Not many people think of a DUI or DWI offense as a federal crime; however, crimes that are typically handled by state and municipal criminal court, such as DUIs can be handled in federal court as well. The primary way that a federal criminal charge can result from a DUI offense, is when the DUI occurs on federal property. It is important to contact a federal criminal defense attorney, if you are charged with a Federal DUI in Oklahoma. An experienced federal DUI defense attorney can assist you in avoiding fines, negative information on your record, jail time, and difficult terms of probation.
Free Resources from OKC DUI Lawyers and Your Fierce Advocates®: Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by our founder and Army veteran, John Cannon. We are privileged to defend clients facing OKC DUI charges, Edmond DUI charges, and DUI charges across Oklahoma. We also fight for client’s driving privileges following an Oklahoma DUI arrest. Find FREE RESOURCES on our YouTube page and our website, until we meet to answer your specific questions. You may also CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week for a free case planning session!Federal Land and Driving Under the Influence Laws
As a general rule anyone arrested on federal property for a federal DUI offense will have their case heard in federal court. It is important to understand you may be charged with a federal DUI, if you are arrested for DUI at the following locations. The following is a list of where a DUI case could be prosecuted in federal court based on the location of the DUI:
DUI in a National Park
Receiving a DUI in a National Park means the defendant is subject to a Class B misdemeanor. A Class B misdemeanor carries between 30 days to 6 months in federal custody and a $5,000 fine.
DUI on a Military Base
A DUI on a military base can be the illegal drinking and driving of a vehicle, but also includes the illegal drinking and flying an aircraft or drinking and operating a water vessel.
Under the UCMJ, a service member who is convicted of a DUI or DWI is subject to different consequences than a civilian. A service member can be subject to a letter of reprimand, revocation of pass privileges, extra duty requirements, referral to substance abuse treatment programs, corrective training, reduction in grade or rank, forfeiture of pay, bars to reenlistment, dismissal, or even a criminal court martial.
When a civilian is charged or arrested for a DUI on a military base, the offense cannot be handled through military justice; rather it must be handled in federal court or a court with competent jurisdiction.
DUI on other Federal Property
If you are charged with a DUI on federal property it may be handled by local authorities, i.e. state criminal court, if an agreement is in place between the jurisdictions; otherwise, it will be handled as a misdemeanor in federal court in the applicable federal criminal district. You may be charged in federal court with a state offense under the Assimilative Crimes Act, which allows federal prosecutors to use state laws to charge individuals who have a DUI or DWI on all federal property.
If a person is pulled over for a DUI or DWI, they are subject to the implied consent law. Implied consent means that a person who is pulled over and arrested for drinking and driving, they must submit to a chemical test to test their blood-alcohol levels. Acceptable chemical tests include
What are the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for my DUI conviction?
Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are serious crimes that can be prosecuted in federal court if committed on federal property (such as military bases, airports, and national parks) or while under federal jurisdiction. An important difference between federal DUI cases and state DUI cases is that in federal law, the defendant does not have a right to a trial by jury. Instead, the defendant only has a right to a trial by the judge.
A federal DUI offense can occur when the driver’s BAC is .08 or higher, the driver is incapable of operating their vehicle, or the BAC is greater than the state BAC. Generally, federal sentences that may be imposed on individuals who are convicted of a DUI include incarceration in federal prison for up to 6 months, a maximum fine of $5,000 and probation for up to 5 years.
These penalties can be increased if the driver’s BAC was significantly over the legal limit, if there was a child in the car, or if the driver has past DUI convictions.
Contact – Cannon & Associates: Federal DUI Defense Advocates
Experience matters when you are defending a case in Federal Court. It is important to know the federal criminal defense lawyer you hire is dedicated to your cause and versed in all aspects of federal criminal law and DUI sentencing. Cannon & Associates is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy and will fight for your rights. Being arrested for a federal DUI charge may lead to tough consequences, but Cannon & Associates is here to support and guide you through all of your options.
Free Resources from OKC DUI Lawyers and Your Fierce Advocates®: Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by our founder and Army veteran, John Cannon. We are privileged to defend clients facing OKC DUI charges, Edmond DUI charges, and DUI charges across Oklahoma. We also fight for client’s driving privileges following an Oklahoma DUI arrest. Find FREE RESOURCES on our YouTube page and our website, until we meet to answer your specific questions. You may also CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week for a free case planning session!Founder John Cannon has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top 40 under 40 and will fight for you to get the outcome you want in your case. Contact Cannon & Associates to protect your rights and fight for your case in Oklahoma. Complete the CONTACT FORM ON THIS PAGE NOW or CALL at 405-657-2323 for a free confidential case evaluation.