In the state of Oklahoma , combining drinking and driving is called DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated), and offenders are handled with an iron hand. If you find yourself in this predicament, you will need to consult an Oklahoma DWI/DUI lawyer to help you sort things out with the law. Whether you feel you have been wrongly accused of DUI or DWI, or you know that there are mitigating circumstances the court should be aware of, finding an Oklahoma DUI/DWI lawyer is a step in the right direction.

Oklahoma Laws

Unlike in other states, having a blood alcohol content of less than .08% does not let you off the hook. You can still face impaired driving charges. If you are found guilty on impaired driving charges, you should expect to spend up to six months in jail and pay five hundred dollars in fines. You will lose your license for 180 days, and if you refuse to undergo chemical testing in this state, you can automatically lose your license for up to three years. If your blood alcohol content is .08% or higher, you will spend up to one year in jail, and you can expect to pay one thousand dollars in fines. You also face the suspension of your license for up to 180 days. If your blood alcohol content is found to be higher than .15%, you will face more severe sentencing: longer jail sentences, higher fines, and the possibility of mandatory alcohol treatment.

You should keep in mind that once you are charged and found guilty, this crime will haunt you for the rest of your life. You should expect higher fines even for the smallest traffic infractions because you have a criminal record. Also, you may face employment and credit difficulties once you have a criminal record because your conviction will appear on your records for them to see.

What to Do

The first thing you need to do is find a lawyer. When you are looking for a lawyer to represent you in your DUI charges, there are three primary things you need to consider. First, look at the firm’s background with regard to cases like yours. How many have they tried? What is their success rate? How well do they know their way around the system? Second, look carefully at the firm’s expertise with regard to cases like yours. DUI precedents are set every single day in other courtrooms across the country, and if you want your case to be handled well, your attorney needs to be familiar with DUI law on an intimate level. Finally, be sure that you understand your attorney’s fee schedule. Ask about retainer fees, and find out what the hourly billing rate will be. Ask about payment plans to help you manage your debt.

The Next Step

Aside from these questions about the firm and the lawyers, you will also need to take note of what actually happened to you during your DUI incident, how it happened, why you think it happened, and the events that led to it happening. Relating everything to your Oklahoma DUI/DWI lawyer will improve your chances of either being cleared of the charges or having a less severe sentence. Contacting a qualified Okalahoma DWI/DUI attorney can seriously improve your chances of fighting back. Do not get caught in despair, contact an attorney today.

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