Seeing the flashing lights of a police vehicle can invoke feelings of fear in some drivers, even if they don’t feel they’ve done anything wrong. For someone who’s had a couple drinks, that fear exponentially multiplies. Understanding what may happen during a traffic stop can benefit someone who’s being accused of drunk driving because it takes some of the uncertainty out of the situation. Initial stop and observation A drunk driving stop typically begins when an officer observes signs of impaired driving, such as swerving, speeding or violating traffic laws. After pulling the vehicle over, the ..read more

Whether you’re a regular or an occasional user, chances are that you log on to at least one social media platform from time to time to share your life updates, opinions and experiences. However, if you’re facing legal challenges due to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges, a decision to continue using social media can result in negative consequences.  Due to all that can go wrong when criminal defendants continue posting on social media while their cases remain active, it is generally advised that anyone who is facing allegations of wrongdoing refrain from using social media until th ..read more

Motorists in Oklahoma violate impaired driving statutes in many different ways. Some people go to a party or restaurant and then feel as though they have to drive home despite drinking quite a bit. Those involved in car crashes could fail chemical tests and end up arrested. Many others may not even realize that they are over the legal limit when they start their vehicles. Many of those accused of a DUI offense had no intention to break the law and may have merely been over the legal limit without any obvious signs of chemical impairment. Drivers on their way home from work might decide to stop ..read more

The winter holidays have long been associated with food and drink – and a lot of that drink is alcoholic in nature. It’s very easy to end up “overdoing it” at a party or bar, even though you started out with the best of intentions. When it comes time to go home again, is there any way to speed things along as you sober up? The conventional wisdom is wrong Unfortunately, the idea that an icy shower (or dunking your head under the water in a sink) and some strong coffee can help you sober up faster is just fiction. The only real cure for intoxication is time. Alcohol is a toxin that your body ha ..read more

It is normal for those recently arrested for a driving under the influence (DUI) offense in Oklahoma to worry about the consequences that they may face in the event of a conviction. If someone pleads guilty or the criminal courts convict them, the courts have the authority to impose a variety of penalties. Judges can sentence someone to probation or put them in prison. The state often also requires those convicted of a DUI to pay fines. Historically, a driver’s license suspension or revocation was also standard. However, Oklahoma has changed its approach to better serve the public and deter re ..read more

A DUI arrest can begin changing your life immediately. If you were arrested and released from jail after posting bail or on your own recognizance, you may have to wait some time before your first hearing before a judge. In the meantime, you won’t have your driver’s license.   You’re likely feeling some combination of anxious, embarrassed and angry. You may not have told anyone what happened, or you may have confided in a close family member or friend. But you may also be wondering – and worrying – about whether you’re required to notify your employer at this stage of the process. Whe ..read more

There are numerous criminal charges that Oklahoma prosecutors can pursue against someone accused of intoxication at the wheel. Those with a slightly elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC) who are not technically over the legal limit might face driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges. Those with a BAC of over 0.08% and those who demonstrate obvious impairment at the wheel could face driving under the influence (DUI) charges. DUI charges are typically more serious than DWI charges, and they can lead to a variety of different penalties depending on the circumstances at the time of someone’s a ..read more

Impaired driving is illegal in every state, although the laws criminalizing intoxication at the wheel are slightly different in every state across the country. In Oklahoma, many people refer to drunk driving charges as driving under the influence (DUI) offenses. However, when looking at criminal statutes, it can be more reasonable to refer to those charges as Actual Physical Control (APC) charges. Anyone who is in physical control of a motor vehicle while over the limit for their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or under the influence of other mind-altering drugs could very well end up facing ..read more

Securing a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Oklahoma requires more effort than obtaining a standard driver’s license. There are additional educational and testing requirements, and an individual who obtains a CDL will be subject to more traffic regulations, including federal statutes that do not apply to those in passenger vehicles. One of the realities that is different for commercial drivers as opposed to those traveling in passenger vehicles is that the consequences of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense can be much more severe and longer-lasting. How do the strict rules for tho ..read more

Are you facing DUI charges? It’s crucial to understand the consequences of such charges to determine possible defense strategies. Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit. The legal limit for individuals aged 21 and over is 0.08% BAC, while for drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge. For a first-time DUI offense in Oklahoma, the penalties can be significant. You may face a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and a maxi ..read more