Hamel Law Firm, PLLC

10/27/2021

Hamel Law Firm, PLLC is now on WhatsApp.

Hamel Law Firm, PLLC is now on WhatsApp.

11/28/2018

Government took his Land Rover, now this man wants Supreme Court to get it back

This case is before the Supreme Court now. Civil asset forfeitures have blown into a muli-million dollar a year operation and in plenty of cases, the punishment sure doesn't fit the crime. Especially when no crime has been charged, but the government goes after someone's stuff anyway

"In the 26 states and District of Columbia that report forfeiture activity, law enforcement agencies collected more than $254 million in funds and property in 2012 alone, according to an analysis by the Institute for Justice, a non-profit libertarian public interest law firm."

To some civil rights advocates, Civil asset forfeiture is a “law enforcement Weapon of Mass Destruction.”

03/26/2018

Oklahoma F-Warriors

Lawyers, don’t miss this years Texas Regional. Bring your cases and learn the skills to Discovering The Story with your TLC friends and family. See y’all there!

Please like and share and invite your friends!

02/20/2018

Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

The following is an official statement from OCDLA President Al Hoch regarding the viral criticism of Murray County District Judge Wallace Coppedge, regarding his acceptance of a plea in a r**e case which was committed at Falls Creek church camp. This statement was previously distributed to various news outlets who apparently chose not to run it.

As president of the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA) and on behalf of our approximately 500 members, I believe that it is of the utmost importance that our organization respond to what we believe are the unfair and unwarranted attacks on a member of the judiciary. As you know Judge Coppedge from Murray County has been criticized for accepting an agreed plea in a r**e case which resulted in probation for the defendant with very strict supervision rules, including wearing of an ankle monitor and the requirement to register as a s*x offender for life as well as other conditions.

This was an agreed plea with a recommendation from the prosecutor and approval in court from the attorney for the victim and her family. Members of the judiciary are prohibited by the Code of Judicial Conduct from commenting on any case even after its conclusion and thus from responding to any unfair criticism they may receive.

I believe it is the duty of all attorneys to support a fair and independent judiciary. To allow these recent comments by some individuals as well as other efforts against the judiciary to go unanswered is to be complicit by our inaction. The actions of the judge in this case were appropriate and wholly proper. It is the duty of the district attorney to evaluate their case and determine if they have sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction at trial. It is also a legal, constitutional and ethical obligation of prosecutors to disclose all exculpatory evidence to the defense. Having done this it is then a decision they must make as to the viability of their case for trial.

Often cases change over time and witnesses choose not to testify or may be unavailable for a number of reasons. Additional evidence becomes available and renders a case less appealing to a jury or more difficult to succeed in and then a prosecutor has to make a decision of what is best for the victim of a crime and the furtherance of justice. A review of the transcript in the present case shows that the judge made inquiries of the prosecutor regarding the plea agreement and also had input from a separate attorney representing the interests of the victim and her family. Without any objection from anyone involved in the case the judge followed what is a reasonable and prudent course of action and accepted the plea offered by the district attorney.

I must assume the district attorney in this case made the decision to offer this plea after consultation with the victim, her family and review of the strengths and weaknesses of the case. To criticize the entire process and attempt to have a chilling effect on judges throughout the state cannot be allowed to proceed and it is for that reason that after discussions with the board of directors of the OCDLA that I felt it was imperative to respond to these attacks on the Oklahoma judiciary.

For clarification neither I, nor the board of directors of OCDLA is doing this in agreement with or at the specific request of any judicial officer in this state. This is solely due to our concern that the rights and freedoms of all of the citizens of Oklahoma are at stake if the independence of the judiciary is allowed to become a political pawn and to help ensure that everyone understands the need to maintain three separate and distinct branches of government. It would be a sad day for this state if we allowed the legislature to intimidate the very professional and ethical judges we are privileged to have in Oklahoma.

Although the members of OCDLA may not agree with every decision made by each and every judge in this state, we must support the decisions made in this case as there is no evidence of any wrongdoing by this judge. We support the rights of all to freedom of speech and peaceful discourse but must also stand firm against uninformed and unwarranted attacks on the very fabric of a free society, that being an independent judiciary free from political or partisan pressure.

Albert J. Hoch, Jr.
President, OCDLA

01/24/2018

How an Arizona couple’s innocent bath-time photos of their kids set off a 10-year legal saga

An interesting case we see with some regularity anymore. Confirmation bias is a real thing and very much prevalent, despite good intentions. To me, this article plainly shows the necessity for warrants to be mandatory in these cases; common sense and law should always trump panic!

