Actions for the following causes must be brought in the county where the cause, or some part thereof arose: First. An action for the recovery of a fine, forfeiture or penalty imposed by statute, except when imposed for an offense committed on a river or other stream of water, road or other place which is the boundary of two or more counties, the cause of action shall be deemed to have arisen in each of said counties, and may be brought in any county bordering on such river, watercourse, road or other place, and opposite to the place where the offense was committed. Second. An action against a public officer for an act done by him in virtue, or under color, of his office, or for neglect of his official duties. Third. An action on the official bond or undertaking of a public officer.
§ 133.Actions Brought Where Cause Arose
Chapter 5: Venue · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 133 requires lawsuits for a statutory fine or penalty, claims against a public officer for an official act or neglect of duty, and suits on an officer's official bond to be filed in the county where the cause of action arose.
Full Text of § 133
Amendment History
R.L. 1910, § 4673.
Plain-English Summary
Three kinds of actions must go where the cause, or some part of it, arose: recovering a fine, forfeiture, or statutory penalty, with a special rule for offenses committed on a river, road, or place that forms a county boundary, letting the action proceed in any bordering county opposite where the offense happened; an action against a public officer for an act done under color of office or for neglect of official duty; and an action on a public officer's official bond or undertaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I sue to recover a statutory fine or penalty in Oklahoma?
In the county where the violation occurred; if it happened on a river, road, or place forming a county boundary, you may sue in any bordering county opposite where the offense occurred.
Where do I sue a public officer for something done in their official capacity?
In the county where the act, or the officer's neglect of duty, arose.
Where do I sue on a public officer's official bond?
In the county where the underlying cause of action arose.
Can I choose a different county for these kinds of claims?
No, the county where the cause arose is mandatory for these three categories.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: Oklahoma venue against public officerofficial bond venue Oklahoma12 O.S. § 133statutory penalty venue Oklahoma