Robert Donald Gifford II

Robert Donald Gifford II

Founder and Trial Lawyer, GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C.
  • Criminal Law, Civil Rights, White Collar Crime ...
  • Oklahoma
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Biography

Founder of GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C. in Oklahoma City, Mr. Gifford is a former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice, tribal court judge, a former state prosecutor, and former Army JAG defense counsel, prosecutor, and Staff Judge Advocate with a nationwide practice specialty in complex litigation in White Collar/Criminal Defense (including Pardons and Commutations), Civil Rights, Family Law, Native American Law, Military Law, and Government Contracting. Mr. Gifford has also previously served as is the Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section, and formerly served on the state bar's Board of Governors and as the Chair of the Military & Veteran's Law Section.

Mr. Gifford is a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation, also serves as a tribal court judge for five Native American tribes, Special Judge for the City of Oklahoma City, and a retired Colonel from the Army Reserves with over 23 years of active and reserve service, a former Editor on the American Indian Law Review, and has served as an adjunct law professor at three law schools teaching Trial Practice, Military Law, Indian Gaming, & National Security Law.

Practice Areas
    Criminal Law
    Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
    Civil Rights
    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law
    White Collar Crime
    Military Law
    Veteran's Benefits
    Native American Law
    Family Law
    Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Father's Rights, Guardianship & Conservatorship, Paternity, Prenups & Marital Agreements, Restraining Orders, Same Sex Family Law
    Gov & Administrative Law
    Administrative Law, Election Law, Government Contracts, Government Finance, Legislative & Government Affairs
    Appeals & Appellate
    Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
Fees
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
    On a case by case basis.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Oklahoma
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9th Circuit
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10th Circuit
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Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
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Army Court of Criminal Appeals
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Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
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District of Nevada, U.S. District Court
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Eastern District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
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Kaw Nation Tribal Court
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Northern District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
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U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Various Tribal Courts
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Western District of Kentucky, U.S. District Court
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Western District of Oklahoma, U.S. District Court
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Written
Professional Experience
Associate District Judge - Seminole Nation
Seminole Nation Tribal Court
- Current
Attorney and Founder
GIFFORD LAW P.L.L.C.
- Current
Founder and trial attorney with nationwide practice at both trial and on appeal in federal, state, military, and tribal courts representing individuals and corporations in complex litigation ranging from white collar criminal, civil lawsuits, family law, tribal law, and military law.
Judge, Civil Trial Docket
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
- Current
Civil Judge overseeing complex trial matters for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.
Associate Supreme Court Justice
Comanche Nation Supreme Court
- Current
Appellate Justice for the highest court of review for the Comanche Nation
Chief Judge - Iowa (Ioway) Tribe
Iowa (Ioway) Tribal Court
- Current
Chief Judge - Kaw (Kanza) Nation
Kaw (Kanza) Nation Tribal Court
- Current
Chief Judge - KTK
Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Tribal Court
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Chief Judge for the tribal court for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas
Special Judge
Oklahoma City Municipal Court
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Serve as a part-time municipal judge for the City of Oklahoma City
Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps
United States Army Reserve
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Senior Trial Attorney
Gungoll, Jackson, Box & Devoll, P.C.
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Trial attorney in federal, state, military, and tribal courts with an emphasis on white collar/criminal, family law, Native American, and Military.
Associate Supreme Court Justice
Iowa (Ioway) Tribe of Oklahoma
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Assistant U.S. Attorney, Tribal Liaison/Human Trafficking Coordinator/Anti-Terrorism Coordinator
United States Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma
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Assistant U.S. Attorney, Project Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator
Assistant United States Attorney's Office, District of Nevada
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Assistant District Attorney (Felony/Violent Crime; SANE Nurse Trainer; Death Penalty Review; Child Abuse Review)
Tulsa County District Attorney's Office
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Trial Counsel/Defense Counsel/Legal Assistance Attorney
United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps
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Education
United States Army War College
M.S. (2015) | Strategic Studies
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University of Oklahoma College of Law
J.D. (1996) | Law
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Honors: Who's Who Among American Law Students
Activities: Article Editor, American Indian Law Review
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Southwestern College
B.A. (1993)
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Honors: Distinguished Graduate (Master Builder); Academic All-Conference
Activities: Varsity Football, Varsity Track,
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Awards
Justice Cardozo Golden Quill Award
Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section
Recognition by the OBA's Criminal Law Section for contributions to criminal law.
Medal of Patriotism
Cherokee Nation
Recognition by the Cherokee Nation for military service and service to servicemembers and veterans.
Justice Cardozo Award
Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section
