If you are unaware of the difference between DUI and DWI in Stillwater, Oklahoma, you are one of many.
In Oklahoma, DUI means Driving Under the Influence, while DWI means Driving While Impaired.
Let’s discuss the other differences between DUI and DWI in Oklahoma.
DUI and DWI in Stillwater
In Oklahoma, the difference between DUI and DWI is actually a matter of how high your blood alcohol content (BAC) is at the time you were stopped.
If you are over 21 and you get pulled over after drinking and driving, you will probably be charged with DUI if you are mentally impaired or have a blood alcohol level above .08. If your BAC is above .05 but below .08, you can be charged with DWI — a less serious misdemeanor offense.
Another difference between DUI and DWI charges is in the seriousness of the penalties. Both charges will get your driver’s license revoked. However, the revocation periods are much shorter for a DWI charge than for a DUI offense.
For a first-time DWI offense, your license will be revoked for a month. The second offense will revoke your driving privileges for six months. You will lose your driver’s license for a year for a third DWI charge.
On the other hand, a first-time DUI offense will lead to the revocation of your driving privileges for six months. The revocation period for a second DUI charge is a year. A third DUI offense will bar you from driving for three years.
DUI Under 21
Oklahoma has a “zero-tolerance” policy in regard to those who are under the legal drinking age and caught driving with alcohol in their system.
Since it’s illegal for people under 21 to drink even a drop of alcohol, it’s also illegal for underage drinkers to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.
If you are under the legal drinking age of 21 and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system, you can be charged with DUI Under 21. This law applies even if you are not impaired in any way.
However, you can still be charged with a regular DUI if your BAC is above .08. The choice is left up to the arresting officer.
Drinking Under 18
DUI and DWI laws are even more strict if you are under the age of 18. If you are arrested for any alcohol-related offense, you could lose your license for six months to two years. This applies even if you merely were found in possession of alcohol and were not anywhere near a vehicle.
The penalties depend on the circumstances as well as your juvenile record.
Initial Strategy Session: Stillwater DUI Attorney
You can speak with a DUI defense attorney in Payne County by simply by taking a moment to call the Wirth Law Office – Stillwater attorney for a initial, no-obligation phone consultation. All you have to do is call 405-673-1600 or 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452).
Or, if you prefer, submit the “Ask an Attorney” form at the top right of this page.
Either way you reach out to our team, we will return your call in the timely manner that the urgent situation requires.
