Repeat DUI Offenses in Oklahoma: Understanding the Consequences

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a serious offense, and Oklahoma takes a tough stance on repeat offenders. If you’re convicted of a DUI in Oklahoma and then get another within a ten-year period, the second DUI is considered a felony, with significantly increased penalties compared to a first-time offense. Here’s a brief overview from a lawyer serving Oklahoma City of the potential consequences of repeat DUI offenses.

Repeat DUI Offenses in Oklahoma: An Oklahoma City Lawyer Explains the Consequences

Oklahoma’s “Lookback Period”

In Oklahoma, the consequences for a DUI conviction depend heavily on your prior DUI history within a 10-year period. This “lookback period” means a DUI conviction on your record can count towards a new DUI charge being classified as a second (or subsequent) offense, leading to much more serious penalties.

It’s important to note that this lookback period applies even if your prior DUI conviction occurred in a different state. Oklahoma adheres to the Driver’s License Compact, a reciprocal agreement between most states that enforces uniformity in driver’s license regulations and penalties. This means that DUIs obtained in other jurisdictions will be considered part of your driving record in Oklahoma for the purposes of determining sentencing for subsequent offenses.

Potential Penalties for a Second DUI Offense in Oklahoma

While a first-time DUI is generally a misdemeanor, a second DUI within 10 years in Oklahoma is a felony offense. This means penalties could include up to $2,500 in fines and license suspension for a minimum of six months and up to a year. You might be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on any vehicle you operate. This device requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before starting your car. The punishment could even mean jail time, with a minimum of one year to a maximum of five years in state prison.

Mandated Substance Abuse Assessment

After a second DUI conviction, Oklahoma law mandates that you undergo a substance abuse assessment. This assessment is typically conducted by a licensed counselor or therapist and aims to evaluate your relationship with alcohol or drugs. The assessor will consider factors like your drinking or drug use patterns, past history, and potential for addiction.

Depending on the results of this assessment, you may be required to complete a court-ordered substance abuse treatment program at your own expense. These programs can range from outpatient counseling to intensive inpatient rehabilitation, carrying significant costs and time commitment.

Financial Cost of Repeat DUIs

Attorney Fees

Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer is essential but can be expensive. An attorney with expertise in handling complex felony DUI cases will likely have higher fees, but their skilled representation can make the difference in potentially lowering the long-term costs you face.

Fines and Court Costs

Fines can escalate quickly, and additional court costs will add to your financial burden. Fines for felony DUIs may reach several thousand dollars, and you’ll be responsible for other fees associated with your case.

Substance Abuse Treatment

If ordered, treatment programs can cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the recommendations of your assessment, you might be required to complete inpatient or outpatient treatment, both of which are significant expenses.

IID Installation and Maintenance

These devices are costly to install and typically come with a monthly monitoring fee. The cost of installation, along with ongoing monthly maintenance and calibration fees, can add up over the extended time the IID is required on your vehicle.

Increased Insurance Rates

A DUI conviction, especially a felony, will dramatically increase your auto insurance premiums, potentially for years to come. Insurance companies view drivers with DUI offenses as high-risk, resulting in significantly higher rates that can strain your finances for an extended period.

Long-Term Impact of Repeat DUIs

Restricted Driving Privileges

After a license suspension, you may be eligible for a restricted hardship license to drive to key locations like work or school. However, obtaining a hardship license requires navigating administrative processes and may involve additional fees. These licenses also come with conditions, and the continued use of an IID may be required.

Employment Difficulties

A felony conviction can seriously harm your employment prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony on your record may make it challenging to obtain or keep certain jobs. You might, for example, be excluded from jobs that require driving or operating machinery.

Housing Challenges

Some landlords and apartment complexes run background checks that could reveal a felony conviction. This may create obstacles when seeking housing. You might be denied housing or face higher deposits or rental rates due to your criminal history.

Difficulty Obtaining Loans or Credit

Financial institutions might be hesitant to extend loans or credit with a felony conviction on your record. A felony conviction can indicate increased financial risk to lenders. You may face higher interest rates, lower credit limits, or be denied outright for loans like mortgages or car financing.

Obstacles in Education and Professional Licensing

Certain educational programs or professional licenses may be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain with a felony DUI. Academic institutions and licensing boards often consider an applicant’s criminal history as a factor in determining suitability. A felony conviction may disqualify you from programs in fields like healthcare, education, or law.

Strained Personal Relationships

Since a repeat DUI in Oklahoma is a felony conviction, it carries a social stigma that can negatively impact your relationships and reputation. The stigma and the accompanying stress can place a heavy burden on relationships with friends, family, and loved ones. 

Prevention Is Key

The best way to avoid the severe consequences of repeat DUI offenses is to make responsible choices about drinking and driving. Always plan ahead! Have a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol or make use of ride-share services. Apps like Uber and Lyft provide a safe and convenient way to get home if you’ve been drinking. Most importantly, seek help. If you struggle with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Treatment programs and support groups are available.

Remember that a DUI conviction isn’t just about you. When you choose to drive under the influence, you put your own life and the lives of others on the road at risk. Make responsible decisions and seek help when needed. Help keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe.


The Importance of Legal Representation

Facing a second or subsequent DUI charge in Oklahoma is an extremely serious situation, but the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. An experienced DUI defense attorney can challenge the evidence, carefully examining every aspect of the traffic stop, arrest, and chemical testing to identify any violations of your rights or inconsistencies in the evidence that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
Your attorney will also negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors, as well. They may be able to negotiate a plea deal for a lesser charge or reduced sentence, potentially minimizing the long-term consequences of the DUI, and especially if you’re willing to address a drug or drinking problem head on. If a conviction is unavoidable, a skilled attorney can advocate for alternative sentencing options such as treatment programs or community service to offset jail time.
If you or a loved one faces repeat DUI charges in Oklahoma, contact Cannon & Associates today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case. We will thoroughly assess your situation and develop a personalized defense strategy designed to protect your future.

By John Cannon