Recognized for the contributions in the area of criminal law in Oklahoma.
Director's Award for International Human Trafficking Case
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Professional Advocate of the Year
Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section
Recognized by the criminal defense bar as the outstanding prosecutor in the state of Oklahoma.
Director's Award for Sex Offender Investigations
United States Marshal's Service
Director's Award for Service to the FBI in the District of Nevada
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Director's Award in Archeological Protection Prosecution Case
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forestry Service
Professional Associations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Lifetime Member
- Current
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Oklahoma County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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Oklahoma County Bar Association
Member (former member of Board of Directors)
- Current
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Oklahoma Bar Association's Military & Veteran's Law Section
Member (Chair)
- Current
Activities: Chair of section in 2012, 2013, 2021
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Federal Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Oklahoma Bar Association's Criminal Law Section
Chair-elect (2018)
- Current
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Oklahoma Indian Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Judge Advocate's Association
Lifetime Member
- Current
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Oklahoma Bar Association  # 17034
Member
- Current
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Oklahoma Bar Association
Board of Governors
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Native American Law: Will It Ever Be Taken Seriously?
Lawyers Monthly
In the military, trusted officers have become alleged assailants in sex crimes
Washington Post
Federal prosecutor Gifford shifting to private practice
The Journal Record
"Your Witness Counsel" - Cross Examination
Oklahoma Bar Journal
A Primer for Ye Ol'Woodshed: Witness Preparaton
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Time is Twenty Years past 9:02 a.m.
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Human Trafficking: Beyond Pretty Woman and Huggy Bear
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Fourth Amendment – the Airport and Borders
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Employment Protection for the Citizen-Soldier
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Groucho was Wrong about Military Justice
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The OBA’s ‘Draft’ – Will you Answer the Call?
Oklahoma Bar Journal
War Courts Make Sense
The Daily Oklahoman
Sex Offender Registration in Indian Country
United States Attorney Bulletin
Foregoing the Scorched Earth Policy: Ethical Cross-Exam
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Cross-Examination - ABA's 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer's Division)
Planning for Trial - The 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer's Division)
Preparing a Witness - ABA's 101 Practice Series – Breaking Down the Rules
American Bar Association (Young Lawyer's Division)
Protect Yourself from Credit Card Billing Errors
Military Money
Planes, Trains & Automobiles – the Fourth Amendment & your Vehicle
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Very Appealing Ethics
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Co-Signing a Loan is a Risky Business
Military Money
Guideline "Departures" at Sentencing after Booker
United States Attorney Bulletin
Become an Authority: Get Published
American Bar Association (General Practice/Solo Magazine)
Bankruptcy Just Got A Lot Tougher
Military Money
Ethics & the Criminal Prosecutor – Guilt shall no escape, nor innocents shall suffer
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Law Language and Humpty Dumpty
Oklahoma Bar Journal
A Federal Grand Jury Primer
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
The Fifth Amendment & the Federal Grand Jury
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Appellate Advocacy
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
Crime & Punishment: Article 15
The Reserve & National Guard magazine
Let’s Kill all the Lawyers
Oklahoma Bar Journal
Understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines
The Young Lawyer (American Bar Association)
Stepping on the Battlefield: Military Justice Primer
Oklahoma Bar Journal
The Legalities of the Properly Shined Boot
The Tulsa Lawyer (Tulsa County Bar Association)
Who Really Plays for the Love Game
The Sporting News
Speaking Engagements
Jurisdiction after McGirt, NHTSA Tribal Work Group, Virtual
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
McGirt and the Law for Courtroom Interpreters, CCI, Virtual
Certified Interpreter Education
McGirt's Law, Criminal Defense Instititute, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association
Military Law for the Leftist Lawyer, National Lawyer's Guild, Virtual
National Lawyer's Guild
Spoke on the basics of military law and justice to civilian practitioners.
Trial Advocacy, Army JAG School Criminal Law Advocacy Course, Charlottesville, VA
United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps
Human Trafficking in Indian Country, Sovereignty Symposium, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Supreme Court
Firearm Prosecutions and Courtroom Issues, National Judicial College Tribal Judge's Training, Reno, NV
National Judicial College
Boot Camp - Veteran's Issues, Boot Camp for the Heroes Program - Military Assistance Committee, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Bar Association
Immigration Criminal Prosecutions, Federal Bar Association's Tenth Circuit Review, Oklahoma City
Federal Bar Association
SORNA - Sex Offender Registration Case Law, Federal Bar Association's Tenth Circuit Review, Oklahoma City
Federal Bar Association
Certifications
Master Military Justice Pracitioner
United States Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps
Websites & Blogs
Website
Robert D. Gifford, Founder and Attorney, GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C.
Website
Robert Don Gifford, Attorney-at-Law
Videos
Robert D. Gifford: Native Americans as Witnesses & Jurors - Considerations & Perspective CLE 2019- Robert D. Gifford: Native Americans as Witnesses & Jurors - Considerations & Perspective

Robert D. Gifford: Native Americans as Witnesses & Jurors - Considerations & Perspective

KOCO (Channel 5, OKC) reports:  Parents Sue Stillwater Public Schools over the failures in education with distance learning.  Attorney Robert D. Gifford filed this lawsuit on behalf of the public school children of Stillwater, OK. Parents file lawsuit against Stillwater Public Schools over distance learning plan

KOCO (Channel 5, OKC) reports: Parents Sue Stillwater Public Schools over the failures in education with distance learning. Attorney Robert D. Gifford filed this lawsuit on behalf of the public school children of Stillwater, OK.

