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You Served Your Sentence for a DUI or Drug Crime. Now What?

You Served Your Sentence for a DUI or Drug Crime. Now What?

Finally, you finished serving your sentence for a DUI or a drug crime. Whether you had to spend time in jail or prison, or you had to pay fines and take alcohol education classes, it is all over. Now you may be wondering what is next. Double-Check that You Completed All Terms of the Sentence First, double-check with your lawyer or the court that you have truly completed all the requirements of your sentence. Sometimes there will be a requirement saying that you have to take random BAC tests or check in with a probation officer for months or years after you...

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Employment Consequences of a DUI or Drug Arres

Employment Consequences of a DUI or Drug Arrest

After a DUI or drug arrest, you could face employment consequences that greatly affect your life. When you are already facing a legal case and possible imprisonment, facing issues at your job could feel overwhelming. Know your rights and know what to expect after your arrest. Some employers could care less about your arrest history, while it is very important to others. This often comes up in unexpected ways. For example, your employer may care about your arrest because it makes you miss work. If you get arrested and spend time in jail waiting to be charged in court, you might...

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In the Military and Get a DUI? What You Can Expect

In the Military and Get a DUI? What You Can Expect

If you are in the military and get a DUI, you must find out what to expect next. DUI charges or a conviction can have a huge impact on your future in the military and on your life in general. Here is what you need to know. Your Commanding Officer Will Find Out If you have any illusion that your commanding officer will not find out about your arrest, forget it now. He or she will find out and order you back to base. Whether your fellow soldiers tell all or the police call the base, word will get back to the...

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Can Police Search Your Car for Drugs Without Your Permission?

Can Police Search Your Car for Drugs Without Your Permission?

When the police pull you over on the roadside, sometimes they can search your car for drugs without your permission. Vehicle searches are legal under some circumstances if you are being arrested. Also, the police can do a search if they have probable cause to believe that a crime is being committed. Finally, they can seize any item in plain view. Search Incident to Arrest When you are being arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, DUI, or another crime on the roadside, the police can search your car if: They reasonably believe evidence of the crime you committed can be...

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You Lied During a Traffic Stop and Got Arrested. What Next?

You Lied During a Traffic Stop and Got Arrested. What Next?

So you made some bad decisions recently – you got pulled over by the police, told a lie, and then the officer arrested you. You have been charged with DUI or drug possession. What should you do next? First, you need a lawyer. Second, don’t tell any more lies, and third, be realistic about the charges you face. Lawyer Up If you lied to the police or withheld some important information, you need a lawyer to help you with your case. A lawyer can present the best defense against the prosecutor’s case, try to negotiate a plea bargain or deal, and “rehabilitate”...

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What Is a Plea Bargain, and Should You Accept One?

What Is a Plea Bargain, and Should You Accept One?

The prosecutor or your lawyer tells you that you could make a plea bargain with the state in your criminal case. But you are not sure what a plea bargain is or how it will affect the charges against you. Before you accept a plea bargain, make sure you learn about what you can expect. What Is a Plea Bargain? A plea bargain is a negotiated deal with the prosecutor or district attorney to reduce or change the charges in your criminal case. In exchange, you agree to plead guilty or “no contest” to the reduced charges and do your time. For example,...

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Could You Face Both Civil and Criminal Legal Consequences for a DUI?

Could You Face Both Civil and Criminal Legal Consequences for a DUI?

When you are facing a possible criminal record because of a DUI, civil legal consequences may seem like the last of your worries. Most people do face some sort of civil action after they get charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driver’s License Revocation The driver’s license revocation process through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) is considered a civil administrative action. You will not face criminal charges, but the DPS could take away your driver’s license for an extended period of time. When you get arrested for DUI by a police officer, the officer usually will seize...

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Other Charges that Accused DUI Drivers Often Face

Other Charges that Accused DUI Drivers Often Face

After you get charged with driving under the influence, you may learn that you face additional unexpected charges. Often, the first time you learn of the charges against you is when you talk to the judge. The entire process can be overwhelming and scary, especially if this is your first DUI charge. Learn a little about the additional charges so you can prepare for what is ahead. Many drivers who are pulled over and arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also charged with: Aggravated drunk driving Driving with a revoked or suspended driver’s license Driving...

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Dashboard Camera Evidence: Will It Hurt or Help Your DUI Case?

Dashboard Camera Evidence: Will It Hurt or Help Your DUI Case?

More and more police departments require officers to use dashboard cameras on their police cars. During traffic stops, these cameras may offer invaluable evidence of what happened. But if you have been arrested for DUI, you may wonder if dashcam footage will hurt or help your case. Dashcam Footage Is Often Admissible Evidence in Court No matter whether the camera footage is good or bad for your case, it may be admissible evidence in court. In Oklahoma, videotapes of arrests made by police officers and sheriff’s deputies are public records. That means your lawyer can request the tapes during your case to...

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Random Breath Testing Devices: What You Need to Know

Random Breath Testing Devices: What You Need to Know

If you pled guilty to a DUI or took a plea deal, the court may require you to do random breath testing using a special device. The device is similar to a breathalyzer that you use at home or at a probation supervisor’s office. Like an ignition interlock device or alcohol monitoring bracelet, it detects alcohol usage in an effort to stop repeat DUIs. How Does a Random Breath Testing Device Work? These devices are very similar to a breathalyzer, except that they often have identity verification features. For example, some random breath testing devices have voice recognition, facial recognition, or picture...

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