What to Do if You Have Been Charged with a DUI/DWI in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has strict laws when it comes to drunk driving. If you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, police may arrest you for driving under the influence or DUI. Furthermore, Oklahoma considers driving with a BAC of between 0.051 and 0.079 as being impaired (DWI).

Depending on your BAC, the charges against you, and whether you have a history of drunk driving, you could face costly fines, several years in jail, license revocation, installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and other penalties. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you may be able to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed altogether.

Here are the steps you should follow immediately after being charged with a DUI in Oklahoma:

• Take the breath or chemical test. Oklahoma has an implied consent law for lawfully licensed drivers in the state. This means that by obtaining an Oklahoma driver’s license, you have already consented to taking the chemical or breath test if the police stop you on suspicion of drunk driving. If you refuse to take the test, your license will be seized and revoked for 180 days to three years. It is important to understand that this penalty is entirely separate from your criminal DUI defense case. Thus, even if you have the DUI charges against you dismissed, your license may still be revoked.
• Contact a criminal defense lawyer. A DUI is not a joke. The charges you face are serious, and without skilled counsel, you could face the harshest penalties of the law. An attorney can immediately protect your rights and help you build a solid drunk driving defense.
• Request a hearing. Unless you request a DMV hearing (generally within 10 days of your arrest), your license will be automatically suspended.
• Get ready for your arraignment. During your arraignment, you will enter your plea before the judge: guilty or not guilty. While the choice is ultimately yours, it is in your best interest to enter a not guilty plea this time. Contrary to popular belief, DUI cases are not cut and dried, and with the counsel of an experienced attorney, you may be able to reduce or even eliminate charges against you.

A DUI in Oklahoma is a life-changer. A skilled defense attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights at every turn.

Experienced DUI defense lawyer fights for your freedom in Oklahoma

When you face DUI charges in Norman, Oklahoma, Patriot Law stands by your side. In addition to being a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, attorney RJ Harris is an active member of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and knows what it takes to fight injustice.