Shelton Law Firm is an Oklahoma DUI lawyer team based in Oklahoma City that is trusted by the community for its experienced lawyers. This law firm has what you need if you get arrested for DUI offenses. These charges are extremely serious and can have long-term consequences that may last for the rest of your life. You cannot risk your future by trusting your case to amateurs.
We use our extensive experience and ability to investigate DUI cases to create a strong defense that minimizes the consequences you may face.
Understanding DUI Charges in Oklahoma
A person will be charged with DUI or driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as tested by breath or blood within two hours of arrest by a law enforcement officer. It also pertains to any amount of a Schedule I chemical or controlled substance. In contrast, driving while intoxicated, or DWI, is when your blood alcohol concentration is higher than 0.05 but less than 0.08.
Types of DUI Charges in Oklahoma
First Offense
This is a misdemeanor if there aren’t any minors riding in these motor vehicles and there weren’t any injuries or fatalities.
Subsequent Offenses
A second DUI will be a felony if you get arrested on this charge within 10 years of your first arrest on a DUI offense.
Aggravated DUI
A DUI offense will be “aggravated” if, at the time of your arrest, your blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 or higher.
Oklahoma DUI Penalties
Driver’s License Revocation and Suspension
After your first DUI, your driver’s license gets revoked. In most cases, the revocation will last 180 days or six months. In addition, you will have a license suspension lasting between 30 and 180 days.
Jail Time
A first offense results in 10 days to one year of jail time. An Oklahoma DUI lawyer may be able to get the judge to grant you bail and reduce jail time.
Fines and Court Costs
The fine for a first offense is between $500 and $1,000.
Alcohol Education Programs
In most cases, DUI school is a requirement after receiving your first DUI.
Ignition Interlock Device Installation
Oklahoma has the Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP). If you enroll in this program, you must have the IID installed in your vehicle. This installation also depends on where you got charged with your DUI. Your Oklahoma DUI lawyer may be able to contest this requirement.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Oklahoma
If you get arrested on a DUI offense, do the following:
Make sure that you remain calm during this encounter and speak to the police officer politely and respectfully. When asked to submit to field sobriety tests, do not refuse. Although you are within your rights to refuse a breathalyzer test, you will face much more serious consequences if you do so.
After submitting to the breathalyzer test, you must not admit to driving under the influence, and you must not tell the officer how much you had to drink before you got into your vehicle. When you have a chance, discreetly write down everything that occurs during the arrest. After this incident is over, contact an Oklahoma DUI lawyer immediately.
Your Rights After a DUI Arrest in Oklahoma
Before an arrest on a DUI offense, it is extremely important that you know and understand your rights. The first of these is your right to remain silent. You also have the right to have an Oklahoma DUI attorney represent you in this case. These two rights are so important that they alone can significantly influence the direction in which your case goes. In addition to that, you must hire the best DUI lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
You also have the right to a speedy trial in Oklahoma. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution gives you that right.
You have the right to challenge the arrest or the evidence obtained. Your DUI lawyer can do this before the trial even begins. During a pre-trial motion, your Oklahoma DUI lawyer may challenge several pieces of evidence, including the results of the breathalyzer test, the blood or breath alcohol concentration test, or the field sobriety tests. Sometimes, the outcome of these challenges leads the district attorney to offer the defendant a highly advantageous deal; other times, the charges get dismissed entirely.
Can a Lawyer Get a DUI Dropped?
Your DUI lawyer may be able to challenge the legality of your traffic stop. For example, if the police officer did not see you break any laws, he or she may not have had a valid reason to pull you over. Your DUI defense lawyer may also question the results of your blood or breath tests, or the field sobriety test may be inaccurate. In addition to that, the law enforcement officer may have executed improper procedures during the field sobriety test and the arrest. Depending upon the results of these motions, your Oklahoma DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor for reduced criminal charges or a plea bargain.
What Questions to Ask DUI Lawyer?
The following is a list of questions that you must ask your DUI lawyer:
- Do you have experience handling DUI cases in Oklahoma?
- What is your success rate in representing DUI clients?
- What are your fees and payment schedules?
- What is your communication style like?
- What is your availability?
DUI Lawyer Near Me Free Consultation
The attorneys at Shelton Law Firm are experienced and dedicated to aggressive representation of their clients. When they investigate their cases, they search for evidence of weakness in the prosecution’s case and present these weaknesses in court. They have experience negotiating with the prosecution so that they can provide you with the best possible outcome of your case.
During your free consultation, they will work to thoroughly understand your case and ensure you fully understand all of your options.
Oklahoma DUI Lawyer FAQs
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Typically Cost?
At Shelton Law Firm, we offer competitive rates and flexible payment options.
What Happens if I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?
Oklahomans give implied consent for DUI testing under Oklahoma law. If you drive on the roads, you automatically consent to testing if an officer suspects you of DUI.
You have the right to refuse a BAC test in most cases (unless it involves an accident). The officer and the prosecutor can use this against you on the scene and in court. Your driver’s license may be suspended, you may be required to attend impaired driver courses, and you may have to have the ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
If you agree, request an independent test for your protection. Refusing or failing the test can lead to license suspension, but a timely administrative hearing may reverse the decision.
Can I Lose My Job after a DUI Conviction?
Yes, but this is especially the case if part of your job duties include driving. If not, a DUI conviction can impact your employment during a background check. Employers ask for background checks to evaluate your judgment and reliability.
How Long Does a DUI Case Typically Take to Resolve?
A DUI case can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. This depends on the case complexity, trial requests, or plea negotiations.
What Is the First Step I Should Take After a DUI Arrest?
The first thing that you should do is contact a DUI lawyer.
If you get arrested for drunk driving, hire an Oklahoma DUI lawyer quickly. Contact Shelton Law Firm for a free consultation and case evaluation. We can discuss your options and prepare a strategy to offer you the best possible outcome in your DUI case.
Call us at Shelton Law Firm to speak to a DUI accident lawyer, or fill out our short online form.
Shelton Law Firm is a trusted law office serving Oklahoma City and 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.