DUI Injury or Death Charges in Oklahoma
If your DUI results in injury or death, the consequences change immediately. The case is no longer treated as a standard DUI - it may involve felony charges, intense prosecution, and the possibility of decades in prison.
If you or a loved one is facing DUI charges involving injury or death, understanding the charges and acting quickly can make all the difference.
Charges You Might Face
DUI Great Bodily Injury
If you cause an accident while driving under the influence that results in great bodily injury, you may be charged with DUI Great Bodily Injury. "Great Bodily Injury" typically includes serious harm, such as broken bones, loss or impairment of bodily function, disfigurement, or other serious injuries. These charges carry much harsher penalties than a standard DUI where no serious injury had occurred.
DUI Manslaughter
DUI Manslaughter applies when your DUI accident results in the death of another person, and the underlying DUI offense is a misdemeanor, such as a first-time DUI. To be convicted, the state must prove that a death occurred, caused directly by your actions, and you were committing an underlying misdemeanor DUI offense. DUI manslaughter carries a minimum 4 years in jail and up to life in jail if you are convicted.
DUI Murder
DUI Murder is charged when a fatal DUI accident involves an underlying felony DUI or allegations that the driver acted with a "depraved mind" or reckless disregard for human life.
For example, a second DUI within 10 years is a felony in Oklahoma. If a fatal accident occurs under those circumstances, prosecutors may pursue Second-Degree Murder charges. A DUI Murder conviction can result in 10 years to life in prison.
Facing DUI Charges Involving Injury or Death?
Early legal intervention is essential. Contact us today.
DUI Manslaughter vs. DUI Murder
Both DUI Manslaughter and DUI Murder involve a death caused by DUI. The distinction lies in the severity of the underlying offense and the level of recklessness alleged.
DUI Manslaughter applies when the underlying DUI is a misdemeanor, DUI Murder applies when the underlying DUI is a felony or when the state alleges extreme disregard for human life. DUI Murder carries much harsher penalties, longer prison sentences, and a higher possibility of life imprisonment.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced DUI attorney can:
Identify violations during the stop and arrest
Challenge accident causation evidence
Analyze breath or blood testing
Protect your driver's license and handle IDAP proceedings
Build a strong case to mitigate charges
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing DUI Injury, DUI Manslaughter, or DUI Death Charges?
Contact us today to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney.