When you’re having a few drinks, always let someone else do the driving for you. You might think that you’re good to drive, but it only takes one wrong decision to cause severe destruction like brain damage, spinal cord injury, or death to yourself or another driver, which can be the gravest of consequences.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, the effects of a DUI in Oklahoma City can vary. That’s why it’s important to know everything you can about a DUI, including your rights when facing a potential DUI charge, and how an Oklahoma City DUI lawyer can help.
What Is a DUI?
According to Oklahoma law, you are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if you have a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.10 or more at the time of a blood or breath test that was taken within two hours from your arrest.
Oklahoma law also penalizes being in control of a vehicle while impaired by or under the influence of alcohol, even though you’re not actually driving or operating the car. This can arise, for example, when you’re in a parking lot in your car, and you want to “wait it off” after having a few drinks.
A DUI charge is not just limited to alcohol. If you are under the influence of mind-altering drugs or substances that can impair your ability to drive, you can be charged with a DUI. The fact that the drug was a medication prescribed to you is not a valid defense.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI?
The penalties for a DUI depend on how many times you’ve been convicted for it. For a first offense, the DUI will be classified as a misdemeanor that carries the penalty of imprisonment of ten days to one year and a maximum fine of $1,000.00.
Third time DUI convictions within ten years of your last are classified as felonies, which carry harsher penalties.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a DUI?
When you are convicted of a DUI, the consequences are not just limited to jail or prison time, probation, community service, education classes, and fines. You could lose your driver’s license and have to apply to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Impaired Driver Accountability Program (IDAP).
You are also required to disclose past DUI convictions every time you apply for a job, or housing lease, which could make your future employment and living prospects a lot harder.
How an Oklahoma City DUI Lawyer Can Help
Even if it’s a first offense classified as a misdemeanor, the consequences of a DUI can be devastating. However, it’s not a hopeless situation.
No matter what charges you are facing, you always have the right to a defense. At AMA Law, we understand the gravity of a DUI conviction, and our DUI lawyers can help explain to you what your rights are and what different legal remedies are available to you.
To maximize your chances, it’s best to get an attorney as early as possible so you can start building your defense. Call us now at 405-708-7789 to schedule a free consultation or fill out the contact form on this page.