Oklahoma drivers face numerous penalties after a DUI. The first thing that they need to worry about is the criminal sanction. Besides that, they may face a revocation of their driver’s license. This proceeding will be automatically triggered when they are convicted of the crime.
DUI convictions will result in a license suspension
Even a first offense will result in an automatic 180-day suspension of a license. This will have a profound effect on the defendant’s life and that of their family, as they may not be able to drive to places like work or the grocery store. This suspension will rise to one year if it is the defendant’s second DUI offense within a ten-year period. The suspension grows to three years for a third offense. Upon suspension of the license, the defendant must turn over their driver’s license.
Regaining the license has some requirements
The driver must attend and complete a state-approved drug and alcohol assessment before they can get their license back. Even if the suspension is for six months, this assessment could take up to a year, so drivers should begin these requirements sooner rather than later. For a second violation, the driver will need to install an ignition interlock device before they can regain their license. This will need to be in the car for four years to disable the engine in case they try to get behind the wheel when their blood alcohol is above a certain level.
If you have been arrested and charged with DUI, you need an attorney on your side. Even if the offense seems routine, the consequences on your life can be anything but. Your attorney could help you defend the charges or agree to a plea deal with the prosecutor.