Can you give me an overview on the administrative and criminal penalties under the DUI/DWI Laws in Oklahoma?
Trevor
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Certainly, Trevor
Under the Oklahoma Administrative Driver’s License Sanctions, if the offender refuses to submit to a blood, breath or urine test, this will result to an administrative license suspension. The First Offense is a 180-day suspension; Second Offense is for a 1 year suspension and the Third Offense is 3-year suspension. In spite of this, work permit is allowed after 1 year with ignition interlock.
DUI/DWI Laws also indicates that the consequence for Test results of .08 Blood Alcohol Level (BAC) or higher is a 180-day suspension for the First offense and a work permit is allowed with interlock. For those who commit a Second offense; it will be a 1-year revocation and work permits are not allowed. A 3-year revocation with work permit allowed only after 1 year with interlock is imposed on the Third offense.
The Criminal Penalties under the DUI/DWI laws however, varies accordingly. The fine for BAC under.08 is $500 regardless of the occurrence. If it is .08 or higher, the fine would be -$1000 for the first offense; $-2500 for the second offense and -$5000 for the third misdemeanor. The detention for BAC under.08 is 6 months regardless of the instance .For BAC .08 or higher, the first time offender will be apprehended for 10 days to 1 year ; 1 to 5 years for the second offense and 1 to 7 years for the third offense. A Substance Abuse Program and Community Service Program are also compulsory under the criminal penalties which include inpatient treatment; 1-year aftercare and periodic testing for those with High BAC- Aggravated DUI.
Nevertheless, criminal charges and penalties vary considerably depending on where the case is heard. Impaired drivers may routinely be charged only with reckless driving rather than DUI or DWI in some rural areas.