed to representing his clients in such a way that he commonly thinks of them as nothing other than friends. Clay has resolved over 2500 criminal cases in his career. In 2019, his peers awarded him the Clarence Darrow Award for outstanding trial advocacy, recognizing Clay as the Criminal Defense Lawyer of the year in the State of Oklahoma.
DUSTIN S. PHILLIPS
Criminal Lawyer
Dustin Phillips has quickly established himself as a top Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer through his expertise, skill, and commitment to providing positive results for his clients.
Undergraduate Education
Mr. Phillips completed his undergraduate degree at Georgia State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law. Demonstrating an early commitment to excellence, he earned a 4.0 grade point average while simultaneously garnering athletic distinction as a three-time All Conference baseball player and the University’s “Most Outstanding Hitter.” He was selected to the President’s List and to the National Dean’s List for his academic performance.
Law School & Early Work
Upon graduation, Dustin Phillips attended the Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. After obtaining his law degree, he began working for the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office
Family responsibilities led Mr. Phillips to open his own practice, working first as a solo practitioner and then opening his own firm. That firm has grown to become Phillips & Associates, a leading Oklahoma City law firm with a reputation for professionalism and success.
Criminal Defense Experience
His time as a prosecutor has provided him with unique insight into the tools and strategies used to convict criminal defendants, and through this insight, he is able to craft innovative and effective criminal defense strategies that often end in dismissal or acquittal for his clients. He has built a proven record of success as a negotiator and trial lawyer, and he is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers as earning a place among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Dustin Phillips has had countless dismissals for his clients accused of state and federal crimes in Oklahoma, and his record at trial is equally impressive. Jury trial acquittals include assault cases, sex crimes cases, and various white collar crimes:
- Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (multiple acquittals)
- Sexual Battery
- Soliciting Sexual Conduct or Communications with a Minor by use of Technology
- Indecent or Lewd Acts with a Minor (multiple acquittals)
- Indecent or Lewd Proposals to a Minor (multiple acquittals)
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Conspiracy to Defraud the State
- Drug Trafficking
- Child Abuse
He is admitted to practice in all city, state, and federal courts in Oklahoma, including the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Western, and Northern Districts of Oklahoma.
Professional memberships include:
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Oklahoma County Bar Association
- Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Oklahoma Association for Justice
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Clients praise attorney Dustin Phillips for his personal attention, professional demeanor, his superior legal knowledge, his courtroom finesse, and most importantly, his ability to secure favorable results for defendants in Oklahoma municipal, state, and federal courts.
JOHN P. CANNON
Criminal Lawyer
He is dedicated to helping you and your family through the difficult situation you are facing. He will Fight for Your Rights, while always keeping you informed. It is important to have competent and caring counsel by your side throughout your case.John’s experience and reputation will be an asset for you during this difficult time. With the CANNON & ASSOCIATES, you will never have to make a decision without all the available information and you will always understand the process at hand and ahead. Our firm hopes to help you and wishes you and yours the best.Attorney John P. Cannon graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in English Literature. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he did a clerkship in Washington, D.C. for the United States Senate. He attended Oklahoma City University College of Law where he clerked for the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals.
He began his litigation career by competing in the National Trial Competition. Additionally, he was captain of the American Association of Justice Trial team. Further, he participated in international law and trial advocacy program in Germany. After receiving his Juris Doctor (law degree), John was an Assistant District Attorney in Canadian and Garfield County, where he tried multiple cases.
John gained further criminal law experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Oklahoma County, handling a felony docket, including representing clients through every aspect of the criminal justice system, including jury trial and appeals before the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Next, John expanded his experience by becoming an Assistant Attorney General, representing the State of Oklahoma in state and federal court, including arguing before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. He left the Office of the Attorney General to open his defense firm, CANNON & ASSOCIATES, PLLC.
John’s practice extends to his military service. He is a Judge Advocate in the Oklahoma National Guard. He has defended Soldiers in all aspects of the military justice system in a reserve and active duty status. He has tried a Court-Martial at Fort Bragg and represented Soldiers during active duty service in Washington, D.C. He continues to serve as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the National Guard. He has advised and represented countless Soldiers in estate planning and family law, including: divorce, adoption, and child custody.
