Oklahoma City DUI Defense
Whether it is your first offense or a repeat incident, receiving a Driving under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Impaired (DWI) sentence in Oklahoma City, or anywhere in Oklahoma for that matter can have serious, lifelong consequences. From hefty fines to jail time and possible license revocation, knowing your rights can be the key difference between minimizing the potential criminal charges against you and having to go to jail.
In the eyes of the legal system, there is no such thing as a “minor DUI”—it is a criminal offense, and you will be tried as such. Unfortunately, due to factors like human error, unfair roadside testing and technological malfunction (such as a breathalyzer giving a false positive), an instance may arise in which you are falsely accused of driving under the influence.
The possible consequences you may experience if you’re convicted can include:
- A jail or prison sentence
- Expensive fines
- Loss of your driver’s license and driving privileges
- Restrictions on the use of your vehicle
- Loss of your job, especially if you drive for work in any capacity
- Increases in your car insurance premiums
- A permanent criminal record that isn’t eligible for expungement
If you or a loved one has been convicted of a DUI/DWI offense in Oklahoma City, you will need the expert legal representation of an experienced law firm like that of Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Group to defend you combining years of experience with our client-focused practice.
Important Topics about DUI Defense in Oklahoma City
Since starting our DUI defense practice, many clients have raised important questions about what exactly goes into a DUI case—how DUI is defined, how these cases are defended in court, and what factors can contribute to an enhanced DUI charge, for example.
We have outlined several of these topics below with the intention of providing general education about DUI law in Oklahoma:
- How Is A DUI Defined In Oklahoma?
- What Happens When Someone Is Pulled Over On Suspicion Of Using Drugs?
- Are Drug-DUI Cases Harder To Defend Than Alcohol DUI Cases?
- What Happens After Someone Is Pulled Over On Suspicion Of DUI?
- How Can An Attorney Help Someone To Get Out Immediately?
- How Does A Prior Arrest Or Conviction Impact A DUI Case?
- What Factors Can Cause DUI Charges To Be Enhanced Or Aggravated?
- What Generally Happens At The Scene Of A Drunk Driving Accident?
Unfortunately, each DUI case is unique in the sense that there is no single “surefire” way to guarantee that what worked with one client will work for you. Our extensive trial experience as a criminal defense attorneys has given me special insight as a DUI defense attorney to ensure that regardless of the circumstances of your case, we can do more for you than most criminal defense lawyers or Oklahoma City drunk driver lawyers. We will assist you by making sure your needs are met so that your case can move forward and bring you one step closer to getting your life back.
Oklahoma Driving Under the Influence (DUI) FAQs
What Exactly Is Driving Under the Influence (DUI) In Oklahoma?
The acronym DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol or drugs). The crime itself is defined in Oklahoma Statutes §47-11-902.
It states that a person can be found guilty of DUI if they, “drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within this state” while under the influence of alcohol.
The first time you are charged for this crime, it is generally filed as a misdemeanor, but that doesn’t mean it’s anything to take lightly. You should still enlist the help of an experienced Oklahoma DUI lawyer.
Does DUI Exclusively Mean Driving Under The Influence of Alcohol?
No. The same law also goes on to define someone being “under the influence” if they are using any drug or mind-altering substance which would prevent them from properly operating a vehicle. Furthermore, it states that being prescribed such medication may not be used as a defense for using it if it affects your ability to drive.
What Will Happen If I’m Arrested For DUI In Oklahoma?
If you are arrested for DUI in Oklahoma, whether it is for alcohol or another intoxicating substance, you will be asked to submit to either a breath or blood test. After you take the test or refuse to do so, the arresting officer will out what is called the “Officer’s Affidavit and Notice of Revocation/Disqualification”
The affidavit will contain the information pertaining to your arrest and effectively revokes your driving privileges 30 days after the date you are served with the affidavit. Criminal charges will also probably be filed.
What If I Refuse To Take A Breath Or Blood Test?
The quick answer here is that you will automatically lose your license. This is explained in Oklahoma Statue §47-6-205.1. A first offense will result in an automatic suspension of six months. A second offense within ten years will result in an automatic suspension of one year. A third or subsequent offense within 10 years will lead to automatic three-year revocation of your license.
What Can I Do If My License Is Revoked But I Need To Drive?
If you absolutely must drive to be able to get to work or educational facilities, you may be able to apply for a modified license that will allow you to drive under special circumstances. You will also be required to maintain an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for the duration of the time you drive with the modified license.
Am I Free To Drive When The Revocation Period Is Over?
No, you are not. Your driving privileges will not be reinstated automatically. The entire revocation period must first be completed, but, depending on your particular case, you may also need to fulfill other requirements before the revocation is terminated.
You will also have to go through the normal process of applying for and acquiring a new driver’s license.
What If I Am Arrested For DUI With A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)?
Penalties for driving under the influence while operating a special vehicle requiring a CDL vary and can be much more severe than simple DUI charges. They are explained under Oklahoma statute §47-6-205.2 A conviction for DUI with a CDL can result in prohibition from driving a class A, B, or C vehicle for one year on the first offense, three years for the second offense, and possibly for life for a third conviction.
Contact an Experienced Oklahoma City Drunk Driver Lawyer
Sometimes, having to defend yourself in a DUI case can seem like an intimidating and almost hopeless prospect. The prosecutor will waste no time pointing out how you could have posed a danger to yourself and to other drivers in the area, and the jury may feel inclined to agree with them. But when these charges are made without a solid and conclusive basis or are made unfairly against you, you have the legal right to an attorney who can help others see that you are the victim of an unfair trial.
For more information about drunk driver attorneys in OKC, DUI defense, the criminal justice system, or to discuss the details of your pending DUI trial, contact the law office of the Oklahoma Criminal Lawyers Group today to schedule a free consultation and a full free case evaluation or by calling (405) 250-6769 today.
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