New Oklahoma Law May Shorten Sentences for Abused Victims: Victims of domestic violence who can show that their abuse was a mitigating factor in their current offense may be eligible for reduced sentences, according to a bill that Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law.
Judges are now obligated under Senate Bill 1835 to evaluate whether a defendant’s history of domestic violence mitigated the severity of their offense. If this is the case, the offender may be eligible for a sentencing reduction below the standard required limits. Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse are mitigating circumstances that courts must take into account. Sexual partners, relatives, housemates, human traffickers, and anyone who use victims for financial benefit are all potential perpetrators of domestic violence.
The first Oklahoma Survivors’ Act (Senate Bill 1470) was vetoed by Stitt because, in his opinion, it was too vague and would lead to undesirable outcomes. For example, the defendant may have insisted that their history of domestic violence was a contributing reason to their drinking problems, intoxication while driving, and subsequent murder.\
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Although the Senate succeeded in removing the veto, the House chose not to consider a veto override. Legislators rewrote the law to make it clear that the defendant’s history of domestic abuse must have been a “substantial contributing factor” to their decision to conduct the offense.
Crimes punishable by the death penalty, those involving the abuse of children or vulnerable adults, or those requiring sex offender registration would be exempt from the new law.
Those who fight for the rights of victims of domestic violence see the new law as a triumph.
According to oklahomavoice, Jan Perry, president and CEO of YWCA Oklahoma City, stated that for a long time, Oklahoma has punished victims of domestic violence for defending themselves by blaming them for violent crimes. “The Survivors’ Act of Oklahoma puts an end to those injustices.
Nearly half of women and nearly half of men in the state have been victims of domestic abuse, putting it at the top of the national rankings. The state has the third-highest rate of male homicides against females.
The new law is “a tremendous victory for domestic abuse survivors and their families,” according to Alexandra Bailey of The Sentencing Project.
The bill’s signature by Gov. Stitt shows his concern for survivors of domestic violence and his commitment to making Oklahoma a better place for everyone, according to Bailey.
The sponsor of the measure, Greg Treat of Oklahoma City, a Republican, spoke on behalf of his colleagues, who see it as a “crucial piece of legislation to assist those who are suffering from abuse.” Inn this post, we have given information about “New Oklahoma Law May Shorten Sentences for Abused Victims”.
Natalie Clydesdale is a journalist at oklahomansdecide.org, where she covers crucial local and state news with a focus on accuracy and depth. Her extensive experience in investigative reporting ensures readers receive clear and reliable information. Follow her latest updates on Instagram.
