DUI charges in the state of Oklahoma can create many obstacles in one’s life. Generally, there are two factors that will be taken into consideration when a police officer arrests you for DUI. These are your blood alcohol content (BAC) and your manner of driving. The state has a per se law that specifically targets drivers whose BAC is at .o8% or higher. This means that drivers whose BAC is above the legal limit will be arrested for DUI, even if they could be driving safely.
DUI Arrests in Oklahoma
Under regular instances, a DUI arrest in Oklahoma can spark two separate cases: one is the criminal case and the other is an administrative hearing. The criminal court will handle the majority of your penalties and punishments, while an administrative hearing with the Department of Public Safety will decide on having your license suspended. You must keep in mind that you are only given 15 days following your arrest to request a hearing with the DPS. If you fail to make a request, you will automatically lose your license by default. Hence, it is very important that you consult a qualified DUI lawyer to help you prepare all the paper works correctly and file a request on time.
A person caught driving under the influence of alcohol is required to take a BAC test to determine the amount of alcohol present in the system. You can refuse to submit a blood sample, but your refusal will definitely have heavier consequences upon your DUI conviction.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
Typical penalties for a DUI conviction in Oklahoma can vary depending on the number of times a person has been convicted of DUI. First time offenders can expect to face comparatively lighter consequences than subsequent offenders. Nonetheless, a person convicted with DUI for the first time can still expect to serve the following consequences:
Apart from counting your previous DUI convictions, penalties for your present conviction can be affected by the presence of some aggravating factors. These factors include the level of alcohol present in your system, presence of minor in the vehicle at time of the arrest, and incurred damages.
License Suspensions for Oklahoma DUI
Aside from the fines, jail time, rehabilitation program, and other charges, your DUI conviction is also a ground for license suspension wherein you can expect to serve the following sentences:
If you refuse to take the BAC test, the authorities can confiscate your license for at least 180 days regardless of the outcome of your case. Nevertheless, a hardship license is available to allow you to drive to and from work or school.
Insurance Consequences
Typically, most insurance providers respond to DUI conviction by way of either increasing your insurance rates, or cancelling your existing coverage. With a DUI conviction on your driving record, it’s definitely challenging to find a new insurer. However, you are required to present a copy of proof of insurance before you can get your license back. For this reason, you may either accept your new insurance rate or successfully find a new policy provider to be able to drive again.