Felony DUI Attorneys in Norman, OK

Felony DUI Defense Representation in Cleveland and McClain Counties and Throughout Oklahoma

A felony DUI charge is incredibly serious and can alter the course of your life. You likely already understand the weight of this situation, with potential penalties including long-term imprisonment, substantial fines, and a lasting impact on your personal and professional future. Seeking the guidance of a skilled DUI attorney without delay is one of the most critical decisions you can make. 

Our team at Schumacher Law Group includes experienced criminal defense attorneys who can work tirelessly to enforce your rights, protect your interests, and pursue the best possible outcome, no matter the circumstances. We offer no-judgment, results-driven representation that prioritizes protecting your future. 

We recognize the gravity of the situation you are in and can bring a deep understanding of local DUI laws and the legal system to your defense. Our founding attorney, Tracy Schumacher, is a former prosecutor and district judge, which helps us anticipate how prosecutors and courts approach these cases. The uncertainty and stress that comes with felony DUI charges can be overwhelming, but we are prepared to provide the dedicated support and advocacy you need to effectively navigate this unimaginably difficult time.

A felony DUI charge threatens your future, so put experienced legal advocates on your side. Call (405) 643-4884 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with our felony DUI lawyers in Norman, OK.

When Does DUI Become a Felony in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, your first DUI charge will likely be a misdemeanor if there were no aggravating factors. However, a DUI offense can become a felony under several specific circumstances. A second or subsequent DUI charge within a ten-year period following a first DUI conviction will generally result in felony charges. Individuals who find themselves facing a second or third DUI charge are likely to receive harsher penalties if convicted, including extended periods of incarceration, steeper fines, and longer license suspensions.

A driver will also likely face felony DUI charges if they cause serious bodily injury or death while under the influence. Drivers involved in these incidents may face additional criminal charges, including first-degree manslaughter or even second-degree murder, depending on the severity of the harm caused and the driver’s DUI history. 

Driving with a significant blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level or while under the influence of drugs can also lead to felony charges if additional aggravating factors are present. For example, driving while under the influence with a minor in the vehicle while intoxicated is typically considered a serious felony offense. Additionally, repeated violations of ignition interlock device requirements can compound legal consequences and contribute to felony-level charges.

Penalties for Felony DUI in Oklahoma

It should come as no surprise that felony DUI convictions come with more severe penalties than those associated with misdemeanor DUI. The specific punishments a driver can face will depend on whether this is their first felony DUI offense, the involvement of any aggravating factors, and whether anyone was hurt or killed. 

A felony DUI conviction in Oklahoma generally carries the following penalties:

• First felony DUI – one to five years in jail, up to $2,500 in fines, and a minimum one-year license suspension
• Second felony DUI – one to ten years in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, up to 240 hours of community service, mandatory ignition interlock device installation for up to two years, and a minimum two-year license suspension
• Third and subsequent felony DUI – one to twenty years in jail, up to $5,000 in fines, up to 480 hours of community service, mandatory ignition interlock device installation for up to two years, a minimum two-year license suspension, and one year of supervision and periodic testing
• Felony DUI that causes great bodily injury or death – four to twenty years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines

Anyone convicted of felony DUI must undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation conducted by a certified assessor. This assessor may recommend alternative sentencing instead of incarceration, but the judge has the final say. 

Fines can be doubled in felony DUI cases involving a child passenger. Again, if DUI leads to the death of another person, the driver can be charged with first-degree manslaughter or second-degree murder. A first-degree manslaughter conviction carries a minimum sentence of four years in prison. A second-degree murder conviction requires a minimum ten-year sentence. Both of these homicide charges can lead to life imprisonment. 

Convicted felons in Oklahoma also lose some of their civil rights, including the right to vote during their sentence and the ability to purchase or own firearms. Many employment opportunities become inaccessible due to restrictions on certain licenses or the stigma of a felony record. Felons may struggle to find housing, as many landlords conduct background checks and deny applications from those with a criminal history. 

A person cannot typically expunge a felony DUI until five years after the completion of their sentence, and even then, an individual must have no other convictions within the preceding seven years and no other felony convictions on their record. If someone does have a previous felony conviction on their record in addition to their felony DUI conviction, they may only be eligible for expungement after ten years from the completion of their sentence if the other conviction was not violent in nature and did not require the person to register as a sex offender. 

Our felony DUI attorneys in Norman, OK, understand the far-reaching implications a conviction can have on your life. That’s why we leave no stone unturned when advocating for our clients and looking for ways to mitigate or avoid these repercussions. Our team at Schumacher Law Group can leverage our extensive experience and knowledge to protect your rights and fight for the best possible result.