Oklahoma’s Open Container Law: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been charged with an open container violation in Oklahoma, it’s important to understand the consequences and your legal options. At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we’ve helped many clients who have been charged with open container violations in Oklahoma. Our skilled Tulsa lawyers want to share our knowledge of the law and how we can help you.
Oklahoma’s Open Container Law is defined in Okla. Stat. tit. 47§11-902. This law prohibits drivers and passengers from possessing open containers of alcohol in a vehicle on any public highway, road, or street. An open container is any container of alcohol that has been opened, has a broken seal, or has had its contents partially removed. This law applies to all vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The Consequences of Violating Oklahoma’s Open Container Law
If you’re caught with an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, you could face serious consequences. You could be charged with a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $500 and up to 30 days in jail. In addition to the criminal penalties, you could also face a driver’s license suspension, increased insurance rates, and a criminal record that could impact your future employment and housing opportunities.
If you’ve been charged with an open container violation in Tulsa, or the surrounding area, it’s important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled Tulsa attorney can review the specifics of your case, investigate the circumstances surrounding the charge, and help you understand your legal options. Some of the ways that a Tulsa criminal defense attorney can help include:
- Challenging the legality of the stop: In order for a police officer to conduct a traffic stop, they must have a reasonable suspicion that a crime has occurred. If the officer did not have a valid reason for the stop, any evidence obtained as a result of the stop could be suppressed and the charges could be dismissed.
- Challenging the validity of the search: If the police officer conducted a search of your vehicle without a warrant or without your consent, any evidence obtained as a result of the search could be suppressed and the charges could be dismissed.
- Negotiating a plea deal: In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor in order to reduce the charges or the penalties associated with the open container violation.
Successful Examples Defended by a Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we have successfully defended clients who have been charged with open container violations in Oklahoma. Some of the examples of cases we have defended include:
- Case 1: A Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm client was a passenger in a car and was charged with an open container violation after a police officer found a beer can in the back seat. We challenged the legality of the stop and the search of the vehicle, and the charges were dismissed.
- Case 2: A Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm client was stopped at a DUI checkpoint and was charged with an open container violation after a police officer found a half-empty bottle of wine in the back seat. We negotiated a plea deal with the prosecutor, and our client received a reduced fine and no jail time.
Call for a Initial Consultation
If you or a loved one has been charged with an open container violation in Oklahoma, it’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you navigate the legal system and fight for your rights. Call the Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm today at 918-256-3400 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session. We’re here to help you.