If you've been charged with a DUI, you need to understand the nature of these charges and the potential consequences you may face, and to contact a DUI lawyer in Oklahoma as soon as possible. Oklahoma law defines a DUI as operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, if your BAC is lower, you can still be charged if your ability to drive safely is impaired. If you drive under the influence of any controlled or restricted drug, a DUI can also result.
Immediate Steps to Take After a DUI Charge
Upon being charged with a DUI, your immediate response is important and can greatly impact the outcome of your case. Remain calm and cooperative during the arrest process. Remember that anything you say can be used against you in court, so exercise your right to remain silent beyond providing basic identification information.
Contact a DUI Lawyer in Oklahoma
After your arrest, you'll likely be taken to a local police station for booking. During this process, you'll be fingerprinted, photographed, and possibly held in custody until you can post bail. It's important to contact a qualified DUI lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced OKC criminal lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help protect your rights, and potentially mitigate the charges against you.
Understand Potential Penalties and Consequences
The consequences of a DUI conviction in Oklahoma can be far-reaching. For a first-time offense, penalties may include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory participation in an alcohol education program. Repeat offenders face more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and extended license suspensions.
In addition to legal penalties, a DUI conviction can have lasting personal impact. It may affect your employment opportunities, insurance rates, and overall reputation. Furthermore, you'll have a criminal record, which can pose long-term challenges in various aspects of your life.
Navigating License Suspension and Reinstatement
One of the immediate concerns following a DUI charge is the potential suspension of your driver's license. In Oklahoma, there's an administrative process separate from the criminal proceedings that deals with the suspension of driving privileges. You have a limited time to request a hearing to contest the suspension, and failure to do so will result in an automatic suspension.
Your attorney can represent you in this hearing and argue on your behalf to retain your driving privileges. If your license is suspended, they can also assist in the process of reinstatement, which will involve completing a DUI education program – the Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP) –, paying reinstatement fees, and providing proof of insurance.
Preparing for Court and Building a Defense
Your attorney will examine the evidence against you, including the procedures followed during your arrest and the accuracy of the BAC testing methods used. Potential defense strategies might involve challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, or the accuracy of the breathalyzer test.
In some cases, plea bargaining can be an effective strategy. Your attorney might negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges to a less severe offense, like reckless driving, especially if it's your first offense and there were no aggravating factors.
If you've been charged with a DUI in Oklahoma, don't wait to contact a lawyer. Remember, a DUI charge is not the end of the road; with the right approach and support, you can move forward.
