Civil Law

The blog post discusses the distinctions between special judges and district judges in Oklahoma. Special judges derive their authority from statutes and typically handle civil claims up to $10,000, lower-level misdemeanors, and certain DUI cases, focusing on routine matters to streamline court operations. In contrast, district judges possess broader jurisdiction, capable of presiding over a wider array of civil and criminal cases, including felonies and high-value claims. They also oversee jury trials and may be involved in appointing special judges, managing more complex and significant legal issues within the court system.

Special judges in Oklahoma, established by statute, serve beneath district judges and handle specific types of cases with defined limits. They can preside over civil actions involving claims of $10,000 or less, minor misdemeanors with fines not exceeding $200 or a potential county jail sentence of up to 30 days, and first-time DUI offenses. Their role is crucial in managing court caseloads, enabling district courts to concentrate on more complex legal matters. The jurisdiction of special judges thus plays an essential part in the efficiency of the state’s judicial system.

Forum shopping refers to the practice of filing the same or related legal matters in multiple jurisdictions to find the most favorable court. This may involve choosing a preferable judge, more advantageous laws, or expected better outcomes. However, the legal system generally discourages forum shopping due to concerns about delaying judicial processes, creating inefficiencies, and unfairly burdening the opposing party. Courts may respond to suspected forum shopping by dismissing or consolidating cases that appear to engage in this practice. The issue was highlighted recently in a case involving a client with cases filed in both an Oklahoma district court and Cherokee Nation court.

An interrogatory is a formal written question posed by one party to another during the discovery phase of a legal proceeding, aimed at obtaining information relevant to the case. Interrogatories can address various topics pertinent to the legal matter, such as employment and financial status in a divorce case. These questions are essential for gathering vital information, especially when parties are in conflict, as the responses can affect outcomes related to child support, alimony, asset division, and custody arrangements. They provide attorneys with a clearer understanding of the opposing party’s situation.

In the legal world, a request for admission is a formal tool used during the discovery process, where one party seeks to have the other admit to specific facts relevant to the case. For instance, a request may ask a party to acknowledge that their actions led to significant consequences, such as leaving children unsupervised or financial misconduct. These admissions can clarify issues, highlight inconsistencies in testimonies, and strengthen a party’s position if the other denies reasonable requests. If you are navigating the complexities of a civil or criminal case, Wirth Law Office is here to assist you.

Have you received a notice of default judgment and feel confused about what it entails? Hi, I’m Aaron Grubb, a Tahlequah Criminal Defense Attorney at Wirth Law Office. A default judgment occurs when a party fails to defend themselves in court, allowing the plaintiff to secure a favorable ruling without opposition. While it seems daunting, default judgments can be contested. Courts generally favor fairness, and motions to vacate provide a pathway to challenge these judgments. If you’re navigating this situation, reach out to us at Wirth Law Office for assistance. We’re here to help ensure your voice is heard!

In this informative video, Tahlequah garnishment attorney Aaron Grubb from Wirth Law Office explains the ins and outs of garnishment. A garnishment is a court order that allows creditors to seize money directly from your bank account or paycheck if you fail to meet financial obligations, such as unpaid court orders or judgments. Aaron discusses how this process works, including how banks and employers are directed to withhold funds on behalf of creditors. If you have questions about garnishments or want to explore ways to prevent them, Aaron and his team are ready to assist you. Learn more about your rights today!

**How to Handle an Overly Aggressive Opposing Counsel**

Hi, I’m Aaron Grubb, the Tahlequah attorney for Wirth Law Office, here to share three techniques for staying composed in court when faced with aggressive opposing counsel. First, give them enough rope to hang themselves; their bulldog tactics can make us look like the reasonable party. Recently, a particularly aggressive counsel behaved disruptively and was promptly reprimanded, allowing us to advocate effectively for our client. Second, I advise clients to breathe; staying calm helps maintain their effectiveness on the stand. For legal questions or assistance, visit us at thetahlequahattorney.com. Thank you!

A settlement is a formal agreement that ends an argument or dispute.

Default is the failure to repay a debt, including interest or principal, on a loan or security.

In civil actions, parties use the pre-trial discovery process to gather information in preparation for trial.

Well, a lot of times, especially if it’s for trial, there’s going to end up being a dismissal of whatever the charges are.

A stay is when a court puts things on hold when they pause all proceedings involving either a certain case or a certain type of topic.

Tahlequah attorney, Ryan Cannonie explains some considerations to keep in mind before attending a protest.

To trial or not to trial? That is always the question. Oklahoma attorney, Ryan Cannonie explains some of the benefits of either a trial or settlement.