First Offense DUI in Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma imposes both criminal and administrative penalties for offenders arrested and convicted of first DUI in Oklahoma. The administrative penalties, involving an impending suspension of license, may proceed prior to criminal conviction, and in turn, having legal counsel involved in your case from the date of arrest is imperative. The following outlines penalties applicable to adult drivers with private operator’s license, and in turn, minors and commercial drivers are subject to drastically different penalties in most instances.

Administrative Penalties

• First offense DUI arrest in Oklahoma initiates an impending license suspension of thirty (30) days, unless otherwise contested at an administrative hearing

• Refusals to submit, first offense, carry mandatory automatic license revocation of six (6) months in Oklahoma

• Reinstatement of license for first offense DUI-based suspensions entails participation in alcohol/substance abuse assessment and treatment, but does not explicitly require use of ignition interlock devices for first offenders

Criminal Penalties

• First offense convictions of DUI in Oklahoma carry penalties of at least five (5) days of incarceration, but not more than one (1) year

• Fines assessed up to $1,000 with minimum of additional $300 applied as DUI fees. Fines and fees expenses noted do not cover costs incurred during completion of other terms of criminal sentence or during administrative reinstatement process

• Fines and incarceration penalties increase significantly if minor present in vehicle during first offense, with potential incarceration of not more than four (4) years with fines of not more than $2,000

• Convictions for first offense DUI influence future DUI cases, including charges and sentencing, for a period of ten (10) years

Getting Legal Help

No statutory provisions in Oklahoma prohibit plea agreements that reduce first offense DUI to lesser criminal or even non-criminal charge. Likewise, defendants should also actively seek out dismissal, or in the worst case, negotiate a favorable plea agreement, alongside the representation of legal counsel. Consult with an Oklahoma first offense DUI lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and options.