Oklahoma § 21-701.9 - Punishment for murder
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 21-701.9 — Punishment for murder, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-701.9. Punishment for murder
A. A person who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo
contendere to murder in the first degree shall be guilty of a Class
Y felony offense and shall be punished by death, by imprisonment for
life without parole, or by imprisonment for life. A person who is
convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to murder in the
first degree, as described in subsection E of Section 701.7 of this
title, shall be guilty of a Class Y felony offense and shall be
punished by death or by life without parole and absent an
overwhelming amount of mitigating evidence shall not be entitled to
or afforded the benefit of receiving imprisonment for life or
deferment of the sentence.
B. A person who is convicted of or pleads guilty or nolo
contendere to murder in the second degree shall be guilty of a Class
A1 felony offense punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the
Department of Corrections for not less than ten (10) years nor more
than life.
Added by Laws 1976, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 1, § 3, eff. July 24, 1976.
Amended by Laws 1987, c. 96, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1997, c.
133, § 233, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 1999, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 5, §
137, eff. July 1, 1999; Laws 2004, c. 520, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2004;
Laws 2017, c. 169, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2017; Laws 2025, c. 486, § 6,
eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
NOTE: Laws 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., c. 2, § 23 amended the effective
date of Laws 1997, c. 133, § 233 from July 1, 1998, to July 1, 1999.
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 21. Crimes and Punishments
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 21-701.9
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 21-701.9 cover?
Section 21-701.9 ("Punishment for murder") is part of the Oklahoma Statutes, the codified statutory law of Oklahoma. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Oklahoma § 21-701.9?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 21-701.9" (Oklahoma). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Oklahoma law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Oklahoma official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney.
How does Oklahoma § 21-701.9 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Oklahoma can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Oklahoma.