If you have been charged with your first DUI in Oklahoma, you are likely feeling stressed and uncertain about what comes next. DUI is a very serious matter that should not be taken lightly.
An experienced Oklahoma first-time DUI attorney can help you. At Fabian & Young, our skillful DUI defense attorneys in Oklahoma will answer all your questions, help you understand your options, and assist you in making a plan for the best possible outcome. Call us today to learn more.
Understanding DUI Charges in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if:
- Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher
- You have any amount of a controlled substance in your system
- You’re impaired by alcohol or drugs to the point where you can’t drive safely
Oklahoma takes DUI offenses very seriously, even for first-time offenders. The state has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country.
Immediate Consequences of a DUI Arrest
When you are arrested for DUI, two separate actions are taken against you:
- Criminal charges – The prosecutor will try to prove your guilt in court. This could lead to fines or jail time.
- License suspension – Service Oklahoma will try to suspend your driver’s license. This is separate from the criminal case.
You have 30 days from your arrest to respond to these actions. You can either request admission to the Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP) or file an appeal to challenge your license suspension in court. If you don’t take action, your license will be automatically suspended.
Potential Penalties for First-Time DUI
Even as a first-time offender, you may face harsh penalties. Some potential consequences for being charged with your first DUI could include:
- 10 days to 1 year in jail
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- License suspension for 30 to 180 days
- Mandatory attendance at a substance abuse course
- Community service
- Probation
- Installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle
If your BAC was 0.15% or higher, you may face harsher penalties, including longer license suspension and mandatory substance abuse treatment.
Dealing with License Suspension
Your license will be taken away when you’re arrested. You have 40 days to request an administrative hearing to try to keep your license. This hearing is separate from your criminal case.
If you don’t win the hearing or don’t request one, your license will be suspended. However, you may be able to get a modified license that allows you to drive to work, school, or other necessary places.
Your Legal Rights and Options
Being charged does not mean you will be found guilty. You should remember that you have rights when you are detained for a DUI including the right to remain silent, the right to a first-time DUI attorney in Oklahoma, and the right to challenge evidence used against you.
A skilled and experienced Oklahoma first-time DUI defense attorney can help protect your rights and may be able to challenge the reason for your traffic stop as well as challenge the accuracy of the BAC tests.
Additionally, a knowledgeable first-time DUI defense lawyer in Oklahoma will negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges and penalties and will represent you in both your criminal case and license hearing.
What to Expect in Court
If you decide to plead guilty or are found guilty, the court process for first-time DUI offenders in Oklahoma typically includes:
- A suspended sentence (probation) of about 1 year
- Fines and fees, including court costs
- Probation supervision fees
- Community service hours
- Drug and alcohol assessment and any recommended treatment
- Attendance at a Victim Impact Panel
Most first-time offenders don’t serve jail time, but it’s possible depending on the circumstances of your case.
Long-Term Consequences
A DUI conviction can have lasting effects beyond the immediate legal penalties. It may:
- Increase your car insurance rates
- Make it harder to get certain jobs
- Affect professional licenses
- Impact child custody arrangements
- Show up on background checks
How an Experienced Oklahoma First-Time DUI Defense Lawyer Can Help You
If you have been charged with your first DUI in Oklahoma, it’s important to take action quickly. Fabian & Young can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.
Remember, while a DUI charge is serious, it’s not the end of the world. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and create your best plan.