Punishment for DUI Offenders in Oklahoma
Oklahoma takes DUI charges very seriously. Penalties increase if there were minors in the car at the time of arrest, if a motorist’s BAC level exceeded .08 percent and if a motorist has had previous DUI convictions. Drivers that are found guilty of DUI in Oklahoma will incur the following punishments:
1st DUI Conviction
• Imprisonment from 10 days to 1 year
o Up to 4 years if child under 18 was in vehicle
• Fine up to $1,000
o $2,000 if child under 18 was in vehicle
• Driver’s license suspended 30 days
• Must participate in alcohol/drug assessment and treatment
• Miscellaneous DUI fees of $300 minimum
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
2nd DUI Conviction
• Felony (if within 10 years of previous DUI)
• Imprisonment from 1 to 5 years
o Up to 4 years if child under 18 was in vehicle
• Fine up to $2,500
o $5,000 if child under 18 was in vehicle
• Driver’s license suspended 6 months
• Must participate in alcohol/drug assessment and treatment
• Miscellaneous DUI fees of $450 minimum
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
3rd DUI Conviction (and subsequent)
• Felony
• Imprisonment from 1 to 20 years
• Fine up to $10,000
• Driver’s license suspended 1 year
• Must participate in alcohol/drug assessment and treatment
• Miscellaneous DUI fees of $450 minimum
• Mandatory ignition interlock device
• Community service 480 hours
• One year supervision and periodic alcohol/drug testing
Implied Consent Laws in Oklahoma
the state of Oklahoma has implied consent laws in place, which require a driver to submit to a chemical test to determine intoxication. The test can be either of the motorist’s blood, urine or breath and will evaluate both drug and alcohol consumption. Any driver that refuses to submit to testing will have their license seized immediately and be required to attend a court hearing regarding the fate of their license.
The state will then review the motorist’s record to determine the length of the driver’s license suspension. Motorists may have their license suspended anywhere from180 days to 3 years, even for the first refusal and even if the motorist DID NOT consume alcohol or drugs. For this reason, it is in the motorist’s best interest to submit to the test.
How to Fight a DUI Charge in Oklahoma
If you have been arrested for DUI, you should contact an Oklahoma DUI lawyer immediately for help. Motorists in Oklahoma only have 15 days from the time of arrest to request a hearing in order to prevent their license from being suspended. Trust that a top DUI attorney in Oklahoma will stop your license from getting suspended as well as will ensure that your other charges are significantly lowered or wiped clean altogether.
DUI lawyers work hard to make sure your case ends with the best possible outcome. They will speak to police and witnesses, request a plea bargain, represent you in court and fight for your rights. Call today to schedule a meeting with an elite Oklahoma DUI attorney today.
