Your first run-in with the law is a terrifying experience. It often happens at an age where alcohol’s effects on your body and judgment are not yet well known to you. This usually results in a DUI that introduces young adults to the state’s criminal justice system for the first time. Many have no idea what to expect or what to do next.
Even if you’re a seasoned driver who only made a misjudgment, the DUI system can be harsh, confusing, and expensive. Let’s look at the potential consequences first-time DUI offenders may face, and also the legal avenues available to them in Oklahoma. An experienced DUI attorney can guide you through your first-time DUI offense and ensure your rights and options are protected. Trust Outhier & Caruthers PLLC for comprehensive and practical legal advice when you need it most.
Oklahoma’s Penalties for First-Time DUI Offenders
When facing the Oklahoma legal system after a DUI offense, it’s crucial to be well-informed. The penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Oklahoma can include 10 days to a year of jail time. Here’s what else you might expect:
- Fines: Typically, first-time DUI offenders can expect fines that range from $500 to $1,000. These are just the standard fines. Additional costs, such as court fees and assessments, can cost you thousands of dollars in some cases.
- License Suspension: A first-time offense might see your driver’s license suspended for 180 days. This suspension can seriously disrupt your daily routines and make it difficult to get to work or fulfill family responsibilities.
- Mandatory Education Programs: Oklahoma law requires first-time DUI offenders to undergo a substance abuse evaluation. Depending on the results, you might be required to attend a DUI treatment program. These programs are designed to educate individuals on the risks of driving under the influence and help prevent repeated offenses.
Options for First-Time DUI Offenders
If you’re faced with a DUI charge, all is not lost. There are legal avenues available to you that might lessen the severity of the consequences:
- You can Challenge the Arrest: With the help of our seasoned DUI attorneys, you can challenge the circumstances of your arrest. We can investigate if the traffic stop was lawful or if the sobriety test was conducted correctly. These are just some aspects we can scrutinize to argue your side of the story.
- DUI Deferral Programs: Oklahoma knows the need for rehabilitative measures in certain instances. To that end, the state offers DUI deferral programs to provide a second chance for those who may have made a one-time mistake. If completed successfully, these programs can lead to the removal of the charge from your record and grant you a fresh start.
The Benefit of Working with Outhier & Caruthers PLLC
Navigating a first-time DUI charge can be overwhelming. However, partnering with an experienced personal injury attorney at Outhier & Caruthers PLLC can significantly benefit your case.
We bring knowledge and experience to your first-time DUI offense and help you see all available avenues. When you need help, call Outhier & Caruthers PLLC at (580) 234-6600.
