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Hearing Set In Lawsuit Over Oklahoma DUI Arrests

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A judge has set a hearing on whether to grant class-action status to a lawsuit involving drivers whose licenses were revoked because of a faulty affidavit once used by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

The lawsuit seeks refunds for an estimated 40,000 drivers cited for alcohol-related offenses whose licenses were revoked between 2008 and October 2013.

Last year, a court ruled that an affidavit used by the Department of Public Safety did not comply with state law. The affidavits have since been changed, but the drivers could receive refunds of fees related to the revocation and reinstatement of their driver's licenses.

According to the Tulsa World, the refunds could total $11 million.

Tulsa attorney Bruce Edge, one of several attorneys who represent plaintiffs in the current lawsuits, said the case “is a matter of making sure the government follows the law.” “It’s their own rules that they can’t seem to follow,” Edge said of DPS. Oklahoma City attorney John Hunsucker said he and Edge continue to receive calls each week about the lawsuits. “Once it is certified as a class, at that point we will determine who is a member of the class, … and then at that point they will be contacted.” The Department of Public Safety declined to comment on the lawsuits.

A hearing is set for Aug. 7 before Oklahoma County District Judge Roger Stuart.

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