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Being arrested for DUI in Oklahoma City is one of the most stressful and frightening experiences you can face. Maybe you were pulled over late at night after leaving a Thunder game at Paycom Center or following dinner with friends in Bricktown. Perhaps you were stopped on I-35 or Broadway Extension heading home to Edmond or Moore. Within minutes, flashing lights turn into field sobriety tests on the roadside, a breath test, handcuffs, and a ride in the back of a patrol car.
For many people, this is the first and only time they have contact with the criminal justice system. It’s confusing, humiliating, and terrifying. And unfortunately, Oklahoma prosecutors and courts do not take DUI charges lightly. The District Attorney’s Office for Oklahoma County aggressively prosecutes DUI cases to the fullest extent. Judges rarely show leniency, and a conviction can mean far more than a fine or a brief loss of driving privileges.
It can follow you for life — affecting your job, your insurance, your family’s financial stability, your ability to travel freely, and your reputation in your community. That’s why it is absolutely critical to contact an experienced Oklahoma City DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your rights, build a solid defense, and keep your life on track.
Under Oklahoma law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. This is known as the “per se” standard — if your BAC is over this threshold, prosecutors do not even have to prove that your driving was impaired.
But the law goes further. Even if you blow under 0.08%, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI if the officer claims your normal faculties were impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination. This could include illegal drugs, prescription medication, or even over-the-counter substances that make you drowsy.
There is also a separate charge in Oklahoma called DUI-Drugs, which does not rely on a breath test but on blood or urine tests to detect controlled substances. This is increasingly common, especially with marijuana use.
If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, Oklahoma law elevates the charge to Aggravated DUI, which carries additional penalties like mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Many people underestimate just how harsh Oklahoma’s DUI penalties are until it’s too late. Even a first offense DUI conviction can mean:
If you have a second DUI within 10 years, it is charged as a felony in Oklahoma. That exposes you to:
A third DUI offense is even more serious, often leading to substantial state prison time and permanent revocation of your license.
It’s also important to know that Oklahoma participates in the Interstate Driver’s License Compact, meaning a DUI conviction here will follow you anywhere else in the United States. Insurance companies see it, potential employers see it, and it’s nearly impossible to hide.
A DUI in Oklahoma City doesn’t just hit your wallet with fines and legal fees. It can change the course of your entire life.
Most Oklahoma City DUI cases are filed in Oklahoma County District Court, located at the courthouse downtown. If your arrest occurred in Norman, Edmond, or another suburb, it could be handled in Cleveland or Canadian County courts.
Your first court appearance after arrest is generally your arraignment, where you’ll be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea. Many people are surprised to learn that even if they think they “failed” a breath test, this is not the end of the road. In fact, there are many steps and defenses that can be raised in the weeks and months that follow.
The next critical stage is your Department of Public Safety (DPS) license hearing. This is entirely separate from your criminal case. You have only 30 days from the date of your arrest to request this hearing. If you do not act quickly, your license will be automatically suspended for six months or longer, depending on your record.
Meanwhile, your lawyer will be filing motions, reviewing police body cam and dash cam footage, obtaining calibration logs for the breath machine, and preparing your defense. In many cases, these investigations reveal serious issues that can result in charges being reduced or dismissed.
If no agreement is reached with the prosecutor, your case will ultimately proceed to trial, where the state must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. A skilled Oklahoma City DUI lawyer uses this process to challenge the state’s case, cross-examine officers, and raise reasonable doubt.
Every DUI case is unique. The right defense depends on the facts of your stop, arrest, and the evidence gathered. However, some of the most common and effective defenses we use in Oklahoma County courts include:
No reasonable suspicion for the stop: Police need a legitimate reason to pull you over — such as speeding or swerving. If they can’t articulate a lawful basis, any evidence gathered afterward may be thrown out.
Improper administration of field sobriety tests: The walk-and-turn, one-leg stand, and horizontal gaze nystagmus tests must be performed according to strict guidelines. Even slight deviations can make the results unreliable.
Breathalyzer problems: Breath machines like the Intoxilyzer must be regularly calibrated and maintained. We review maintenance records, operator certifications, and environmental factors that could have affected your test.
Medical conditions: Acid reflux, diabetes, dental appliances, or neurological issues can mimic signs of impairment or cause elevated breath readings.
Miranda or constitutional violations: If police continued questioning after you invoked your right to remain silent or asked for an attorney, we can move to suppress statements.
Rising BAC defense: Alcohol takes time to absorb into your bloodstream. Your BAC could have been below the legal limit while you were driving but rose afterward.
We tailor each defense strategy to the specifics of your case, leaving no stone unturned in the search for weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
We recently defended a college student pulled over on NW Expressway near Lake Hefner after an officer claimed he was weaving. Body cam footage revealed heavy winds that night and no actual lane departure. By challenging the basis for the stop, we got the entire case dismissed.
In another case, a young mother was stopped after leaving a family event in Moore. The officer’s report claimed her speech was slurred, but dash cam audio clearly showed normal conversation. Combined with maintenance issues on the breath machine, we negotiated her charge down to a traffic infraction, avoiding a DUI conviction.
We also represented a commercial driver charged with aggravated DUI near Tinker Air Force Base. By highlighting calibration errors and raising a strong rising BAC argument, we prevented a felony conviction that would have ended his career.
You have countless choices when searching for a DUI attorney in Oklahoma City. What sets us apart is our relentless dedication to your case. We know that to you, this is not just another file — it’s your entire future.
We have extensive experience handling DUI cases throughout Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, and Canadian County. We know the local judges, the prosecutors, the police officers, and the common pitfalls in how DUI cases are handled in this area. We also know what works — what kinds of defenses local judges find persuasive and what approaches tend to lead to better plea negotiations or dismissals.
When you hire us, we start working immediately. We request all discovery, review every second of dash and body cam footage, analyze breath and blood test procedures, and explore alternative explanations for the evidence. Unlike firms that push every client into a quick plea deal, we prepare your case thoroughly as if it will go to trial. This often puts us in the strongest position to negotiate reduced charges or get charges dropped.
Just as importantly, we guide you through the process so you never feel alone. We explain each step in plain language, answer all your questions, and help you make informed decisions. We’re your team from start to finish.
How long will my case take?
Most DUI cases in Oklahoma County take several months to fully resolve, depending on the court’s schedule and whether motions or trials are needed. We use this time to build your strongest defense.
Can I still drive after a DUI arrest?
If you request a DPS hearing within 30 days, you may be eligible for a modified license allowing you to drive for work, school, or essential needs. We handle this process to protect your driving privileges.
Is it worth fighting a DUI?
Absolutely. The consequences of a DUI conviction in Oklahoma last a lifetime. Even if you think the evidence is stacked against you, there are often problems with how the stop was conducted or how tests were handled that could lead to reduced charges or outright dismissal.
What does a DUI lawyer cost?
Fees depend on the complexity of your case, whether it involves felony charges, multiple hearings, or a trial. We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to make quality defense accessible.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Oklahoma City or anywhere in Oklahoma County, do not wait. The decisions you make in the days after your arrest will shape the rest of your life. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.
Call us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain exactly what you’re up against, and start building a customized defense strategy. Your freedom, your driver’s license, and your future are too important to trust to anyone else. With us by your side, you won’t face this alone.
Connecting with our firm means working with a proven legal team that defends people just like you, across the country, with clarity, urgency, and unmatched results.
Let’s fight for your freedom. Get your free case review today.
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