“The downside of society’s increased awareness that bad things happen to children is an increased tendency to see those bad things everywhere.”

"What you may think are the most beautiful innocent pictures of your children may be seen as something completely different and completely perverted,” Lisa Demaree said.

01/23/2018

Oklahoma F-Warriors

Please join us for Taste of TLC on March 2, 2018 and please Like and Share

RSVP to [email protected]

01/12/2018

Oklahoma F-Warriors

Oklahoma F-warriors, tired of the ice cold weather? Join TLC in February in sunny Jupiter, Florida for a great Opening Statement regional. Seats are nearly sold out. Register today!

If you have any questions contact Jacqui Ford

12/15/2017

Trump Judicial Nominee Can't Answer Basic Questions About The Law

This is not a political plea!

It is my opinion and experience that one of the few places that justice CAN be found in America is in a courtroom. It’s a place where irreconcilable grievances are heard and judged and where everyone gets an opportunity to have a fair shake. This depends largely, however, on rules being followed and a COMPETENT judge to understand statutory and case law!

To put it bluntly, I have more trial experience in the last couple weeks than this gentleman has had in his entire career. While he stated that he understands the undertaking, that’s just a wholly ignorant outlook on what the challenges he faces are. Even if he understood the law, it still doesn’t make him qualified to be a trial judge. Judges are necessary because everyone is always pushing the boundaries zealously on their clients behalf. You have to experience it and understand the nuances of what it is.

The reality is that trial lawyers dedicate their professional life to the art and we deserve a Judge who is at least competent in our craft. It’s citizens seeking justice who ultimately pay the price for inexperience in a courtroom, so I have believe there is surely someone qualified more than what’s being offered here!

Matthew Spencer Petersen admits to "the challenge that would be ahead of me."

11/15/2017

the NALA

the NALA

Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney David C. Hamel, of the Hamel Law Firm, PLLC, marks five years practicing law, and obtains National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40 recognition.

11/15/2017

An LAPD officer accidentally filmed himself putting co***ne in a suspect’s wallet

An LAPD officer accidentally filmed himself putting co***ne in a suspect’s wallet

It’s reportedly the first LAPD body camera video that the media and public have seen.

11/01/2017

Nurse tries to perform exorcism on inmate having seizure at Oklahoma County Jail

“Out of respect for current and former employees...”. What the what...but she...someone is dead...who ya gonna call? I thought we moved past the idea that exorcisms cured commonly understood and diagnosable medical emergencies like...a VERY long time ago! Hard to see how a Federal takeover of the Oklahoma County jail is not inevitable at this point. We are so much better than this, smh!

The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an exorcism investigation at the county jail after a nurse was accused of performing it on an inmate.

10/19/2017

Former Tulsa Police Officer Shannon Kepler convicted of manslaughter

What do you think of this result?

Jurors had sent a message to the judge about 10:50 p.m. asking whether, if they convicted Kepler on a manslaughter charge, they also would need to arrive at a sentencing

09/18/2017

Child Support Fee To Be Withheld From Payments To Oklahomans - News9.com

Something to be aware of

Beginning Oct. 1, many child support recipients will see a new fee withheld from their payments.

08/25/2017

Newly unsealed records reveal more details about Holtzclaw appeal

Any way you slice it, this isn't good. Potential exculpatory evidence previously withheld, sealed filings and evidence, closed meetings without representation or even notification to his lawyers...generally not a good thing for anyone. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it would certainly seem to be heading a particular direction

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals decided to follow its own rules and unseal some of the records related to the appeal of convicted cop Daniel Holtzclaw. Holtzclaw is serving a 263-year prison sentence after being convicted of ra**ng and s*xually ass

08/11/2017

Okmulgee County DA wants judge removed from all pending criminal cases for challenging truthfulness of police testimony

This is outrageous! What does it say about a DA that's going to bat for officers who lied, were overwhelmingly found to be lying by Judge Adair, and which the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals agreed with Judge Adair that they lied? Apparently, DA Barris is working to change the rules of the game as opposed to doing his duty and condemning the actions of these officers. First, the law clearly states that an officers testimony is not to carry any more weight than any other citizen, so Mr. Barris' assertion is null in that officers are not supposed to get any special treatment in the first place. Second, I'm not so sure this wasn't done for purely political reasons so he can back a challenger "yes man". Lastly, I know Judge Adair, he's a fair and honest judge. FAIR, not skewed, not biased, but a judge who takes the constitution seriously and isn't going to allow the poison that is laziness and corruption skew the reputation of the Court. Mr. Barris should heed that example and look inward as opposed to going after Judge Adair!!

