Oklahoma’s Zero-Tolerance Underage DUI Laws

In Oklahoma, it is illegal for anyone who's under 21 years old to operate a vehicle:

• with any measurable quantity of alcohol in their system, or
• while exhibiting evidence of being under the influence of alcohol and/or any other intoxicating substance.

This article discusses the specific penalties you'll face if convicted of an underage DUI in Oklahoma.

Underage DUI Criminal Penalties

Underage DUI penalties in Oklahoma vary depending on the facts of the case. But the ranges of possible penalties for a first, second, and third underage DUI are generally as follows.

Before sentencing, the convicted driver must obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation from a certified assessor. The judge will review the assessor's report and factor the assessor's recommendations into the sentencing order. The sentence will often include inpatient treatment, educational classes, or other intervention measures. Failure to abide by the assessor's treatment recommendations can result in extended jail time and license suspension.

Driver's License Sanctions

The court reports all DUI convictions and deferred prosecutions to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. For most underage DUIs, the Department will revoke the driver's license for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense.

During this revocation period, the licensee can request a modified license by entering into the "Impaired Driver Accountability Program." A modified license gives the motorist limited driving privileges but requires the use of an ignition interlock device.

Talk to an Attorney

If you've been arrested for driving under the influence in Oklahoma, it's a good idea to talk to a DUI lawyer. DUI law is complicated and the facts of each case are different. A qualified DUI attorney can tell you how the law applies to your case and help you decide on the best course of action.