Felonies Generally Carry 2 Year Sentence

  When the Penal Code was first established in Oklahoma, the original thinking was that a 2 year sentence was generally as stiff of a punishment as we were going to impose. Now they did intend for specific heinous crimes to carry a tougher sentence, but they specified that a 1-2 year sentence was the default range which judges were to impose, once guilt was established.

§21-9.  Punishment of felonies.

Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by this title, or by some existing provision of law, every offense declared to be a felony is punishable by a fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not exceeding two (2) years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

§21-10.  Punishment of misdemeanor.

Except in cases where a different punishment is prescribed by this chapter or by some existing provisions of law, every offense declared to be a misdemeanor is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year or by a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment.

R.L.1910, § 2091.