Defense attorneys say they are outraged by the move, saying the judge has rightly questioned the truthfulness of police testimony.

08/06/2017

Why Prosecutors Get Away With Bullying Defense Lawyers

Why Prosecutors Get Away With Bullying Defense Lawyers

A prosecutor has enormous power over a criminal defendant’s fate, and a defense attorney is often the only person standing in his or her way. A diligen ...

07/25/2017

21 Best Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Lawyers | Expertise

Made this years list. Wasn't expecting it, but always nice to be recognized!

Find and connect with the best Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Lawyers. Hand curated and freshly updated for 2017.

07/12/2017

Alaska Cops Defend Their 'Right' to S*xual Contact With S*x Workers Before Arresting Them

So it's imperative for Alaska cops to have s*x with victims of human trafficking so that they can later save them? Who comes up with this stuff? Seriously!

Oddly enough, I believe all or nearly all other States have forbidden the practice of having s*x with workers by cops and they seem to be arresting and making cases just fine. Let's just call the practice what it is and quite this hypocrisy!

Yes, this actually happens.

07/03/2017

Police Accidentally Record Themselves Conspiring to Fabricate Criminal Charges Against Protester

Everyone should read this

The ACLU of Connecticut is suing state police for fabricating retaliatory criminal charges against a protester after troopers were recorded discussing how to trump up charges against him. In what seems like an unlikely stroke of cosmic karma, the recording came about after a camera belonging to the…

06/22/2017

Attorneys file constitutional challenge to new DUI law

After months and months of not listening, the Legislature has decided it would rather spend your money fighting unconstitutional laws than to do the job they were elected for!

A coalition of DUI attorneys filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the constitutionality of Oklahoma's new drunken driving law, Senate bill 643.

05/16/2017

Editorial: Oklahoma kills 'American Rule,' no one notices - NonDoc

If lawmakers do not go back and amend this bill, the consequences will be (not could be) dire for any and all citizens as a person's right to take claims to court will be stifled out of fear of what will happen if they lose. Please call your elected officials and demand they amend this bill from the (hopefully unintended) dire consequences it will have.

A legal tenet called the American Rule was eliminated by Oklahoma lawmakers even though most appear not to have understood what they actually did.

03/30/2017

Kopf’s Top Ten Observations About Criminal Defense Lawyers

And who says judges don't pay attention? Great insight from someone who's sole job is observe and step-in when necessary. Thanks for posting it Patrick John McLain!

As I write this on a Sunday morning, I am in the middle of complex criminal jury trial that will likely last four weeks. Of course, I cannot write about the substance of the case or the lawyers. Bu…

03/26/2017

Sen. Franken and Judge Gorsuch on Arbitration

Worth a watch; caveat emptor or unfair?

Sen. Franken and Judge Gorsuch on Arbitration

03/20/2017

LiveScience

Doctors claim that because of better prescribing methods, opioid use is down among teens from 2013 to now. They fail to mention the stark increase in teen use of he**in in that same time frame and the epidemic that we are now facing. The FDA and drug companies need to take some responsibility for what is transpiring across the U.S.

There's a strong correlation between teens' taking opioids for medical reasons and then later abusing them.

03/10/2017

OK House Approves Bill Changing Drug Possession Charges Back To Felonies

This is nothing short of the abrogation of the people's will by those whose career is largely aligned with private prisons and others who make money in the destruction of people's lives. Understand this, what the people voted for was to deal with addiction in a different manner as our state knows nearly better (we have the 2nd highest incarceration rate nationally) than anyone that simply locking people up for possession alone does not help anyone but those who profit from said incarceration. That system has created a scheme in which we spend more on prisons every year than we do for courts, highway patrol, and other vital agencies combined. It has also burdened DOC to the point that many prisons do not even offer programs and classes that WOULD be necessary to prevent recidivism. WE KNEW WHAT WE WERE VOTING FOR! Maybe, just maybe, we should entertain the thought of putting money towards programs that can actually help people (and thus help society) instead of spending $20,000+ per inmate annually where addicts will receive no treatment whatsoever. Oh wait....WE ALREADY DID THAT by voting last fall. This is pathetic, a travesty, and the Oklahoma House of Representatives should be ashamed of itself as it has clearly decided to wage war against the people of this state!

The Oklahoma House passed a bill Thursday that counteracts state questions approved by voters last fall.

