A first-offense driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Oklahoma is typically classified as a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could receive a jail sentence, a fine, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Trust an Oklahoma City DUI defense lawyer to help you contest a driving under the influence charge. Your attorney can learn about your DUI arrest and fight back against your charge before it leads to a conviction.
What is a First-Offense DUI in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, you can be charged with a DUI if you’re an adult driving your car, the police pull your vehicle over, and they find that you have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. A conviction for this offense can result in criminal penalties.
The BAC for a commercial driver to receive a DUI is 0.04% or higher. If the driver of a delivery truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or another commercial vehicle has a BAC at or above 0.04%, they can be charged with a DUI. If they’re convicted, they face various penalties, including a mandatory suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for one year.
Oklahoma has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers who are alcohol-impaired. It is against the law for you to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol if you’re under 21. A conviction for an underage DUI can result in revocation of your driver’s license for six months, hundreds of dollars in fines, and community service.
Talk with a DUI defense attorney in the aftermath of your first-offense driving under the influence charge. Your lawyer empathizes with you during this challenging time. They can put together a legal defense designed to disprove the prosecution’s case against you.
When a First-Offense DUI in Oklahoma Becomes a Felony
A first-offense DUI in Oklahoma is treated as a felony if you’re an adult who’s driving and found to have a BAC of 0.15% or higher at the time the police stop your vehicle.
On November 1, 2025, Oklahoma SB 54 took effect. This DUI law expanded the definition of an aggravated DUI, which now includes reckless driving, speeding in a school zone, and having a minor in the car while intoxicated. If you drive while drunk and do any of these things, you can be charged with a felony.
Additionally, you can receive felony charges if your DUI results in a serious injury or death to anyone involved. In this situation, you could be charged with manslaughter in accordance with Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 § 711.
If you’re searching for legal help following a first-offense DUI, find an attorney who has a track record of success in cases similar to yours. Choose a lawyer who’s earned many positive client testimonials, as they will explore every legal avenue to dispute your charge.
Misdemeanor and Felony Penalties for a First-Offense Driving Under the Influence Charge
Generally, the penalties for a first-offense misdemeanor DUI can include a jail sentence of up to one year, a maximum fine of $1,000, a six-month driver’s license suspension, and the completion of a substance abuse assessment and alcohol safety education program.
Comparatively, the penalties for a felony DUI in Oklahoma can include a prison sentence that lasts one to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, and a three-year revocation of your driver’s license. You may be required to keep an ignition interlock device (IID) in your car for up to five years as well.
Receive legal help if you’ve been charged with a first-offense DUI. Your criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma City can start building your legal defense immediately.
