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I was facing serious charges that would damage my career and future life. Tommy proved to be the best investment I could have made and got me unbelievable results, way better than I expected I could get. Now I will not have to worry about those charges adversely affecting my career and future life. I would recommend Tommy to anyone as a definite first choice.
-- , Oklahoma City, OklahomaTraffic and DUI
The Oklahoma City drunk driving defense lawyers at Atkins & Markoff are experienced attorneys handling DUI, DWI and OUI charges regularly. Time is critical, contact an Oklahoma City DUI Lawyer today.
Driving under the influence, referred to as, “drunk driving,” describes operating a motor vehicle while one’s blood alcohol content is above the legal limit set by Oklahoma statute, which supposedly is the level at which a person cannot drive safely. State statutes vary as to what that level is, but it ranges from .08 to .10 for adults, which means a 8/100ths to one-tenth of one percent by weight of alcohol to the weight of blood. This is translated into grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood in tests of blood or urine sample, or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of air in a “breathalyzer” test. A combination of the use of alcohol and narcotics can also be “under the influence” based on erratic driving. Driving on private property such as a parking lot is no drunk driving defense, but sitting in a non-moving vehicle without the ignition on probably is (sometimes resulting in a charge of “drunk in and about a vehicle”). This is a misdemeanor and is variously referred to as DUI, driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving, or a “deuce”.
If you have been charged with drunk driving in Oklahoma City, don’t sit still and accept the charge without fighting it. Contact the Oklahoma City DUI attorneys at Atkins & Markoff today.
Traffic and DUI Charges in Oklahoma
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is hazardous and can put the life of the impaired driver and other drivers on the road in serious danger. For this reason, driving under the influence (DUI) laws in Oklahoma are strict; convictions for DUI cases can range from a license suspension to jail time or a prison sentence, depending on the circumstances of the case. More severe criminal actions are taken for DUI cases with a high BAC (over .15%), with a passenger under the age of fifteen, or involving an injury or fatal crash. In many cases, a DUI conviction also increases insurance costs considerably, or causes your insurance carrier to drop your policy, forcing you to obtain more expensive insurance coverage. Due to the severity of drunk driving laws in Oklahoma, it is imperative to enlist the help of a qualified Oklahoma DUI attorney after being charged with a DUI, in order to improve your chances of winning your case.
Legal BAC Limit in Oklahoma
Blood alcohol content, or BAC, is the measure of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, which can be determined by administering a breathalyzer test. Legal BAC levels vary state-by-state, but the legal limit in Oklahoma is .08%. This means that a BAC reading of .08% of more on a breathalyzer test indicates that the driver is intoxicated under Oklahoma law. For drivers under the age of twenty-one, any measurable amount of alcohol in your system will result in the revocation of your driver’s license in Oklahoma, even if you are not convicted of a DUI in court. Unfortunately, even if your blood alcohol content is below .08%, you can still face DUI penalties in Oklahoma. Under Oklahoma law, you are impaired if your BAC is .05%, and you can still be convicted if you are found guilty of drunk driving with a .05% BAC. In Oklahoma, the penalty for operating a vehicle with a BAC of between .05% and .08% is a $100 fine or six months in jail. Your license will also be suspended for up to a year, depending on the presence any previous suspensions.
Oklahoma’s Implied Consent Laws
If you are stopped by a police officer who suspects that you have been drinking, you will be asked to take a breathalyzer test. Oklahoma law dictates that, if you are operating a motor vehicle, you have given what is known as “implied consent” to be tested by an officer if you are suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, refusal to take a breathalyzer test will result in the immediate suspension of your driver’s license, even if you have not been drinking, and could also result in your arrest. Depending on your driving record, the revocation of your license could last anywhere from 180 days to three years.
Contact an Oklahoma DUI Attorney
Being convicted of a DUI in Oklahoma comes with harsh penalties that can severely affect your life, your finances and your future. If you have been unfairly charged with drunk driving in Oklahoma, contact an experienced Oklahoma DUI attorney at Atkins & Markoff for legal guidance. It is important to have a knowledgeable DUI lawyer on your side when facing DUI charges, one who will protect your rights and ensure that your case is handled fairly and honestly. Understanding Oklahoma DUI laws and courtroom proceedings can be a challenge. Hiring a qualified attorney with a successful background in handling drunk driving defense can make a significant difference in the outcome of your drunk driving charge. With the help of the Oklahoma DUI lawyers at Atkins & Markoff, you can begin fighting your DUI charge today.