02/21/2017

Why Police Officers Lie Under Oath

Just another example how the "War on Drugs" has eroded relations between the people law enforcement serve, its effect in the uniquely American form of justice, and why this decades old policy needs to end. If the ends of justice are not served by official action, then said action cannot be in furtherance of the people supposed to be served. Just food for thought...

Perversely, the criminal justice system gives officers an incentive to perjure themselves.

02/16/2017

Another Democrat plans run for Oklahoma County sheriff

I generally do not endorse politicians as a matter of principle but I'm more than happy to break that rule this time and endorse Deputy Michael Hanson. He's a good man with a clear understanding of what it means to serve the people and I have faith that he'll do everything that can be done to fix the issues at present. Good luck Mike!!

FEB 15, 2017 - A second Democrat has announced plans to run for Oklahoma County sheriff in a special election this year. "There are so many things I've seen ... that just need to be fixed," Mike Hanson said Tuesday. "We can get it fixed." Hanson, 54, of Choctaw, said he has the insider knowledge nec...

02/10/2017

Court Refuses to Reinstate Travel Ban, Dealing Trump Another Legal Loss

Court Refuses to Reinstate Travel Ban, Dealing Trump Another Legal Loss

The ruling, the first from an appeals court on the travel ban, is likely to be quickly appealed to the short-handed United States Supreme Court.

12/15/2016

Adam Ruins Everything

Adam Ruins Everything

SICK BURN. (No, really.)

Watch as ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING you thought you knew about that infamous hot-coffee lawsuit TONIGHT 10/9C on truTV.

11/30/2016

Cherokee Nation suing federal government over Trust Fund

Only the Government has the audacity to deny someone a full accounting of funds held in trust. It takes a special kind of power to have such a blatant disregard for the law; if this was an attorney, a CPA, or any other institution they would have their license taken and probably be behind bars simply for denying the accounting! One can only hope the Feds have kept up its end of the agreement; but a denial of a full accounting over a couple hundred years....?

Two hundred and thirty-one (231) years to the day after the Cherokee Nation entered into the Treaty of Hopewell with the United States government, the Tribe filed suit against the federal governmen…

11/29/2016

Oklahoma City police, union reach deal on body camera program

Oklahoma City police, union reach deal on body camera program

NOV 29, 2016 - The Oklahoma City police department and the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police have reached an agreement to allow officers to wear body cameras.

11/22/2016

Cop Who Planted Drugs On Innocent People Cries At Sentencing and Avoids Jail Completely

It's easy to say that "he should go to jail" or "give him the max", but what isn't easy is to truly understand his story and thank him for shedding light on systematic over-policing and the artificial expectations placed upon police officers that drove him (and many others) to become criminals themselves. This is a controversial issue no doubt and despite his lenient sentence, I still believe that most police officers are good and mean well, but I see that complicated and continually unclear for most until 2 things happen: 1) police should only be asked to uphold the law, not make it, drum it up, and those in charge must take leadership and allow arrest and crime statistics to fall wherever they may (up or down), and; 2) police officers and unions must start cleaning their own houses to build and maintain the integrity of their badge. "You're only as strong as the weakest link in the chain"!

Its 9 strikes and still not out for a crying police officer as the Brooklyn South narcotics detective who was convicted of planting drugs on a woman and her boyfriend was only sentenced to five years’ probation and 300 hours of community service, according to Ben Yakas of The Gothamist. Former cop J...

11/18/2016

Adam Ruins Everything

While satirical in presentation, everything he says is absolutely true. Well done explanation as to why ma*****na became illegal and why it has continued to stay illegal despite scientific evidence to the contrary. It's the oldest story social engineering...power and control

Here's a nice long clip from the Drugs episode of ADAM RUINS EVERYTHING. After you enjoy the whole video, PLEASE don't forget how savage that burn was where the high school girl calls Adam "Drew Carey." And catch a new episode next Tuesday!

11/14/2016

Epidemic Ignored: In Oklahoma, thousands with mental illnesses go to jail, not treatment

It's very much worth the read!

A Broken System Chapter 1 Chapter 2: Nov. 20 Chapter 3: Nov. 27 Chapter 4: Dec. 4 STORY JACLYN COSGROVE DESIGN RICHARD HALL 0 shares Veda Carter thought she could protect her son as long as a jail cell was available. For more than 10 years, she tried to find Corey Carter quality, consistent treatmen...

11/04/2016

Proud to have spent lunch with many of my mentors, including the one and only Gerry Spence. I'm blessed to be associated with so many great Trial Lawyers!