SB 58 - Impaired Driving Elimination Act (IDEA)

• Creates the Impaired Driving Elimination Act (IDEA), authorizing municipalities with municipal courts not of record to establish a Limited Municipal Criminal Court of Record effective January 1, 2016, with jurisdiction over driving under the influence violations.

• Limited Municipal Criminal Courts of Record may impose fines up to $1,250.00, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both, plus costs and fees, with defendants entitled to jury trial; judges must possess qualifications of district court associate judges and serve 2-year terms.

• First-time DUI offense fine increased from $1,000.00 to $1,250.00; second and subsequent offenses become felonies filed in district court; first offenses committed on or after January 1, 2016 may be filed in municipal criminal court of record or district court.

• Defendants may receive deferred sentencing for up to 1 year with probation; upon successful completion, charges are expunged; violation of probation allows judge to enter guilty judgment without new trial.

• Effective November 1, 2015; amends 11 O.S. Sections 28-123 and 14-111, and 47 O.S. Section 11-902 regarding DUI penalties, municipal court authority, and probation terms.