DUI Attorney OKC |
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As of November 1, 2025, Oklahoma’s law regarding driving under the influence (DUI) has undergone a major transformation. Under Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), the old boundaries between misdemeanor and felony DUI have been significantly redrawn. If you are facing DUI charges or want to understand your risks, please know the stakes have never been higher. That’s why reaching out to a skilled DUI attorney in Oklahoma City (OKC) is essential to protect your future.
What Changed Under SB 54
Under the previous law, many first-time DUI offenses were treated as misdemeanors unless severe aggravating circumstances existed. SB 54 expands what qualifies as “aggravated DUI,” and in many cases, first-offense DUI can now be charged as a felony.
Key Updates Under the New DUI Law:
1. More First-Offense DUIs Can Become Felonies
A DUI may now automatically escalate to a felony if any of the following aggravating factors are present:
- High BAC (0.15% or higher) within two hours of arrest
- Child endangerment — a minor in the vehicle
- Causing a crash, even if injuries are minor
- Speeding 20 mph+ over the limit, or 10 mph+ over in a school zone
- Attempting to flee or elude law enforcement
- Prior DUI-related conditions, even without a previous conviction
These elements give prosecutors broad leeway, meaning more people may face felony charges—even without prior DUIs.
2. Stricter Penalties and Mandatory Minimums
The updated law implements:
- Mandatory jail time for aggravated DUI
- Longer license suspensions
- Increased ignition interlock requirements
- Higher fines and treatment requirements
- Less eligibility for deferred sentences or diversion programs
In short, the window for a “second chance” has narrowed significantly.
Harsher Administrative Penalties
Oklahoma’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) continues to impose separate penalties in addition to those imposed by criminal courts. Under the new law:
- Your license may be suspended sooner
- Interlock device requirements may begin immediately
- Failure to request a hearing within a strict deadline means automatic suspension
This makes quick legal action essential.
Why This Matters: The Role of a DUI Attorney OKC
If you are in Oklahoma City and facing DUI charges, here’s why you should immediately reach out to a qualified DUI attorney in Oklahoma City rather than going at it on your own:
- Higher stakes: With the expanded definition of aggravated DUI, you may be facing felony charges where you assumed only a misdemeanor risk. This threat affects your freedom, driver’s license, auto insurance, employment, and your long-term criminal record.
- Complexity of evidence: Prosecutors will now use more aggressive charging tactics (e.g., summoning crash reports, traffic data, police pursuit evidence, BAC timing). A strong defense attorney knows how to review whether the traffic stop, chemical test, arrest procedure, and evidence handling were lawful.
- Early strategy matters: The best outcomes often arise when the attorney is involved early, before you make statements, before your license hearing, and before plea negotiations.
- Tailored defense: Not all DUI cases are the same. The experienced team at Shelton Law Firm in OKC emphasizes a client-centered approach to protecting your rights, including a free consultation, a detailed investigation, and a personalized strategy. (Shelton Law Firm OKC)
- License issues: In Oklahoma, a DUI carries not only criminal exposure but also administrative consequences (license suspension, ignition interlock, fines). A DUI attorney can help coordinate both the criminal case and the DMV/OMVD aspects.
What to Do If You’re Arrested
Here’s a checklist (for OKC and statewide throughout Oklahoma) if you find yourself charged with a DUI:
- Contact a DUI attorney in OKC immediately, ideally someone familiar with the local district attorney’s office, municipal court practices, and county jail/law enforcement protocols.
- Attend your administrative license hearing (often within a short window) to preserve your driver’s license rights.
- Preserve evidence: ask for all body-cam/ dash-cam footage, chemical test records, calibration logs, witness statements, and traffic/accident reports. Your attorney can request discovery formally.
- Avoid incriminating yourself: You have the right to remain silent and to legal counsel. How you respond at the roadside, during booking, or at the jail can matter.
- Understand your options: A first offense may still have mitigation possibilities, but with SB 54, the line between “first misdemeanor” and “felony aggravated DUI” is thinner. An attorney will evaluate whether you qualify for diversion, plea to a lesser offense, or vigorous challenge of evidence.
- Consider long-term implications: A felony conviction impacts more than just a fine(s) and jail time: it can affect employment, professional licensing, housing, and immigration status.
Why Choosing the Right OKC Firm Matters
In OKC, working with a law firm that understands both criminal and traffic law is invaluable. Specifically, for a firm that handles DUIs:
- Experience defending DUI clients, including courts in Oklahoma County and surrounding jurisdictions.
- A resource-rich team capable of investigating chemical test issues, traffic engineering, and crash reconstruction if needed.
- Strong communication: At Shelton Law Firm, the site emphasizes clear communication and client updates. (Shelton Law Firm OKC)
- Local reputation: A firm familiar with local judges, prosecutors, and DMV/OMVD processes can offer better strategic advice.
Find OKC DUI Attorney
If you’re in Oklahoma City and facing DUI charges, don’t wait. The changes under SB 54 mean that which might have previously been a “routine misdemeanor” could now carry felony exposure and mandatory jail time. A prompt consultation with a trusted DUI attorney in OKC can make the difference in how your case is handled, how your rights are protected, and ultimately what happens to your license, your record, and your future.
At Shelton Law Firm, our DUI defense team stands ready to investigate your case thoroughly, explain your rights clearly, and fight to minimize or avoid the worst possible outcome for your situation. We offer a free consultation to review your case and help you understand your path forward. (Shelton Law Firm OKC)
In Oklahoma City, criminal charges are serious and hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney ensures you protect yourself and your family. Our clients often face potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record, depending upon the accusations. A case can follow you for life. At Shelton Law Firm, we believe in aggressive representation and honest counsel. We always put your rights first.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas. As a leading criminal defense attorney, personal injury attorney, estate planning attorney, and family attorney. We offer a wide range of legal services to protect your rights and interests. From defending against criminal charges to handling complex personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel. Trust Shelton Law Firm for your legal needs in OKC.