Oklahoma Drug Abuse: DUI Laws and Penalties in Oklahoma

While some “driving under the influence” laws, fines and penalties are uniform across the country, there are also those that differ from state to state. For example, in the United States, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of.08 percent or higher. Oklahoma recognizes this law, but also has lower blood alcohol limits for drivers of commercial vehicles (.04) and drivers under the age of 21 (.02). Futhermore, the penalties associated with DUI convictions are usually unique to the state.

The Governor of Oklahoma recently passed the Oklahoma House Bill 3240, also known as the Aaron Gillming Act, requiring that drivers convicted of a DUI, even on a first offense, must participate in an alcohol and drug abuse evaluation and assessment program.

A driver that receives a DUI conviction in Oklahoma will face the following penalties:

First Conviction:

• Jail from 10 days to one year

• Jail for up to four years if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• Fine of up to $ 1,000

• Fine of double the amount if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• License suspension for 30 days

• Participation in alcohol and drug abuse program

• DUI fees of at least $ 300

Second Conviction:

• Jail from one to five years

• Jail for up to four years if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• License suspension for six months

• Ignition Interlock Device

• Fine of up to $ 2,500

• Fine of double the amount if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• Participation in alcohol and drug abuse program

Third Conviction:

• Jail from one to 20 years

• Jail for up to four years if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• Fine of up to $ 1,000

• Fine of double the amount if a child under 18 was in the vehicle

• License suspension for one year

• Ignition Interlock Device

• Community service for 480 hours

• One year of supervision and periodic testing

• Participation in alcohol and drug abuse program

In the state of Oklahoma, driving a motor vehicle implies that you have consented to a chemical test of your blood, breath or urine if a police officer suspects that you are under the influence of drugs, alcohol or both. If you refuse to submit to the test, your license will be seized and a court hearing will be scheduled for you. Depending on your record, the state may suspend your license from 180 days to three years for refusing to take the test, even if you were not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A DUI conviction will have serious consequences for the offender, now and in the future. A criminal record can affect not only your employment, but your personal freedom as well. If you have been charged with a DUI in Oklahoma, you should contact an experienced Oklahoma DUI attorney to review your case. A qualified DUI lawyer will have the knowledge of the potential charges you face, as well as the familiarity of courtroom proceedings to successfully represent you in your case.

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