Okla. DUI Law Ruled Unconstitutional

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Dec. 19 struck down a new state law that established a program for first-time DUI offenders and abolished the appeals process for drunken driving suspects who try to retain a driver’s license, according to a report from The Oklahoman.

The justices ruled that the law — previously blocked by the court because of the legal challenge — was unconstitutional because it violates a constitutional guideline that Oklahoma laws focus on a single subject. According to the ruling, the law addresses multiple subjects including revoking driver’s licenses, requiring ignition interlock devices, and administering blood and breath tests.

State lawmakers passed the legislation earlier this year. Four attorneys filed a lawsuit in June challenging the law’s constitutionality before the measure ever went into effect. The suit argued that the law denied suspects due process rights.

In late October, the state Supreme Court decided to block the law from taking effect until the justices could rule on the legal challenge. Ultimately, the decision to strike down the law was made by a vote of 5-4.