Tribal Lawyer In Tulsa, OK

Hiring a tribal lawyer is key to getting the best possible outcome for your business or personal legal needs for those living on a reservation in or near Tulsa, OK. Hiring the right tribal justice attorney is essential for a positive solution to your legal problem.

Whether for a family law matter, need help with estate planning, want to sue someone, or are accused of a crime, experienced tribal attorney Emilyn Potter can help. At The Law Office Of Emilyn Potter, we understand that choosing a lawyer can be difficult and stressful. We take pride in providing our clients exceptional service and attention to detail.

Why Choose Tribal Justice Attorney Emilyn Potter?

Tribal justice attorney Emilyn Potter has decades of experience working on tribal law cases. She is honest, punctual, timely on due dates, a good communicator, and practices law with integrity. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2000, and her background includes experience in litigating cases in state, federal, and tribal courts.

Her legal practice includes:

Representing clients in tribal court matters, including child custody disputes, divorce proceedings, domestic violence, and child support issues
Helping clients resolve their property rights through probate and trust administration
Advising clients about the benefits of living off-reservation and how they can avoid problems with state laws
Working with clients who face federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and racketeering

At the Law Office of Emilyn Potter, our goal is to provide our clients with quality representation at affordable rates. Emilyn can help you navigate the complex world of tribal law. She has experience representing clients before tribal courts and other tribunals throughout Oklahoma. If you are facing criminal charges or civil litigation, she will work hard to get you the results you deserve.

What Does Tribal Court Law Include?

The Federal Indian Child Welfare Act (FICWA) governs many aspects of tribal court law. For example, it requires tribes to follow specific procedures when dealing with children involved in custody disputes. FICWA also provides guidelines for states to follow when dealing with Native American families.

Besides FICWA, there are several other areas of tribal court law that apply to Native Americans, including ICPAPVT, ISDEAA, IRA, IGRA, NHPA, Public Law 280, and UCC.

Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention and Treatment Act (ICPAPVT)

The ICPAPVT applies to all federally recognized tribes. It establishes minimum standards for protecting abused and neglected children and funding programs to prevent abuse and neglect.

Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)

The ISDEAA allows tribes to operate schools within their communities. Tribes may use ISDEAA funds for education, health care, housing, employment training, and social services.

Indian Reorganization Act (IRA)

The IRA gives tribes the authority to create self-governing governments. Tribes may use IRA funds for economic development projects, land purchases, and infrastructure improvements.

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)

The IGRA regulates gaming activities on reservations. It prohibits gambling except on tribe-owned land.

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

The NHPA protects historic properties on reservations. It requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with tribes before approving any project that might affect an eligible property.

Public Law 280

Public Law 280 authorizes states to assume jurisdiction over some crimes committed by non-Indians against Indians. However, States must notify the Department of the Interior before taking this action.

Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)

The UCC applies to transactions between businesses operating under a tribal government.

What Are Tribal Court Rules

Tribal court rules are also called "tribal ordinances" or "customary law." These tribal rules govern everything from marriage ceremonies to family relationships. They are like state codes but are not subject to state review.

If you live on a reservation, your tribal court rules will be more restrictive than state law. For example, state law does not prohibit polygamy, while tribal custom does. If you live outside a reservation, your tribal ordinance will probably be less strict than state law. But it is still essential to know the local customs because these could impact your ability to get a fair trial.