Oklahoma City DUI Defense Lawyer
Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a serious crime in Oklahoma City. The consequences include facing jail time, paying steep fines, losing your driving privileges, and more. This makes it important to take action as soon as possible after getting arrested for driving under the influence.
The criminal defense lawyers at Cannon & Associates have the necessary experience and knowledge to take on your case and fight for a favorable outcome. Our founder John Cannon is a member of the Oklahoma county bar association and he has a deep understanding of DUI defense practice.
Our criminal defense law firm has covered cases ranging from drug possession, prescription drugs, white-collar crime, DUI/DW, human trafficking, domestic violence, and more. If you are seeking legal representation, our skilled team of criminal defense lawyers in Oklahoma City will provide you with a strong DUI defense in order to battle your criminal charges.
Do not hesitate to speak to an Oklahoma City DUI defense lawyer now. Contact Cannon & Associates today by calling 405-591-3935 and set up a free consultation.
What Exactly is Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Oklahoma City, OK?
DUI stands for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Oklahoma Statute §47-11-902 clearly defines the crime.
The statute outlines that an individual can be found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) if they “drive, operate or are in actual physical control of a motor vehicle within the state”.
If you are a first-time offender, then your case will usually be filed as a misdemeanor, but you should still take it very seriously. A DUI lawyer will be able to protect your legal rights in Oklahoma City.
What is the Difference Between a DUI and DWI in Oklahoma City, OK?
The terms driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are often used interchangeably by people. In Oklahoma City, the charges are classed as two different offenses:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If an individual is 21 years old or more, and they are caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above, then they can be charged with a DUI.
An individual can also be charged with a DUI for being under the influence of drugs or a mixture of alcohol and drugs.
If an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15 or higher, then you can be charged with an aggravated DUI.
If someone is a commercial driver and they hold a commercial driver’s license, then they can be charged with a DUI for having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as low as 0.04.
Driving While Impaired (DWI)
An individual can be charged with a driving while impaired (DWI) if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is below the legal limit, but still high enough that a police officer can see that they are impaired by the usage of alcohol or drugs.
In most cases, an individual can be charged with a DWI if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is between 0.06 or 0.07.
If you are having a hard time understanding criminal law and DUI law in Oklahoma City, then you should reach out to a DUI defense lawyer. They will be able to explain your criminal charges and how they can help your case.
Zero Tolerance Law in Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City is known for having a “zero tolerance” law against underage drinking and driving. If you are under the age of 21, then you can be charged with an underage DUI (even for having a slight amount of alcohol in your system — a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 or above).
Actual Physical Control of a Motor Vehicle in Oklahoma City, OK.
If you are not operating your motor vehicle, you can still receive a charge for drunk driving under Oklahoma City criminal law. The charge is called “actual physical control (APC)” or a “non-driving DUI”.
For example, a police officer can charge you with simply having the ability to operate your motor vehicle and being impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs (such as being found sleeping at the wheel in a parking lot).
Penalties for DUI, DWI, and APC in Oklahoma City, OK.
If you are facing criminal charges of a DUI, DWI, or APC, then the penalties will depend on a series of different factors including the level of impairment, the type of offense, and whether you have any previous alcohol or drug-related offenses on your criminal history record that could potentially be used against you.
Penalties will often include jail time, hefty fines, community service, attendance at a victim impact panel, and mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment. Furthermore, they might order an ignition interlock device to be installed in your motor vehicle or you could even lose your driver’s license.
It is important that you have an Oklahoma City DUI lawyer on your side to protect you from facing these penalties. Call our criminal defense law firm to set up a free case evaluation now.
Enlist the Services of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oklahoma City, OK.
If you are facing DUI charges, then you need to seek expert legal representation. At Cannon & Associates, our team of Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyers are highly trained to manage DUI charges with care and attention. We will add value to your case in a number of ways, including:
Reviewing your case in detail
Our team of DUI defense lawyers in Oklahoma City will review your case in detail, organize the paperwork and identify the weak points in the prosecutor’s case.
Exploring your defense strategies
Our criminal defense law firm has years of experience in DUI and DWI, and we will determine the best possible method of defense. For instance, your case could involve:
- Misconduct by the police officers.
- An unlawful traffic stop.
- A mismanaged breath test or blood test.
- Other issues that could result in the prosecution’s case getting thrown out by the court or getting the charges dismissed against you.
Looking for alternatives to jail
If you decide that you want to plead guilty, then you could have other options to help you avoid going to jail. For example, the state of Oklahoma offers an alcohol and drug treatment court, which could be available to you.
Taking your case to trial
Our DUI lawyers can fight your criminal charges by taking your case to trial, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
An experienced DUI defense attorney from Cannon & Associates will know how to challenge your case.
Post-trial appeals and sentencing
In the unlikely event that you are convicted for a criminal offense, we will start by aggressively defending you, fighting for a reduced sentence, and possibly even pursuing an appeal – if the option is available.
Implied Consent Offenses in Oklahoma City, OK.
Implied consent law is active in Oklahoma City. Under the law, you have given advance consent to blood alcohol testing by virtue of driving in the state.
If you refuse a test upon getting arrested, then your driving privileges can get revoked.
Administrative Hearing in Oklahoma City, OK.
If you receive a notice of revocation by a police officer, then you only have 15 days to request an administrative hearing with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. It is important to note that an administrative case is separate and distinct from other criminal charges and criminal convictions.
Our team of DUI defense lawyers can argue that a refusal never occurred and help you to avoid a license revocation.
Contact Cannon & Associates in Oklahoma City, OK.
If you are seeking expert legal representation, then you should look no further than Cannon & Associates.
Our law firm has years of experience and knowledge in terms of dealing with DUI/DWI cases. We also have the privilege of having access to the Oklahoma bar association through our founder John Cannon.
If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, then you deserve the best possible legal assistance.
Do not hesitate to speak to a criminal defense lawyer now. Contact Cannon & Associates today by calling 405-591-3935 and set up a free consultation in Oklahoma City, OK.