Legal Practice and Courtroom Achievements
Decades of Demonstrated Success
As the former attorney general of Oklahoma, Mike Hunter has formidable legal expertise and a solid commitment to law enforcement and public safety. His tenure was marked by significant courtroom successes and strategic legal initiatives that have profoundly affected the state’s judicial landscape.
Advocacy for Legislative Reforms
Mike Hunter played a pivotal role in advocating for the repeal of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, which he argued limited local law enforcement's ability to combat the opioid crisis effectively. His leadership in assembling a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general underscored his proactive approach to national legislative change, aiming to enhance the Drug Enforcement Administration’s capacity to act decisively against drug manufacturers and distributors involved in irresponsible practices.
Under Mike Hunter’s direction, the attorney general's office supported Operation Blue Thunder, a highly successful crime sweep in Tulsa. This initiative led to 102 felony arrests, the seizure of 48 illegally possessed firearms, and significant drug recoveries, including over a pound of methamphetamine. Hunter’s commitment to reinforcing state and federal collaborations ensured safer communities and highlighted his strategic use of the Safe Oklahoma Grant to bolster local law enforcement efforts. By strategically allocating resources to law enforcement agencies across the state, he facilitated innovative policing strategies that significantly reduced crime rates. These grants enabled local police departments to enhance their operational capabilities, from increasing patrols in high-crime areas to upgrading essential equipment, making communities across Oklahoma safer.
National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
Mike Hunter was instrumental in promoting the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Takeback Day in Oklahoma. This initiative encouraged the safe disposal of unused or expired medications, addressing a critical public health issue by preventing drug misuse and potential addiction. His efforts to facilitate accessible disposal sites across the state demonstrated his commitment to preventative strategies in public health and safety.
Combatting Corporate Misconduct
Mike Hunter also has a long history of successfully advocating for consumer protections. He successfully led the legal actions against William Stephens, the owner of Tornado King, resulting in significant restitution for victims affected by fraudulent business practices. This case emphasized Hunter’s focus on upholding justice and his commitment to protecting consumers from exploitation.
Hunter’s tenure also saw significant legal victories against large corporations, including a $120 million multistate settlement with General Motors over safety issues related to ignition switch defects. This settlement underscored his resolve to hold corporations accountable for compromising consumer safety and his ability to work collaboratively with other states to secure justice for affected consumers.
Strategic Legal Leadership
Throughout his career, Mike Hunter has been a staunch advocate for modifying outdated laws and policies to better serve the public and strengthen law enforcement. His leadership extended to significant national issues, such as urging changes to the Communications Decency Act to better combat sex trafficking and protecting consumers in the wake of the Equifax data breach.
Hunter’s forward-looking approach also encompassed advocating for legislative changes that would remove barriers to addiction treatment. His support for the Road to Recovery Act demonstrated his understanding of the complex interplay between law, health policy, and community welfare. By pushing for amendments that would allow for greater access to drug treatment facilities through Medicaid, Mike Hunter aimed to address the root causes of the opioid crisis through systemic change.
