The state of Oklahoma has implemented an implied consent law for DUI offenses, which means if you are driving a vehicle on a public roadway, you have given “implied consent” to a chemical test if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While drivers in Oklahoma have the right to …
The state of Oklahoma has implemented an implied consent law for DUI offenses, which means if you are driving a vehicle on a public roadway, you have given “implied consent” to a chemical test if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While drivers in Oklahoma have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test, doing so will result in automatic suspension of their driving privileges and may lead to more serious consequences, including their arrest. If you have been charged with drunk driving in Oklahoma, or if you are facing a license revocation because you failed to submit to a chemical test, enlist the help of a qualified DUI attorney today. Our DUI lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center have years of experience defending individuals charged with drunk driving, and can help you protect your legal rights against the sometimes corrupt legal system.
BAC and Oklahoma’s Legal Limit
According to Oklahoma’s DUI law, the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) across the state is 0.08%. This means that anyone operating a motor vehicle who scores a BAC of 0.08% or more on a breathalyzer test is considered intoxicated under Oklahoma law. Unfortunately, even OK drivers with a BAC below 0.08% may face a DUI conviction and the associated penalties. Persons operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of between 0.05% and 0.08%, for example, are still considered “impaired” in Oklahoma, and may be subjected to penalties including a $100 fine or six months in jail. For drivers under the age of 21, operating a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system puts them at risk of an automatic driver’s license revocation, even if they are not convicted of a DUI in court.
Drunk Driving Penalties in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has taken steps to reduce the incidence of DUI accidents in Oklahoma by instituting stricter penalties for drunk driving. According to Oklahoma law, a first offense for drunk driving is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and between 10 days and one year in prison. A second offense within 10 years of the first is considered a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and between one and five years in prison. A second felony offense is associated with a fine of up to $5,000 and between one and seven years in prison. A third or subsequent drunk driving offense in Oklahoma is considered a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and between one and 10 years in prison. A new law put into effect this year implements harsher penalties for DUI accidents that result in great bodily harm to another person. The new Oklahoma legislation increases the maximum prison sentence from five years to ten years for any person driving under the influence of alcohol who causes great bodily harm to another driver, pedestrian or passenger.
Contact Our Oklahoma Drunk Driving Attorneys for Help
It is important to understand in full Oklahoma drunk driving laws, especially those regarding implied consent and the legal limit for blood alcohol content, so that you can protect yourself in the event of DUI charges. If you are facing drunk driving charges in Oklahoma, enlisting the help of a qualified DUI attorney can significantly improve your chances of having your charges reduced or dropped altogether. Our experienced lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center have extensive experienced building defenses for individuals charged with drunk driving, and can help you work towards receiving a favorable outcome.