According to your Oklahoma license plate, Oklahoma is OK! But is this really true when you have a DUI charge? Did you know that after your DUI arrest you’ll face two separate cases? One is the criminal court case and the other is with the Department of Public Safety. The latter relates only to driver’s license. You only have 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing with the Department of Public Safety. If you fail to do so, you will lose your license automatically for 180 days.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
You are DUI in Oklahoma with a BAC of .08 or higher. You may also face charges with a BAC of .05 to .08 (referred to as “impaired driving”) regardless of your actual driving. Drivers under 21 are DUI with a BAC of .02 and higher. Drivers may be subject to increased penalties with higher BAC levels.
Chemical Testing and Field Sobriety Tests (FST)
To determine a suspect’s level of intoxication, law enforcement employs several tactics. FST rely on physical actions of the driver. Three common test are Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), stand on one leg, and the walk and turn test. The officer is observing any movements that would be a sign of intoxication. Chemical testing of the blood, urine, and breath can give more accurate BAC readings.
Administrative License Suspension (ALS)
If the criminal charges weren’t enough, in the Sooner State your license will be suspended for simply refusing DUI testing. The suspension period is 180 days for first offenders with a potential of up to 3 years for repeat offenses. Similar suspensions can be expected for a test failure.
Oklahoma Criminal Penalties
Aside form the ALS, Oklahomans are subject to DUI criminal charges. These are serious and have long-lasting effects. If your DUI case is lost you may be penalized with a fine of $100 to $1000 or jail time of 10 days to 1 year.
Other than the direct criminal consequences, DUI convicts can expect higher insurance costs, difficulty maintaining their current job and finding new employment / military service. May also expect interstate and international travel restrictions and ignition interlock. Not to mention the whole DUI situation being the source of emotional pain for your family.
Ignition Interlock
Upon DUI conviction drivers may expect an ignition interlock device be installed on their vehicle if driving privileges are granted. The device requires the drive to blow into it before driving and again at random intervals. If the machine registers an elevated BAC, the vehicle will not start or the engine will shut-off while driving.
Hiring a DUI Lawyer!
Preserve your freedom. Find a qualified DUI lawyer today and begin defending your charges today!