Oklahoma prosecutors can charge you with felony DUI when you have a prior DUI conviction within ten years, when someone is hurt or killed, or if you already have a prior felony DUI on your record. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony often comes down to those details. Oklahoma also punishes these cases differently from misdemeanor DUIs—including the potential for prison time.
You need a legal team that understands how to strategically approach every step of this process, from reviewing the arrest to challenging chemical test results and prior convictions. Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman handles felony DUI defense collaboratively. When you work with us, your case will benefit from multiple attorneys reviewing the facts, evidence, and your options.
Contact Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman to discuss your felony DUI case in Oklahoma City and find out how our team can help you address the charges.
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony usually depends on prior offenses or whether you caused harm. You can be charged with a felony DUI in Oklahoma if:
It’s important to remember that a prior conviction from another state can count toward a felony charge if the offense would be a DUI under Oklahoma law. Prosecutors review certified records from other jurisdictions to support the prior conviction enhancement.
Felony DUI cases can be complex, and working with a defense team familiar with Oklahoma’s criminal process can make a big difference in how your case develops. At Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman, we combine our collective experience and strategies to fight for the best possible outcome under the law.
Oklahoma’s DUI sentencing varies, based on how many times you’ve been convicted within a ten-year period:
Judges also review aggravating factors. These factors include whether you caused an injury to another person, if you had a child in the vehicle, or whether you refused to take a breath or blood test. These considerations will affect your sentencing decisions as well as your probation or parole conditions.
In addition to prison and fines, a felony DUI conviction has other long-term consequences under Oklahoma law:
Felony DUI convictions also have collateral effects. You may face barriers to employment, housing, and certain professional licenses. Some countries, like Canada, bar entry to people convicted of DUI, which can affect where and whether you can travel.
Because of how wide-reaching these penalties can be, it’s important to have a defense strategy that addresses the criminal charges and the practical impact of a charge and potential conviction. The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman will work to find every possible defense. Our goal is to protect your rights and your license, minimizing the impact on your everyday life.
When you understand the legal issues that can affect your case, you can better make informed decisions about your defense. When we take on a felony DUI defense, we review every detail of your case to identify where the state’s case may fall short. While every case is different, there are a few key areas that could lead to case dismissal, reduced charges, or acquittal. Some of our most common DUI defense strategies include:
Throughout your case, our lawyers will explain each of your legal options and the most likely outcomes. You’ll always know where your case stands—and what we’re doing to build a proactive, strategic defense.
A felony DUI in Oklahoma involves a separate administrative process with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is different from your criminal charges—the administrative process focuses on whether you can keep your driving privileges. The timelines and procedures are different from your criminal case. Plus, even if your criminal charges are dismissed or you’re acquitted, you could still lose your ability to drive.
DPS can suspend your license if chemical tests show a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit or if you refuse testing. You only have 15 days to request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension. During the hearing, you can present evidence or testimony to argue that the test was inaccurate or that the officer didn’t follow proper procedure.
Administrative hearings may result in modified restrictions rather than a full reinstatement. For example, you might be allowed to drive with an ignition interlock device or under limited conditions while your criminal case is pending. Completing required alcohol assessments or treatment programs may also influence DPS decisions.
We can handle both the criminal and administrative sides of a felony DUI case. Our firm will coordinate responses and deadlines to give you the best chance to protect your driving privileges.
A felony DUI in Oklahoma City requires a strong defense. The attorneys at Talley, Turner, Stice & Bertman work together as a team to review evidence and develop strategies that address both the criminal charge and related administrative matters.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can review your case and start building a defense on your behalf.
