DUI is a serious offense in Oklahoma and all 50 states that could include losing driving privileges and possible jail time. People who plan to drink at an event should plan other modes of transportation to get home, or they risk being pulled over for drinking and driving.
What a driver should do when pulled over
Drivers have the right to find a safe spot to pull over. Since the officer will still be observing them, they should turn off the engine, keep their hands on the steering wheel and be polite.
They need to be prepared to show the officer their license and proof of insurance. Acting rude, being combative or trying to hide evidence may increase their chances of arrest. A driver does not have to tell the officer if they’ve been drinking or how much. They can politely decline answering questions.
A driver also has the right to refuse sobriety tests, but refusing could lead to a suspension of their driver’s license. However, if it causes an arrest, the driver may benefit from taking the tests. A driver who had only a drink or two may be able to pass field sobriety tests.
What drivers can expect after an arrest
In most cases, a drunk driver will be arrested and booked. They will likely remain jailed several hours for a first offense until they get sober and post bail or await trial. Except in special cases, the driver will go to court to plead guilty or not guilty. Other than a jail sentence, they could get community service or house arrest. A driver arrested for DUI should also expect to pay legal fees and higher insurance premiums.
Mistakes can be made, so individuals accused of DUI may want an attorney to assist them. An attorney may use certain strategies to fight the charges. For example, they might claim that the intoxicated person was not the one driving, the officer lacked credible evidence, or the officer did not have probable cause to stop the driver.