District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna

Judicial Process

The Oklahoma court system is made up of the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Court of Civil Appeals, 77 district courts and courts of limited jurisdiction. Courts of limited jurisdiction are limited to very specific cases, like municipal courts (where you go for city citations and traffic tickets).

District courts – also called courts of general jurisdiction – hear the majority of cases, both civil (like divorces and lawsuits) and criminal. If a criminal case is appealed and the appeal is heard, it goes to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

The 7th Judicial District encompasses all of Oklahoma County. Below is a graphic depiction of the judicial process in Oklahoma County.

Types of Pleas

Nolo Contendere
The defendant does not accept or deny responsibility for the charges but waives the right to a trail and agrees to accept the penalty.

Blind Plea
The defendant pleads guilty to the Judge, without accepting the sentencing requirements offered by the DA's office, and the judge sentences the defendant based on what they believe is best.

Alford Plea
The defendant enters a plea to the DA's recommendation as if guilty, but the defendant maintains their innocence.

Guilty
The defendant pleads guilty to the charges and accepts the DA's sentencing recommendation.

What the DA's Office Does

Screens cases referred from law enforcement and decides whether to file felony cases with the courts.
Screens defendants for diversion or other alternatives to prosecution.
Investigates cases for additional evidence or victim participation.
Prepares and litigates cases at pre-trial motions, hearings, and trials.
Evaluates charges, and amends as appropriate.
Extends plea offers as warranted.

What the DA's Office Doesn't Do

Arrest individuals.
Set bond. The amount and conditions of bond are set by the Judge.
Impose sentences. The Judge imposes a sentence following a conviction.