DUI/APC/DWI. An arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Actual Physical Control While Under the Influence (APC), or Driving While Impaired (DWI) is a “double whammy” offense.
It’s a “double whammy” because you will have to deal with both a criminal and a civil matter in these types of cases:
- Criminal matter: a conviction for these types of offenses can result in jail time of up to 1 year for misdemeanor cases, and State prison time up to 20 years for felony cases.
- Civil matter: The Department of Public Safety will attempt to suspend or revoke your privilege to drive in this state for anywhere from 30 days to 3 years. The Oklahoma Implied Consent Law (OICL) controls here.
This type of case may actually be a “triple whammy” if you consider the economic expense to you: the State will want money for fines, fees and costs in the criminal matter and several fees in the civil matter; the State will also require that you complete education courses at private providers who will require that you pay their fees; you’ll have to pay an attorney; and your insurance company will likely raise your insurance premiums for several years into the future.
Does this sound bleak? It’s not the end of the world.
| ADVICE |
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| See a lawyer within 15 days of your arrest so that you protect certain rights you have with the State Department of Public Safety concerning your driving privileges. Read about your OICL rights (the civil side). |
Many good people have been arrested while driving after having enjoyed an alcoholic beverage. You are not an evil person and you are not alone. However, the sooner you act to take care of this matter the better your situation – and your peace of mind – will be.
| ADVICE |
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| Read all paperwork, front and back, that you received from any official regarding this arrest to help you understand what you’re facing and what your rights are. Save all paperwork! |
Bring everything you received from this arrest with you when you visit with your lawyer. The sooner you speak with the lawyer the fresher your memory will be about the incident.
Test your potential blood-alcohol content with the breath alcohol content (BAC) calculator from LifeLoc.