How to Handle Oklahoma DUI?

It is difficult to handle a DUI charge and it may take time for the ramifications to go completely. Only when you begin to forget the past, will you make another mistake and you are once again disabled? If your first DUI is not more than 10 years old, another conviction may mean a tougher sentence than it was the first. If another DUI is convicted, you need to contact criminal lawyers.

What's the Second Time?

Not every subsequent DUI is seen by the Oklahoma Courts as a second offense. There is a period of 10 years. The second DUI under the law is only considered when the charge came within 10 years of the sentence of the first DUI. In fact, the current charge is not considered a second DUI, but an early offense, if you have been charged with a DUI and convicted for another DUI more than 10 years ago.

Penalties

When, within 10 years of your first arrest, you have been convicted of a second DUI, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. You will face a minimum prison period of 1 year and up to 5 years, a $2,500 penalty and a suspension of 6 months. If you can keep your license or after your suspension is over, you may need to use an ignition locking system. The costs of installation and maintenance of the unit are the responsibility of you.

You can also complete an assessment of drug and alcohol abuse and follow up with rehabilitation if necessary. You will face a lengthy prison sentence if you do not undergo an assessment and treatment program. The testing and treatment expenses will be covered by you.

Why Do You Need an Attorney?

Many individuals faced with a first DUI conviction will escape a substantial prison term. Most drivers are back on the road and can get behind their mistake after a fine local service, a brief license suspension or an offensive block tool. Nevertheless, a second mistake in ten years results in more serious penalties. Most citizens can't completely escape prison or revocation of licenses. The only way to minimize the consequences of a potential prosecution is by strong defense.

An experienced DUI defense lawyer will create defenses to show your innocence. If you are likely to be convicted, the attorney will strike a plea with the public prosecutor to ensure that the punishment is fair.

You can contact Foshee and Yaffee to get in touch with experienced criminal lawyers in OKC.

**Disclaimer: This content is not to be construed as legal advice nor does it establish terms of a client-attorney relationship.