The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) has set forth its goals for 2013 in its annual Crash Reduction Program, outlining more serious efforts geared towards cracking down on DUI and seat belt violations in particular. Oklahoma authorities already take a tough stance on drunk driving, and strengthened efforts on the part of the highway patrol will …
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) has set forth its goals for 2013 in its annual Crash Reduction Program, outlining more serious efforts geared towards cracking down on DUI and seat belt violations in particular. Oklahoma authorities already take a tough stance on drunk driving, and strengthened efforts on the part of the highway patrol will likely result in more DUI arrests and harsher penalties throughout the state. If you have been arrested for drunk driving anywhere in Oklahoma, contact our knowledgeable defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center today. Our law firm has a successful reputation for helping Oklahomans defend themselves against drunk driving charges. With our DUI defense lawyers on your side, you can build a strong defense in your case and improve your chances of getting a favorable outcome in your drunk driving case.
OHP Plans to Increase Rate of DUI Arrests
According to Lieutenant Darian Galloway of the OK highway patrol, Oklahoma drivers should expect far less warnings in the coming year, as authorities take a tougher stance on drunk driving and the failure of motorists to buckle up throughout the state. “We’re trying to get the public to understand that we’re becoming more strict,” said Galloway. “Historically the highway patrol has written a lot of warnings. And people kind of anticipate the warnings.” Not anymore though; Oklahoma motorists can see the stronger stance authorities are taking in the goals the OHP has set alone, which include a projected 10% increase in seat belt citations, a 5% increase in drunk driving arrests and a 2% decrease in accidents causing serious injury or fatality.
Consult Our DUI Defense Attorneys Today
In Oklahoma, drunk driving is considered a serious offense, and being arrested on DUI charges or charges involving great bodily harm to another person is punishable by significant penalties. For a first-time DUI offense, a misdemeanor conviction could result in a sentence of five days to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, a 30-day license suspension and mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program. For a second or subsequent drunk driving conviction in Oklahoma, penalties are much more severe, especially if an accident causes serious injury to another person. If you are facing DUI charges in Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights. Consult our reputable DUI defense attorneys today to discuss your possible defense options and work to potentially have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether.