Oklahoma § 22-720 - Detainment of person as material witness
Full text of Oklahoma Oklahoma Statutes § 22-720 — Detainment of person as material witness, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-720. Detainment of person as material witness
A. If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe
that a person is a necessary and material witness to a felony and
that there is probable cause to believe that the person would be
unwilling to accept service of a subpoena or may otherwise refuse to
appear in any criminal proceeding, the officer may detain the person
as a material witness with or without an arrest warrant; provided,
no person may be detained as a material witness to a crime for more
than forty-eight (48) hours without being taken before a judge as
required by Section 719 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma Statutes; and
provided further, no person may be detained as a material witness to
a crime who is a victim of such crime.
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 22. Criminal Procedure
B. At the time of the detainment, the law enforcement officer
shall inform the person:
1. Of the identity of the officer as a law enforcement officer;
and
2. That the person is being detained because the officer has
probable cause to believe the person:
a.
is a material witness to an identified felony, and
b.
would be unwilling to accept service of a subpoena or
may otherwise refuse to appear in any criminal
proceeding.
C. If a material witness is taken into custody pursuant to this
section, the provisions of Section 719 of Title 22 of the Oklahoma
Statutes shall apply.
Added by Laws 2004, c. 275, § 10, eff. July 1, 2004.
Source: official Oklahoma text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma § 22-720
What does Oklahoma Statutes § 22-720 cover?
Section 22-720 ("Detainment of person as material witness") 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 § 22-720?
A common citation format is "Oklahoma Statutes § 22-720" (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 § 22-720 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.