Ken Gallon
Criminal Lawyer
Ken first began practicing law in 2000 and worked for the State of Oklahoma for three years before moving to tax accountancy. In 2006, Ken opened his own practice. Today, Ken is a partner at Bennett & Gallon, PLLC and specializes in criminal defense, sexual misconduct charges, violent crimes, drug crimes and bankruptcy law.
Ken’s path to becoming a criminal defense lawyer was not straightforward. He began his education at the age of 30, soon after relocating to Eastern Oklahoma. He is now a highly experienced DUI lawyer and criminal defense lawyer with a reputation for always going the extra step for his clients
en was raised on a farm in rural Northwestern Oklahoma and lived there for 30 years. His farming experience gives him a unique perspective and helps him to relate to many of his clients, As a young man, Ken spent three years working in the pipeline industry, traveling to a new location every three months. He also worked in an oil field for 10 years. This experience in blue-collar work has imbued him with a strong work ethic and compassion for his clients. Ken realizes that legal representation can be expensive. As an attorney with integrity, Ken Gallon will not take your money unless he believes he can obtain the best outcome for you. Ken will be upfront and honest with you about your case, and what you can expect.
Experience Matters
A law firm is only as good as its office, where the day-to-day operations are handled and the business is kept running smoothly. Bennett & Gallon, PLLC boast efficient offices in Miami, OK and Joplin, MO that help organize cases and gather client data to ensure you get the best service and experience possible.With over 2 decades of combined experience, Bennett & Gallon, PLLC have been offering comprehensive legal services for a wide variety of circumstances. Whether your concerns are due to traffic violations, drug charges, DUI or DWI, misdemeanor or felony charges, sexual misconduct allegations, violent crimes, theft, white collar crimes, bankruptcy or other issues, we are equipped to provide you with the foremost legal aid available in Miami, OK and Joplin, MO. Our firm never stops striving to get the best possible results for our valued clients in every case we handle.
Sammy Duncan
Criminal Lawyer
Sammy Duncan’s practice focuses on all things criminal law. Sammy most enjoys being in trial, presenting her case in front of a jury. She takes great joy in meeting new clients and getting to know their stories. Sammy worked for over two years at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office, handling every type of case, including trials for Murder in the First Degree, Drug Trafficking, Armed Robbery, and Human Trafficking.
She knows that every case is different and treats each client with the individual attention they deserve. Sammy received her law degree from the University of Oklahoma School of Law and Bachelor of Arts from Texas Christian University. She is a member of the Oklahoma Bar, the Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Association, and Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association.
J.D., University of Oklahoma School of Law
B.A., Texas Christian University
English Literature
Spanish Language
State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma County Bar Association
Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Association
Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association
Western District of Oklahoma Federal Bar
Eastern District of Oklahoma Federal Bar
Federal Bar Association
Frank A. Urbanic
Criminal Lawyer
I became a criminal defense attorney because I’m intimately familiar with how precious our constitutional rights are. After my arrest years ago, I realized how close I was to being in a situation that could have negatively impacted my life forever. That situation made me realize how important it is to have someone on your side who feels strongly about protecting those rights.
In the Air Force, I put my life on the line to support and defend the Constitution during war. Today, I support and defend the Constitution in the courtroom. My legal career began by representing indigent clients. I saw first-hand how important it is for everyone to have legal representation. This is why I make every effort to make my services available to as many people as possible.
What Makes My Firm Particularly Suited To Helping You With Defending Your Rights?
- Extensive Experience In Handling Criminal Defense cases
- Rated 9.1 out of 10 on AVVO–Excellent
- Employing Cutting-Edge Technology To The Benefit Of Our Clients
- Providing High-Quality Criminal Defense At A Reasonable Price
My Firm Has Handled Cases In The Following Areas:
- Criminal Defense
- DUI Defense
- Domestic Assault & Battery Defense
- Theft Crimes Defense
- Drug Possession, Distribution, and Trafficking Defense
What Makes Us Different?
