Caught Driving Under the Influence in Oklahoma? Now What?

Getting arrested for driving under the influence in Oklahoma can be overwhelming and confusing. You may feel scared, embarrassed, and unsure of what happens next. Will you lose your driver’s license? Will you have to pay hefty fines? Are you going to jail? These thoughts are natural, but it’s important to remember that this situation is not the end of the road.

With the right help, you can face the legal challenges ahead and protect your future. An experienced Oklahoma DUI attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the court system, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case. First, learn what to expect so you can help your case.

You Should Contact an Attorney Right Away

Hiring an attorney should be your first step after a DUI arrest. Even if you’re still in the back of the police car or waiting to be booked into jail, start thinking about legal representation. A DUI case moves quickly, and having an attorney from the start can make a big difference in how your case unfolds.

Your attorney will review your arrest for possible errors, such as whether the officer followed proper procedures or whether you can challenge the breathalyzer. They’ll also handle communication with prosecutors, work to negotiate reduced penalties, and prepare a strong defense if your case goes to court.

When looking for an attorney, find someone with experience handling DUI cases not only in Oklahoma, but in your particular city. They’ll know the local rules, judges, prosecutors, and court systems. And always be upfront about your situation so your attorney can develop the best strategy for your case.

You Might Spend the Night in Jail

After you’re arrested for driving under the influence in Oklahoma, you'll likely spend the night in jail. The police will tow your car, and you’ll be taken to a local jail for booking, which includes recording your fingerprints, a mugshot, and your personal information.

For first-time DUI offenders, bail is typically set within hours and is usually under $1,000. If you can pay bail or arrange for a bondsman, you’ll be released. However, if you have previous DUI convictions or other criminal charges, bail may be higher, and the booking process may take longer.

You’ll Be Formally Charged

After you’re released, you’ll still need to be formally charged. The court will review the evidence in your case to decide whether to move forward. If they find enough evidence, you’ll be charged and scheduled for an arraignment in municipal or district court.

At your arraignment, the charges will be read to you, and you'll enter a plea—either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In Oklahoma, this hearing usually happens within a few days of your arrest. Common DUI charges in Oklahoma include:

• Driving while intoxicated (DWI): A DWI charge applies when your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit but high enough to affect your driving.
• Standard DUI: Driving under the influence in Oklahoma is the most common charge and applies if your blood alcohol level is 0.08% or higher.
• DUI-Drugs: DUI-Drugs applies if you’re found to be impaired by prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances.
• Aggravated DUI: An aggravated DUI means your blood alcohol level is 0.15 or above.

Your attorney will help you navigate the confusing list of DUI acronyms and understand the charges against you, the penalties you could face, and the best strategy for your situation.

You’ll Also Have a Civil Case

In addition to criminal charges, driving under the influence in Oklahoma triggers a separate civil case involving your driving privileges. Under Oklahoma law, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. Because of this, Service Oklahoma can take action to suspend or revoke your license, even if you haven’t been convicted in court.

Service Oklahoma will send you a notice of license suspension by mail. This notice will explain how to appeal the suspension and include a deadline for filing your appeal. Missing this deadline can lead to automatic suspension of your driving privileges. An attorney can help you handle your license suspension by requesting a hearing and arguing on your behalf.

You Could Face Other Consequences

Whether you plead guilty, negotiate a plea deal, or you’re found guilty at trial, most convictions for driving under the influence in Oklahoma come with additional consequences you might not think of. Here’s what to expect:

• Drug and Alcohol Assessment: A licensed counselor will evaluate your substance use and recommend treatment. Completing this assessment early can demonstrate that you’re taking your situation seriously, which can help during plea negotiations.
• Alcohol and Drug Substance Abuse Course (ADSAC): Based on the assessment, you’ll be required to complete an ADSAC course, which covers the dangers of impaired driving.
• Victim Impact Panel: In this course, you’ll hear from people who have been affected by drunk driving. Their stories are meant to raise awareness and discourage future offenses.

You'll also likely have to pay fines, court costs, and probation fees. For first-time offenders without a criminal history, jail time is rare, but penalties can escalate if you have prior DUIs or other charges.

You Have Options in Your Case

When charged with driving under the influence in Oklahoma, you have two main options: fight the charges or negotiate a resolution. At your arraignment, you’ll plead either:

Not guilty: Choosing this plea means you want to challenge the charges. Your attorney will review the evidence, question the legality of the arrest, and build a defense to argue your case in court.

Guilty: This plea allows you to negotiate for reduced DUI penalties. You might qualify for a deferred sentence, which means your case will be dismissed if you meet specific conditions. Or, you could receive a suspended sentence, which avoids jail time but is a conviction that stays on your record.

The outcome of your case depends on factors like your criminal history, the evidence against you, and whether anyone was hurt. An experienced attorney will explain your options and help you decide the best course of action.

We Can Help You Get the Best Outcome

Being arrested for driving under the influence in Oklahoma is stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team of experienced attorneys understands Oklahoma’s DUI laws and knows how to fight for your rights. It’s our job to work toward a resolution that protects your future, and we take it seriously.

The sooner you contact us, the more we can do to help your case. Contact the Oklahoma DUI Guy today for a free consultation and take the first step toward resolving your DUI case.