Finding A DUI Lawyer in Oregon
Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) is a serious offense in Oregon. While the legal term is DUII, many people in Oregon refer to these charges as DUIs. Anyone facing a DUI charge should seek the help of an experienced Oregon DUI lawyer. An Oregon DUI conviction can lead to severe consequences, including fines, driver’s license suspension, and even jail time. In this article, we will explore the rate of DUI arrests in Oregon over the past few years and how a DUI lawyer in Oregon can help you beat a DUI charge.
DUI Arrest Rates in Oregon
According to the Oregon State Police, there were 7,687 DUI arrests in Oregon in 2021. This marks a small decrease from the 7,832 DUI arrests made in 2020. However, DUI arrests in Oregon have been steadily increasing since 2014, when there were 4,198 DUI arrests made. The majority of DUI arrests in Oregon occur in Multnomah County, Washington County, and Marion County.
Penalties for DUI in Oregon
The penalties for DUI in Oregon can be severe, depending on the circumstances of the case. The following is a general overview of the penalties for DUI in Oregon:
First DUI in Oregon
- A fine of up to $10,000
- License suspension for one year
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to one year
Second DUI in Oregon
- A fine of up to $10,000
- License suspension for three years
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to one year
Third DUI in Oregon
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Lifetime license suspension
- Possible participation in a drug and alcohol treatment program
- Possible jail time of up to five years
Ignition Interlock Devices
In addition to the above penalties, Oregon also requires the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) for some DUI offenders. An IID is a device that is installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to blow into it before the car will start. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start.
In Oregon, an IID is required for:
- All repeat offenders
- Some first-time offenders, at the discretion of the court
The cost of installing and maintaining an IID can be substantial, and it is important to discuss the potential requirement of an IID with your Oregon DUI lawyer.
How an Oregon DUI Lawyer Can Help You Beat a DUI Charge
One of the main ways that an Oregon DUI lawyer can help you beat a DUI charge is by investigating the circumstances surrounding your arrest. This includes reviewing the police report, blood alcohol content (BAC) test results, and any other evidence that may have been gathered by the arresting officer. Your Oregon DUI attorney may also question the officer’s conduct during the arrest to determine if your rights were violated in any way.
Additionally, an Oregon DUI lawyer may also challenge the legality of the traffic stop that led to your DUI charge. In order for a traffic stop to be legal, the officer must have had reasonable suspicion to believe that you were violating a law in the first place. Lack of probable cause may allow for any subsequent evidence to be marked as inadmissible in court.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Oregon, it is essential to seek the assistance of an experienced Oregon DUI lawyer. An experienced Oregon DUI lawyer can provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to help you beat your DUI charge.
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