If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Oklahoma, your first court appearance is called an arraignment. Many people feel anxious about what to expect, especially if this is their first encounter with the criminal justice system. This article explains what happens at your DUI arraignment, what decisions are made, and what the next steps are in your case.
What Is a DUI Arraignment in Oklahoma?
A DUI arraignment is a brief court hearing where the judge:
- Informs you of the charges against you (e.g., DUI, DUI under .08, aggravated DUI, etc.)
- Reviews your constitutional rights
- Asks whether you want to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest
- Sets bond conditions or determines whether to modify your release
- Schedules your next court date
You are not tried or sentenced at the arraignment, and no evidence or witnesses are presented at this stage. Most people plead not guilty at the arraignment to preserve their rights and give time to prepare a defense. If you try to plead guilty the Judge may simply enter a not guilty plea on your behalf and move the case to the nest phase
What Else Happens at the DUI Arraignment?
Depending on the facts of your case, the court may also:
- Set or modify bond
- Order you to install an ignition interlock device
- Impose travel or contact restrictions
- Refer your case to a public defender, if you’re eligible and don’t have a private attorney
If you refused a breath test or blew over the legal limit, the court may be notified of a pending driver’s license revocation—this is handled through a separate civil process with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS).
What Happens After the DUI Arraignment?
After arraignment, your case moves through several key stages:
1. Discovery and Pretrial Motions
Your attorney will:
- Request police reports, bodycam footage, test results, and witness statements
- Review for any constitutional violations (like an unlawful stop)
- File motions to suppress evidence if there was a violation of your rights
2. Plea Bargaining
Your attorney may negotiate with the prosecutor to:
- Reduce the charge (e.g., to reckless driving or a deferred sentence)
- Avoid jail time or license suspension
- Secure a favorable outcome based on your record and the facts
3. Preliminary Hearing (Felony DUIs Only)
If you’re charged with felony DUI (such as a third offense or DUI causing injury), you are entitled to a preliminary hearing where the state must show probable cause that a crime was committed.
4. DUI Jury Trial
If you don’t resolve the case through dismissal or a plea deal, it proceeds to:
- Jury trial (most common for contested DUI cases)
- Or bench trial (judge decides)
At trial, the state must prove every element of DUI beyond a reasonable doubt.
DUI License Suspension: A Separate Process
In addition to criminal charges, Oklahoma DUI arrests often trigger administrative license suspension through DPS. You must request a hearing with DPS within 30 days to challenge the suspension.
Tulsa DUI Attorneys
A DUI charge carries serious consequences: jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. But with the right legal strategy, you may be able to beat the charge or minimize the penalties. If you need help, call our team at Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or contact us online for a consultation with an attorney.