DUI Felony Oklahoma
DUI (Driving Under the Influence, APC (Actual Physical Control) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Oklahoma. It depends on the unique situation of your arrest.
Definitions:
A felony DUI crime in Oklahoma is usually defined as a crime with very serious consequences and more than 1 year in jail.
A misdemeanor DUI in Oklahoma is deemed as a crime that requires 1 year or less in jail. A first offense DUI is usually not considered a felony unless people were hurt, your BAC was very high, or if children were in the vehicle.
However, there are circumstances when a misdemeanor charge can be elevated to a felony DUI charge.
This can include the following circumstances:
- If you breath test or blood test results come back registering .15% or more. This is considered aggravated DUI.
- If you have children in the vehicle. This is considered child endangerment.
- If there was a major accident that caused injuries or if someone experienced a great bodily injury. Meaning, someone experienced major injuries like permanent scars, disfigurement, or broken bones.
- If your last impaired driving conviction was less than 10 years ago. If this is your 2nd DUI, 3rd DUI, 4th DUI, 5th DUI or more, you will most likely be charged with a felony DUI.
- If you have a DUI deferred sentence from the past.
- If someone one or more people died.
- If you were charged with manslaughter.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor
The primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony is the type of penalties associated with the offense. As the less severe of the two charges, a misdemeanor carries a maximum $1,000 fine and one-year jail sentence. The standard sentence for a felony DUI conviction includes a prison sentence of one to 20 years, up to $5,000 in fines, and an eight- year driver’s license suspension.
A felony DUI conviction will also cost you your driver’s license. Depending on the nature of your offense, your driving privileges may be revoked for as long as three years. To prevent future arrests, the court may even require you to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle—ensuring your vehicle will only start after you successfully perform a breathalyzer.
Finally, you can expect to encounter difficulties in your personal life with a felony conviction on your record. For example, convicted felons often lose their right to vote, purchase firearms, and obtain a passport. Applying for a new job or housing can also be challenging.
Taking a Felony DUI Seriously and Investing In Yourself
A felony DUI is something to take very seriously. It will have an impact on you for the rest of your life and it is worth investing in yourself right now. The actions that you take right now will impact the rest of your life. If you need to have this felony charge reduced or dismissed altogether, we invite you to schedule a free, no obligation case assessment with The Edge Law Firm.
We have a proven track record of helping people just like yourself gain back their freedom and dignity by beating the DUI charges against them. Please read our case wins and submit your contact details below to step back into your own power and possibilities.
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