Oklahoma takes DUI charges seriously, with mandatory jail time even for first-time offenders. Getting behind the wheel after drinking can lead to severe consequences that affect your freedom, finances and future.
Understanding Oklahoma’s strict DUI laws is crucial before you face potential charges. Even a first offense carries significant penalties, and a second conviction within 10 years automatically becomes a felony with much harsher punishment.
Oklahoma DUI penalties
In the Sooner State, you’re considered driving under the influence if you operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, have any Schedule I substance in your system or are impaired by any intoxicating substance.
You don’t need to be driving to get charged. Sitting in the driver’s seat with keys while intoxicated constitutes “actual physical control” and can result in a DUI.
For a first-time DUI offense, penalties include:
- 10 days to one year in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- 180-day license suspension
- Mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment
- Ignition interlock device for 18 months
A DUI becomes a felony if your BAC is .15 or higher, you have a child in the vehicle or you cause an accident resulting in injury or death. Felony charges carry substantially higher penalties. Penalties for multiple DUIs also become much harsher.
For a second offense within 10 years, penalties increase to:
- One to five years in prison
- Minimum five days in jail or a treatment facility
- Fines up to $2,500
- One-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device for four years
For a third offense, you’ll face:
- One to 10 years in prison
- Minimum 10 days in jail or a treatment facility
- 240 hours of community service
- Electronic monitoring
- Ignition interlock device for five years
These escalating penalties demonstrate how seriously Oklahoma treats repeat DUI offenses.
Why skilled DUI defense matters
A DUI conviction impacts far more than your immediate freedom and finances. It can affect your employment opportunities, increase your insurance rates dramatically and create a permanent criminal record that follows you for years. The consequences extend into nearly every aspect of your daily life.
Experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable attorney can challenge the legality of your traffic stop, question the accuracy of BAC testing or argue a lack of probable cause for your arrest. With their help, you might qualify for a pretrial diversion program or negotiate to have charges reduced to reckless driving.
For first-time offenders, a skilled lawyer can often help minimize penalties and guide you through options like substance abuse programs that might reduce your sentence. They can also represent you at administrative hearings to protect your driving privileges, which is separate from your criminal case but equally important to your ability to work and live normally.