Oklahoma Watch (https://oklahomawatch.org/tag/criminal-justice/)
Strangulation of women is a persistent and increasingly reported form of violence in Oklahoma, with hundreds of cases reported annually. It is not always fatal, but it is terrifying, can cause long-term injuries and is known to be a precursor to homicide.
The state Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday approved the first group of inmates for a new, streamlined parole. The process, called administrative parole, could be a first measure of how much a board composed mostly of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s appointees will embrace changes intended to relieve Oklahoma’s overcrowded prisons.
Oklahoma district attorneys have more than $56 million in uncollected fees on their books and are being advised they should hire collection agencies to go after offenders to recover more of the debt. But aggressive collections could collide with criminal justice reform efforts.
With no announcement, law enforcement agencies in Oklahoma are beginning to collect DNA from individuals arrested on felony charges – the first step in implementing a controversial state law passed two years ago.
Watch a vigorous debate over State Question 794, which would amend the Oklahoma Constitution to extend and reinforce the rights of crime victims. The Oklahoma Watch-Out forum featured District Attorney Brian Hermanson and Appellate Defense Attorney Katrina Conrad-Legler.
In this short video, find out what State Question 794 proposes on crime victims’ rights, including some pros and cons. This “Marsy’s Law” measure, which would amend the Oklahoma Constitution, will be on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Oklahoma Watch, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma, will host a public forum Thursday, Sept. 27, in Oklahoma City about State Question 794, which would amend the state constitution to reinforce and extend the rights of crime victims.
With overcrowded and deteriorating prisons and shortages of corrections officers, Oklahoma’s prison system might appear to be primed for a federal takeover. But what are the prospects it will happen?