KFOR (Channel 4, OKC) reports on the State of Oklahoma entering into agreements with Native American tribes after the Supreme Court's ruling in McGirt.  Native American attorney and tribal judge Robert D. Gifford speaks on this agreement. State of Oklahoma and local tribes reach agreement for criminal jurisdiction after Supreme Court dec

KFOR (Channel 4, OKC) reports on the State of Oklahoma entering into agreements with Native American tribes after the Supreme Court's ruling in McGirt. Native American attorney and tribal judge Robert D. Gifford speaks on this agreement.

Mr. Gifford was mobilized from his civilian position as an Assistant United States Attorney back onto active duty as an Army JAG to serve as Deputy Director of Legal Operations and as the worldwide legal spokesman for the Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay.  Mr. Gifford's unique experience as a federal prosecutor, former active duty military prosecutor and defense counsel, Army Reserve defense counsel, and instructor at the Army JAG School provided a source of information to journalists from the AP, The New York Times, The Miami Herald, The LA Times, to even Al Jazeera, as well as to Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) such as The Red Cross. Hamdan loses attempt to call 9/11 mastermind as witness

Mr. Gifford was mobilized from his civilian position as an Assistant United States Attorney back onto active duty as an Army JAG to serve as Deputy Director of Legal Operations and as the worldwide legal spokesman for the Military Commissions at Guantanamo Bay. Mr. Gifford's unique experience as a federal prosecutor, former active duty military prosecutor and defense counsel, Army Reserve defense counsel, and instructor at the Army JAG School provided a source of information to journalists from the AP, The New York Times, The Miami Herald, The LA Times, to even Al Jazeera, as well as to Non-Governmental Agencies (NGOs) such as The Red Cross.

A federal jury has convicted an Edmond man of seven out of 17 counts of illicit sexual conduct on Kenyan orphans while he served a mission at an orphanage.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Gifford served as lead prosecutor and secured the guilty verdict against a child predator. Edmond man found guilty on 7 charges in Kenya sexual abuse trial

A federal jury has convicted an Edmond man of seven out of 17 counts of illicit sexual conduct on Kenyan orphans while he served a mission at an orphanage. Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Gifford served as lead prosecutor and secured the guilty verdict against a child predator.

While serving as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Gifford explains the new paradigm in handling Human Trafficking cases as a prosecutor. Human Trafficking

While serving as the Human Trafficking Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Gifford explains the new paradigm in handling Human Trafficking cases as a prosecutor.

Federal investigators believe Robert Pierce and Michael Billings traveled to Peru to have sex with underage girls.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Gifford served as lead prosecutor in this international sex tourism prosecution. New details revealed against attorney, bail bondsman accused of sex with young girls

Federal investigators believe Robert Pierce and Michael Billings traveled to Peru to have sex with underage girls. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Gifford served as lead prosecutor in this international sex tourism prosecution.

Legal Answers
93 Questions Answered
Q. My daughter's father was killed over seas. He was in the United States army once stationed at ft Knox and fort polk
A: Order his military records from St. Louis from the National Archives. You can find that information online. I would request the entire file, to include medical, DD214, etc. Once you receive, go to the Veteran's Administration website and they will give additional guidance. You may also get some direct assistance if you go to your local VA. There are also a number of non-profits or law schools (depending on where you live) that may be able to assist.
Q. I’m pending chapter , however my ets date is coming up can I still ets ? I was told I can’t but my leadership I feel lie
A: You are likely "flagged" and will be prevented from ETS'ing normally until your chapter paperwork is processed.
Q. What is a motion to excel?
A: It's a "motion to accelerate" - which is to move a deferred sentence to a suspended sentence. The latter is a conviction, while the former is not. A judge can choose not to accelerate, however it is recommended you have counsel with you to protect yourself.
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Contact & Map
GIFFORD LAW, P.L.L.C.
305 NW 5th Street, Suite 2682
Oklahoma City, OK 73101
Telephone: (405) 810-5406
Cell: (405) 778-4647
Fax: (877) 295-0287
GIFFORD LAW, PLLC
P.O. Box 50
Kaw City, OK 74641
Telephone: (405) 778-4647
Fax: (877) 295-0287
GIFFORD LAW, PLLC
23 Rolling Oaks
Mannford, OK 74044
Telephone: (405) 778-4647
Fax: (877) 295-0287
GIFFORD LAW, PLLC
P.O. Box 2307
Seminole, OK 74818
Telephone: (405) 778-4647
Fax: (877) 295-0287