Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Over a weekend in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a 25-year-old driver crashed into a power pole, knocking out electricity to nearby neighborhoods. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the crash caused significant disruption and left the community shaken.
Police arrived on the scene and found alcohol in the vehicle. After the driver failed a field sobriety test, he was arrested for driving under the influence. The case stands as another reminder of the serious consequences that come with drunk driving—not just for the driver but for everyone around them.
Oklahoma has strict laws when it comes to impaired driving. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, operating a vehicle while impaired can lead to criminal charges, license suspension, and even jail time.
Under Oklahoma law (Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11‑902), a BAC of 0.08% or higher or impaired driving qualifies as DUI, punishable by fines, jail time, and license suspension.
Driving with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079% may lead to a DWI (Driving While Impaired) charge, while 0.08% and above results in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). Oklahoma also recognizes Actual Physical Control (APC), which means a person can be arrested even if the vehicle is parked, as long as they are in a position to operate it.
Drivers have 15 days after arrest to request an administrative hearing to challenge license suspension—a missed deadline means automatic loss.
Repeat offenses come with more serious consequences. A second DUI within 10 years is considered a felony.
DUI charges carry various legal consequences depending on the offense. Here’s a breakdown of what drivers may face:
| Offense Type | BAC Threshold | License Suspension | Jail/Fines | Additional Penalties |
| DWI (misdemeanor) | .05–.079% | ~30 days | Up to 6 months, $100–$500 | Assessment, victim panel |
| DUI (misdemeanor) | ≥ .08% | 6 months – 3 years | 10 days–1 year, $500–$1,250 | Suspension, assessment, panel |
| Second DUI (within 10 yrs) | ≥ .08% | 2+ years | Felony: up to 5 yrs, $2,500 fine | Possible ignition interlock, felony record |
| Actual Physical Control (APC) | — | Same as DUI | Same as DUI | Includes cases with vehicle operable but parked |
First-time misdemeanor DUI can bring up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; a second DUI within 10 years is a felony, with stiffer penalties.
Being hit by a drunk driver can change your life in an instant. Victims often deal with more than just vehicle damage. Many face long-term injuries, emotional stress, and financial strain.
Victims may recover medical costs, lost income, pain, and suffering—and in cases of egregious behavior, punitive damages may apply.
If the impaired driver acted recklessly or had previous DUI offenses, a court might award punitive damages in addition to typical compensation. These damages are meant to punish bad behavior and discourage it in the future.
If a drunk driver injures you or someone you care about, it’s essential to take the proper steps quickly. First, call the police and get a report on file. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor right away. Injuries can appear hours or days after a crash.
Keep all documents, including photos, medical records, and witness names. This information can be helpful if you file a legal claim later. Time matters, especially when it comes to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.
While you can’t control what others do, you can take steps to help prevent DUI crashes.
Serving alcohol to minors carries criminal penalties don’t risk it.
Before going out, make a plan. Choose a designated driver or use a rideshare service. If you see someone trying to drive after drinking, stop them if you can. Report dangerous drivers to the police. Your call might prevent a tragedy.
If you’re hosting a party, don’t serve alcohol to guests under 21. It’s not just risky—it’s illegal and could lead to criminal charges if something goes wrong.
Drunk driving accidents are complicated. They often involve both criminal charges and civil claims. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Our team will investigate the crash, gather the facts, and negotiate with insurance companies. We can also assist you in pursuing damages for pain and suffering, missed income, medical expenses, and more.
DUI applies to drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. DWI applies to drivers with a BAC between 0.05% and 0.079%. APC means someone is in control of a vehicle while impaired, even if it isn’t moving.
You automatically lose your driver’s license. You won’t be able to challenge the suspension once that deadline passes.
Yes. Some injuries take time to show up. As long as you seek medical care and document the effects, you can still file a claim.
You can recover costs for medical care, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages.
Yes. A DUI can raise insurance premiums and may show up on background checks for jobs or professional licenses.
As soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather evidence and meet legal deadlines.
The recent DUI crash in Broken Arrow may not have caused injuries, but it disrupted lives and highlighted the real risks of impaired driving. Oklahoma law takes these cases seriously, and so should we.
If a drunk driver has hurt you or someone close to you, it’s essential to act quickly. Know your rights, seek medical help, and talk to a lawyer who understands how to handle DUI-related injury claims.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help you take the next step with confidence and clarity.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
