If the police arrest you for driving under the influence in Oklahoma, you may face serious consequences, including the suspension of your license.
Losing your license can impact your ability to get to work or carry on with your life as normal. Following a DUI arrest, you should understand the factors that may lead to this outcome.
Suspension after an arrest
Immediately after a DUI arrest, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) will revoke your license. The suspension will typically last between six months and eight years, depending on whether you are a repeat offender. You have a limited window in which to appeal.
If your appeal is unsuccessful, you may be able to apply to drive on a modified permit that requires the installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle in exchange for limited driving privileges.
After DPS reinstates your license, you may still need to use an ignition interlock device on your vehicle if you refused a blood-alcohol test at the time of your arrest.
Suspension after a conviction
Even if you successfully appeal your DPS revocation, a conviction will likely lead to a further suspension of your license. The length of time will vary depending on whether your charge is a misdemeanor or felony and how many DUI offenses you have had in the last 10 years.
If you are facing charges for driving under the influence, the prospect of a suspension may scare you, but a robust legal strategy can save your license.