Too often in Tulsa — and across Oklahoma — individuals find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system for crimes they did not commit. Even in cases where a supposed victim declines to testify or explicitly asks for charges to be dropped, the state frequently presses forward with prosecution. This practice inflicts emotional, financial, and social harm on innocent people and erodes public trust in our judicial institutions.

Across Oklahoma, it has become disturbingly routine for prosecutors to proceed with criminal charges without the cooperation of an alleged victim. This not only burdens those wrongly accused but also wastes judicial resources on cases that lack sufficient evidence. Instead of pursuing justice, the system often prioritizes conviction rates and procedural formality.

According to a 2020 report by The Innocence Project, approximately 15% of wrongful convictions in the U.S. stem from cases where key witnesses did not testify. When prosecutors move forward without a complaining witness or compelling evidence, they risk imprisoning innocent individuals and clogging the courts with weak cases. This diverts resources away from real public safety threats and contributes to a backlog that delays justice for everyone.

We call on Oklahoma lawmakers and Tulsa city officials to enact legislation that ensures criminal charges cannot proceed without a testifying victim or clear, independent evidence of a crime. Specifically, we demand:

Charges should be dropped if the victim declines to participate and no substantial evidence exists.
Prosecutorial discretion should be balanced with safeguards against wrongful convictions.
Court time and taxpayer money should be redirected toward prosecuting serious, evidence-supported crimes.
By signing this petition, you support a more just, efficient, and humane legal system—one that respects the voices of victims and protects the rights of the accused. Let’s end the cycle of unnecessary prosecutions and restore integrity to Oklahoma’s justice system.

Sign now to demand meaningful reform. Justice should never be optional—but it should always be fair.