- DivorceAshton A. Handley is a trial lawyer and Partner at The Handley Law Center. He received his Juris Doctorate from Tulsa University’s College of Law in 2008, and has since gone on to serve hundreds of clients throughout the state of Oklahoma. His practice is primarily focused on representing clients in central Oklahoma involved in high asset divorce and family law litigation, as well as defending clients charged with criminal offenses such as DUI and drug trafficking.
- Child SupportChild support payments in Oklahoma are determined by the base income of both parents. Theoretically, family court officials should be able to simply plug in a number and achieve the correct amount. However, this impersonal system does not take into account factors such as...
- Child Custody and VisitationChild custody cases are hard enough, but things become more complicated for parents who are not married. Determining paternity is one way to ensure that a child receives the necessary financial and emotional support he or she needs. It also works to protect a parent’s right to have a continued role in the child’s life.
- Adoption
- PaternityFor unmarried couples with children, neither parent has legal rights unless paternity is judicially determined. We assist couples with DNA paternity testing, the easiest way to determine parentage. We can then work to establish custody and visitation rights, as well as enforce the father’s rights, when necessary.
- GuardianshipOklahoma’s Department of Human Services has several resources available on its website for those interested in adoption. Likewise, the Justice Legal Resources website offers comprehensive legal information taken from state codes and statutes regarding grandparents’ rights. Despite the availability of these online resources, most people still find the assistance of an experienced attorney the best way to navigate the bureaucratic red tape and unforeseen pitfalls of establishing parenting/guardianship rights or adopting a child.
- Legal SeparationAny child custody dispute left up to the court will be decided by what the family law judge believes to be in the best interests of the children. In order to protect your parental rights and continued presence in your children’s lives, you should hire a dedicated family law attorney. At The Handley Law Center, we focus on obtaining fair settlements for couples throughout Canadian County, Oklahoma, and across the state going through a divorce or legal separation. We also represent unwed partners and protect fathers’ rights. Drawing on our 30 years of legal experience, we focus on the big picture by developing a custody and parenting schedule that works for your entire family. At The Handley Law Center, we want to help you resolve your family law issues in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible. We strive to achieve fair resolutions that work to promote the future harmony of your family.
- Criminal DefenseKevin Etherington, a criminal defense attorney out of Guthrie, Oklahoma, lists a few different kinds of probation on this blog, including suspended sentences, deferred adjudications, and supervision. Regardless of the type of probation, violations of the terms outlined therein can result in severe penalties. Etherington outlines potential penalties as follows...
- DUI/DWIOklahoma implemented new DUI laws on November 1st, 2019. If you've been charged for DUI or APC, you'll be notified that your driving privilege will be revoked in 30 days. If you or your loved one has been charged, the first option is the Impaired Driver Accountability Program, also known as IDAP. Under IDAP, you must have an ignition interlock device, also known as IID, installed on any vehicle you drive during the license revocation process. If you've been charged with a first-time DUI or APC, your revocation period will be 180 days. If you've previously been charged with a second or third DUI or APC within ten years, the revocation time will be one to three years. If the IDAP program is completed successfully, the license revocation will not appear on your driving record, and there aren't any reinstatement fees.
- Wrongful DeathThe loss of a spouse, child, sibling, or parent is a big enough heartbreak, especially when it’s due to someone else’s negligence. Our compassionate attorneys at The Handley Law Center won’t tolerate it, and we’re here to help you seek justice and get closure for the wrongful death of your loved one. You don’t have to suffer in silence – our attorneys are ready to hear your story. Don't let devastation stop you from fighting for what's right.
- Traffic Violations
- Sex CrimesMost would say priceless. This is why you need experienced attorneys by your side throughout your legal disputes. The Lawyers at The Handley Law Center have all led successful military careers which makes them all the fitter for the job. You will not find anyone who is more qualified to represent you in court. At The Handley Law Center, we are experts in navigating cases from computer-based offenses to sexual assault.