The Urbanic Law Firm is different from many other criminal defense law offices because we employ cutting-edge technology to serve our clients. While many offices are still dealing with paper folders, we are digital. No missing documents. No messy folders. Using cloud-based technology, we can work on your case from anywhere on the planet. The technology I use also allows me to practice law anywhere. Whether I’m in a Starbucks or at 30,000 ft, I’m still able to work on my clients’ cases.
Through my extensive business training at OU and elsewhere, I’ve learned proven business techniques to operate leaner and more efficiently. The firm uses these business techniques to produce high-quality products and services in a fraction of the time. Less waste means more value to my clients.
Professional Associations And Memberships
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
- Order of the Coif
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Oklahoma County Bar Association
- Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Oklahoma Bar Association
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
- Civil Air Patrol
Bar Admissions
- Oklahoma State Bar
Matt Swain
Criminal Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney Matt Swain grew up with a passion for the law and a commitment to justice. As an attorney, his commitment to helping people through the most difficult times they may ever face is evident in the personal, one-on-one attention he provides to each client. He is involved in each and every case, from the initial intake to the strategy sessions, to the final client meetings. Mr. Swain works to ensure his clients understand all their options and how their case is progressing. He always returns phone calls and emails promptly because he understands the stress and anxiety that comes with being either a plaintiff in a civil case or a defendant in a criminal case.
Matt Swain received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. During his time at the University of Oklahoma, Mr. Swain spent a year interning at the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office, spending time in both the White Collar Division and on one of the General Felony teams. This experience allowed him to handle plea negotiations, preliminary hearings, and trials, under the tutelage of experienced prosecutors…many of whom are still prosecutors in Oklahoma County or are currently Oklahoma County Judges.
Education
- University of Oklahoma College of Law, Norman, Oklahoma
- J.D. – 2009
- Honors: Kelly Beardslee Award for Outstanding Criminal Defense Student, 2009
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- B.A. – 2006
Bar Admission
- Oklahoma, 2009
- U.S. District Court Western District of Oklahoma, 2015
Honors
- OU Legal Clinic Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, 2009
Pro-Bono Activities
- Criminal Defense Clinic, OU College of Law
Languages
- English
Professional Associations
- Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc (OCDLA), 2009 to Present
- Cleveland County Bar Association, 2009 to Present
Current Employment Position
- Founder
Sooner State Justice: Why You Need a Top-Tier Criminal Lawyer in Oklahoma
Facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, the “Sooner State,” can feel like a sudden dust storm – disorienting and potentially dangerous. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be complex and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in Oklahoma is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Unmatched Expertise in Oklahoma’s Legal Landscape:
Oklahoma has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Oklahoma possesses in-depth understanding of these nuances, allowing them to:
- Decode Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Oklahoma Statutes (O.S.) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Stay Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Oklahoma criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
2. Building a Strong Defense Through Strategic Planning:
A top criminal lawyer in Oklahoma doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.
3. Championing Your Rights Under Oklahoma Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Oklahoma are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you. (OK.gov)
4. Negotiating from a Position of Strength:
Skilled negotiation can lead to favorable outcomes:
- Expert Negotiation Skills: A competent criminal attorney possesses excellent negotiation skills and can engage in plea bargaining with the prosecution. They will advocate on your behalf, aiming to reduce charges or penalties, and explore alternatives such as diversion programs or probation. This negotiation skill can help minimize the potential consequences of your case.
5. Access to a Network of Resources:
A top criminal lawyer can leverage valuable connections:
- Strength in Numbers: Top criminal lawyers often have a network of professionals and resources at their disposal. They can collaborate with expert witnesses, investigators, or other specialists who can provide valuable insights and evidence to support your defense. Access to these resources can significantly strengthen your case.
6. Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in Oklahoma not only provide legal guidance but also offer emotional support and reassurance throughout the process. They can help alleviate your anxiety and provide perspective during challenging times.
7. Courtroom Advocacy: Powerful Representation When Needed:
If your case goes to trial, having a seasoned lawyer by your side is crucial:
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Oklahoma have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.