November 1 brings more than a new month for Oklahomans—it brings significant changes to criminal law that could directly affect anyone charged with a crime in Norman, Moore, or the surrounding areas of Seminole and Cleveland counties.
Whether you’re facing DUI charges, distracted driving violations, or accessory to sentencing related to medical marijuana, understanding the hundreds of new laws going into effect is critical for protecting your rights in court.
If you’ve been charged or are under investigation, it’s important to reach out to Nichols Law Firm. Our law firm is experienced in criminal defense in Norman and ready to assist.
Contact us at (405) 294-1511 or complete our contact form to discuss your case today and start navigating these changes strategically.
DUI Offenses in Norman & Surrounding Areas: How New Penalties Could Affect You & How We Can Help
Senate Bill 54 introduces stricter DUI penalties that can impact drivers across the Norman area. If you’ve been charged with DUI recently, these updates could influence your case.
The most significant update is that an aggravated DUI, defined as a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or higher, is now a felony offense, even for a first-time DUI. Previously, first-time aggravated DUIs were classified as misdemeanors. The law also redefines aggravated DUI and raises mandatory jail time for first-time and repeat offenses.
What’s Changing Under Senate Bill 54
Drivers throughout Cleveland and Seminole counties should be aware that the following updates redefine how DUI cases are prosecuted:
- Felony Classification for Aggravated DUI: A BAC of .15 or higher now leads to a felony charge, even for first-time offenders. This single change could mean a permanent criminal record, higher fines, and the loss of certain civil rights.
- Expanded Aggravated DUI Definition: The law still includes aggravating factors such as causing an accident, eluding police, driving with excessive speed, or having a minor in the vehicle—but the felony reclassification makes these situations even more serious.
- Mandatory Jail Time: First-time offenders face a minimum of 10 days in jail, while second or subsequent offenses can result in 30 days or more. In some cases, courts may allow sentences to be served on weekends or nights, but incarceration is now unavoidable.
Governor Stitt initially vetoed the bill, citing concerns about increased incarceration rates, but the legislature ultimately overrode that decision. The result: these enhanced penalties are now fully enforceable across the state.
Representing clients facing DUI charges, we review police reports, blood alcohol test results, and traffic citations to identify potential issues in the prosecution’s case. We will look at every element of your case—from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of breath or blood test results—to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
Distracted Driving & Phone Violations in Oklahoma Construction & School Zones
House Bill 2263 now prohibits holding a phone in a school or construction zone, a change that impacts drivers across urban and suburban areas, including Norman and surrounding construction sites.
This law is designed to protect workers and students, but it also creates a new set of charges drivers in these areas should be aware of, including:
- No Hand-Held Exceptions: Holding a phone, even briefly, in these zones is now illegal.
- Increased Enforcement: Police are authorized to issue tickets for phone use in restricted zones.
If you’ve been ticketed for using your phone in a restricted zone, our law firm can help review the circumstances and challenge the charges where possible.
Medical Marijuana Compliance & Norman Business Regulations
Several bills now regulate Oklahoma’s medical marijuana industry, impacting both business owners and employees in the Norman area. These laws include labeling requirements, compliance training, and enforcement measures that can intersect with criminal cases.
Drivers or employees facing charges related to marijuana should note:
- Warning Labels: Senate Bill 518 requires that all medical marijuana products have labels warning against driving under the influence.
- Annual Compliance Training: House Bill 2837 mandates yearly training for employees at medical marijuana businesses.
- Legal Accountability: Failure to comply could result in penalties for businesses or employees, including potential criminal charges.
Our Norman-based attorneys can advise on criminal cases involving medical marijuana compliance, from product handling to regulatory violations.
Changes to Criminal Justice Fines & Fees
House Bill 1460 and House Bill 1462 aim to reduce financial burdens in criminal cases, including fees for GPS monitoring and prioritizing restitution payments. These reforms may influence pending or ongoing cases.
Key points include:
- Elimination of Certain Fees: Some fines, like the $300 monthly GPS monitoring fee for Department of Corrections inmates, are removed.
- Restitution Prioritized: Courts are now required to prioritize restitution payments over other fees.
Even with reduced fees, seeking timely legal guidance is essential to protect your rights and ensure proper handling of any outstanding obligations in your case.
Health Insurance Changes & Legal Implications
House Bill 1389 expands insurance coverage for advanced mammogram screening. While primarily a healthcare law, it can intersect with legal matters such as insurance disputes or civil claims related to coverage denial.
Highlights include:
- Contrast-Enhanced Mammograms: Insurers must cover more advanced screenings that detect breast cancer earlier.
- Overridden Veto: The governor’s veto was overridden to ensure broader access for Oklahoma residents.
While these changes may not directly create criminal liability, we can advise if your case involves insurance or coverage disputes related to medical procedures.
How Nichols Law Firm Can Assist with Criminal Charges in Norman & Nearby Communities
Facing a criminal charge in Oklahoma requires immediate action and a clear understanding of local laws. Our attorneys handle cases across Seminole and Cleveland counties, staying updated on local, state, and federal law reforms, revisions, and changes.
We assist clients with a wide range of criminal defense matters, focusing on protecting rights under Oklahoma law, including:
- DUI & Aggravated DUI Cases: We review blood alcohol reports, traffic citations, and accident details to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our attorneys fight stricter penalties by investigating evidence, procedural errors, and BAC test results when applicable.
- Distracted Driving & School/Construction Zone Violations: We evaluate tickets and citations for hand-held phone violations, reckless driving, and other traffic offenses. Our team scrutinizes enforcement procedures and presents defenses that address improper citations or legal overreach.
- Marijuana & Regulatory Compliance Charges: We analyze compliance with medical marijuana regulations, including product labeling and employee training requirements, to defend clients from potential criminal exposure.
- Fines, Fees, & Restitution Disputes: We review criminal justice financial obligations, GPS monitoring fees, and restitution priorities, ensuring courts handle these obligations correctly while advocating for fair treatment under new reforms.
By analyzing how these updated laws and penalties apply to your specific situation, we provide guidance on criminal defense strategies. We challenge improper procedures, question the accuracy of evidence, and actively advocate on your behalf, developing strategies to defend your rights in the face of increased jail time, enhanced charges, or stricter sentencing.
Contact Nichols Law Firm at (405) 294-1511 or contact us online today to discuss your case and let us help you take the next steps.