- Robbery
- Theft
- MisdemeanorsIt should be noted before attempting to expunge your record that not all convictions can be dismissed. Only cases in which the defendant was convicted of a misdemeanor (or a felony that could have been charged as a misdemeanor) and was sentenced to county jail time, probation, a fine or a combination of those three can be expunged. Additionally, the penal codes permitting the expungement of criminal records expressly prohibit certain types of convictions from being dismissed. Most of these exceptions involve serious vehicle-code violations (those that result in two or more points on your driving record) or sexual offenses against minors.
- Drug CrimesBoth federal and state authorities have jurisdiction over controlled substances, and Oklahoma is known for giving out harsh penalties. The state is considered a major drug trafficking route along Interstate 35, which traverses north to south, and along I-40, which travels east to west.
- AssaultAccording to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, there were nearly 11,000 aggravated assault offenses in Oklahoma in 2021. Typically, if you’re accused of a crime that involves a weapons violation, you’ll be facing steeper penalties than you would have had you been unarmed.
- MurderThe penalties you’ll face are also quite broad. For example, if you’re convicted of second-degree rape, you may face one to five years in prison, while a murder conviction could result to life in prison or even the death penalty.
- Probation ViolationFor a simple assault charge, you could face a fine of $500 and up to 30 days in jail, while an assault and battery charge could bring 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Misdemeanors may also result in probation. If this is the case for you, it’s extremely important that you follow all rules regarding this, as probation violations can land you in jail
- Homicide
- Restraining OrderIt’s also illegal to carry or own a firearm if you’re a convicted felon though there are certain opportunities for expungement that would allow you to purchase a gun under these circumstances. Common felonies that would bar you from owning a gun would be aggravated assault, domestic violence, stalking, or violating a restraining order. It’s also unlawful to carry a weapon with the intent of illegally hurting someone (ie. not in self-defense).
- Kidnapping
- Prostitution
- Hit and Run
- Premises LiabilityWhen a person comes onto a property, they expect to not get injured- meaning the property owner must ensure that the environment is safe. This is the foundation of premises liability. If you have been injured on someone's property because of an unsafe environment, you may have a valid claim. Premise liability law is one of our specialties here at The Handley Law Center. If you have been injured on public or private property, please call us today. Everyone Needs A Good Lawyer
- Property DamageBy law, all drivers in Oklahoma are required to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, and this is frequently referred to as 25/50/25 coverage. This covers $25,000 in damages for injuries or death to another person, $50,000 for anyone else who was injured or died as a result of the accident, and $25,000 for property damage. State law does not require you to carry PIP coverage, but you may opt to include this in your policy. In most cases, this coverage will be enough to pay damages for injury or property damage, but in serious crashes or those that result in severe or permanent injury, you may wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
- Personal InjuryIf you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, there's no guarantee that the at-fault party will make good on their contractual or legal obligation. Whether the injury occurred at work, on the road, or elsewhere, our personal injury attorneys are prepared to fight a bad-faith insurance denial or an employer attempting to dodge liability.
- Auto Accidents
- Dog BitesIt's vital that you have an attorney that understands the importance of giving you personalized legal representation. Oklahoma has strict liability laws concerning dog bite injuries but proving dog owner negligence can be tricky. This is why having our team represent you is essential. We are here to make sure that you and your loved ones are compensated for the long-term implications that a dog bite injury can cause. Hiring a lawyer who has years of experience in litigating injuries such as these is crucial. Dog bites are more often than not devastating and can leave behind physical and mental distress on the victim for years to come. Getting the compensation you deserve to pay for the many medical bills that come along with these injuries is important. Victims of dog bites often require plastic surgery and/or skin grafts which can be very costly. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
- Estate PlanningIn the most grievous cases, you may also need to bring forward a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one. While these lawsuits can never make your family whole again, they can offer financial support and a sense of closure. To do this, state law requires that only the deceased’s “personal representative†can file. If the individual doesn't have a will or estate planning document that assigns this role, a judge can assign someone. Like a personal injury lawsuit, you only have two years to bring forth a wrongful death claim.
- Wills
- Power of AttorneyKrystal Baeriswyl joined The Handley Law Center in May 2020 as a paralegal/office manager at the firm. She has 19+ years of experience in the legal field with her knowledge primarily in the areas of Family law, Personal Injury, and Probate; but has significant experience in many areas of civil litigation, as well as preparation of Wills and Powers of Attorney.
- Probate