Can You Get A DUI On A Horse In Oklahoma? Your Legal Defense And More!

When you think about Oklahoma DUI, a car is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But what about riding a horse while intoxicated — can you get a DUI on a horse in Oklahoma?

It’s an interesting question and one that touches upon some important legal issues. In this blog, we’ll answer the question of whether you can be charged with a DUI in Oklahoma for riding a horse, what the actual language of the state’s DUI law says, the potential penalties involved, and how to mount an effective legal defense.

In this article, here are some of the things that we will be talking about:

• Can you get a DUI on a horse in Oklahoma?
• Oklahoma DUI laws and penalties for charges.
• How to choose the right lawyer for DUI on horse charges in Oklahoma?

Additionally, we will be answering some of the questions that people ask about this topic. Therefore, if that’s what you want to know, keep on reading this article till the end…

Can You Get A DUI On A Horse In Oklahoma?

You wouldn’t think that a DUI could be charged for riding a horse, but in some states, this is possible, and Oklahoma happens to be one of them. In those jurisdictions that define the word “vehicle” very broadly, the law could apply to both motor and animal.

First, let us check how courts define the term “vehicle” before we can know if it is illegal to ride a horse after drinking.

Drunk driving statutes almost always mention someone operating under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs in a motor vehicle. Thousands have been charged with DUI while operating ATVs, scooters, riding lawnmowers, and various other means of conveyance.

The issue of criminal liability in such cases usually comes down to whether the conveyance is powered by a motor (thus falling under the category of a “motor vehicle”).

Some states do have broader statutes pertaining to driving under the influence. For example, instead of saying “motor vehicles,” they may just say “vehicles.” Usually, when courts are called upon to interpret statutes, they rely on the literal language used in the statute.

So if someone drinks and then gets on a horse, would that person be driving under the influence? In some states, like Oklahoma, yes!

What Does The Oklahoma DUI Law State?

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, or OHSO, estimates that alcohol- and drug-impaired driving crashes still account for a significant percentage of traffic fatalities in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has several laws that describe alcohol/drug-related driving offenses. These laws are necessary to protect public safety as alcohol-related crashes injure nearly 2,500 and kill approximately 220 Oklahomans each year.

On Oklahoma DUI laws, Justia states, “Every person riding an animal or driving any animal-driven vehicle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except those provisions of this chapter which by their very nature can have no application.”

What Are The Penalties For DUI Charges In OK?

Even though a horse may not typically trigger a DUI, it helps to know what DUI penalties would look like if someone were charged under the standard law, for context and to understand how serious DUI is in Oklahoma.

Here are the key penalty elements under Oklahoma’s DUI law:

First Offense (Misdemeanor):

• Jail time: 10 days to 1 year in a county jail.
• Fine: up to $1,000.
• License suspension: 180 days is common.
• Other court-mandated programs: substance abuse evaluation, alcohol education, victim-impact panel, etc.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): if BAC is especially high (or test was refused), IID may be required.

Second Offense (Within 10 Years):

• Considered a felony in many cases.
• Jail: 1–5 years.
• Fines: up to $2,500.
• License revocation: 1 year or more; IID requirement for several years

Third Or Subsequent DUI:

• Felony.
• Jail: up to 10 years (depending on the number of prior offenses).
• Fine: up to $5,000 in some cases.
• License revocation: possibly 3 years or more.

How To Choose The Right Attorney?

When it comes to choosing the right attorney for your DUI case, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. These include the following:

1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Knowledge Of Oklahoma DUI Laws:

It is very important that your lawyer knows the local laws very well to help you stay away from the worst-case scenarios. Laws differ not only by states but also by cities. Hence, you need a lawyer who has been practicing in your area for a long time.

2. DUI Defense Experience:

As a rule, a lawyer can have only one first case, which is at his or her side. Thus, you should consider hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer.

Such a lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the whole procedure and can work things out quite fast and efficiently due to the familiarity with the case.

3. Testimonials

It is imperative to learn the working style of individual attorneys within the law firm before you make a choice. Each person has his or her unique approach and style in communication, and sometimes your style may not coincide with the lawyer’s.

Check out the testimonials of past clients who provide both positive and negative sides of working with a specific lawyer. Those testimonials will enable you to determine if a particular lawyer is the right match for your case and your character.

4. Fees And Payment Structure

The cost of legal services could be very high. Generally, the larger the firm is, the more the charges will be. This is what you will get if you look for a “powerhouse” attorney and why you should consider looking at a medium-sized firm instead.

The lawyers at a medium-sized firm set the price for their services more economically, so you can get top-notch service but at a more affordable rate.

Remember that the cheapest DUI defense law firm you can find is not the one you want to hire, as you’ll probably get what you pay for in your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌defense.

What Is The Cost Of Hiring A Lawyer For DUI On Horse Charges In OK?

In Oklahoma, a person riding a horse while intoxicated on a public road can be charged with a DUI. The cost of hiring a lawyer for such a charge will vary widely based on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case, but generally falls between $1,500 and $5,000 for a first-time offense.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Here are some of the questions that people often want to ask when it comes to facing DUI charges for riding a horse. Take a look at them before you leave:

1. What Is The Statute Of Limitations For DUI Charges In Oklahoma?

The Statute of Limitations in Oklahoma for prosecution to file the DUI charge is three years from the date of the incident. It means that both misdemeanor and felony DUI charges have an overall time limit because almost all felonies in Oklahoma have a time limit of three years.

2. Can You Get A DUI For Driving A Boat?

Yes, it is illegal to drive a boat under the influence in all fifty states and should be taken seriously. Even though this offense goes by different names, such as Boating Under the Influence (BUI) or Boating While Impaired (BWI), the penalties are still similar to DUI or DWI penalties and include:

• Fine
• Jail Time
• Conviction.

3. What Makes DUI A Felony In Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, generally speaking, a first offense DUI is considered a misdemeanor. However, there are some aggravating circumstances that could elevate it to a felony charge. Some reasons and/or circumstances under which a DUI can become a felony in OK include:

• Repeat offense.
• Aggravating factors.
• Manslaughter.

These convictions carry severe consequences that could possibly be lifelong. Generally long prison sentences, large fines, and permanent criminal records that will affect employment, housing, and other civil liberties.