Bend DUID Attorney

Charged with Drugged Driving in Bend? We’re Ready to Defend You

Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) is a serious offense in Bend, Oregon, with stringent laws aimed at ensuring road safety. Oregon law prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of both legal and illegal drugs that impair your ability to drive safely. This includes prescribed medications that can destabilize your driving abilities.

Given the legal complexities surrounding drugged driving cases, it’s imperative to have detailed knowledge about the substances involved and their effects on driving performance. Law enforcement employs various methods, such as Field Sobriety Tests (FST) and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), to assess driver impairment. If you are charged with DUID, early engagement with a knowledgeable DUID attorney in Bend is vital to safeguard your rights and build a strong defense strategy.

Moreover, Bend’s unique road conditions, including frequent snow and rain, can compound the challenges faced by individuals accused of DUID. It's crucial for those charged to consider how intoxicants, combined with adverse weather, could impact their driving. Our legal team is well-equipped to contextualize these complexities when crafting a defense that reflects your specific situation and the real-world conditions you face.

Contact a Bend DUID attorney today for a legal consultation. Call (541) 312-5150 now or reach out online to learn how we can fight for your rights and minimize the impact on your life.

What is Drugged Driving?

Under Oregon law, a person can be charged with DUII if they are found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a motor vehicle. This includes any substance that impairs the ability to drive safely, whether prescription medication, marijuana, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances like cocaine or methamphetamine.

Although DUII is the official legal term in Oregon, it is often used interchangeably with DUID or drug DUI. The primary distinction is simply that Oregon uses DUII to describe any impairment caused by intoxicants, whether the intoxicant is alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

So, if you've been charged with a DUII in Oregon, it is equivalent to being charged with drugged driving (DUID) in other states. The Bend drugged driving lawyer you hire will handle DUII charges in the same manner they would DUID charges, focusing on the evidence, testing procedures, and possible defenses to the charges.

What Types of Drugs Can Lead to DUID Charges?

Several categories of substances can lead to DUID charges. If you have been arrested for drugged driving in Bend, it's essential to understand what substances are commonly involved in such charges.

Prescription Medications

Some prescription medications can impair your ability to drive. These include:

• Opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan)
• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs)
• Sleep aids (e.g., Ambien)

If you are taking prescription medications, it is important to understand that even if you have a valid prescription, you can still face drugged driving charges if the medication impairs your ability to drive.

Marijuana

Although marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. The effects of marijuana on driving include reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, and slowed reflexes.

Illegal Drugs

Illegal drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and ecstasy, can also lead to DUID charges. These substances can severely impair your ability to drive safely, making it critical to have a Bend drug DUI attorney who understands the nuances of defending against these charges.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Certain over-the-counter medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and cold medicines, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that impair your ability to drive.

What are the Penalties for Drugged Driving Charges in Oregon?

Oregon takes drugged driving offenses seriously, and the penalties for a DUID conviction can be severe. The severity of the penalties depends on the circumstances of the offense, including whether it is your first offense or if you have prior convictions.

First Offense

If you are convicted of drugged driving for the first time, you may face the following penalties:

• License Suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for up to 1 year.
• Fines: You may be required to pay fines, which can range from $1,000 to $2,000.
• Jail Time: A first offense may result in up to 1 year in jail, though first-time offenders may qualify for probation or diversion programs.
• Substance Abuse Evaluation: You may be required to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete treatment if necessary.

Second or Subsequent Offenses

If you have a prior DUID conviction, the penalties for a subsequent offense become more severe:

• License Suspension: A second offense may result in a 3-year license suspension.
• Fines: The fines increase significantly, potentially up to $10,000.
• Jail Time: Repeat offenders can face longer jail sentences, up to 5 years in some cases.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Additional treatment and evaluation requirements may be imposed.

Aggravating Factors

Certain factors can increase the severity of penalties, including:

• Accident Involvement: If the drugged driving caused an accident resulting in injury or death, you could face enhanced penalties, including vehicular assault or manslaughter charges.
• Minor Passengers: If you were driving under the influence with a child passenger, you could face harsher penalties.

A Bend drug DUI attorney can help negotiate reduced charges or penalties based on the circumstances of your case.

What are Key Strategies in DUID Defense?

Defending against a DUID charge involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the specifics of your case. Our team employs the following strategies to advocate for your rights:

• In-Depth Analysis of Arrest Procedures: We examine the legality of the traffic stop and the methods used to determine impairment to ensure compliance with legal standards.
• Scrutiny of Test Results: Testing for drug impairment requires precision. We analyze the reliability of tests and challenge any inconsistencies or procedural errors.
• Examination of Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions and medications can mimic signs of drug impairment. We uncover and present these factors as part of your defense.

Our comprehensive understanding of DUID laws enables us to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, providing leverage for negotiations or trial defenses.

In addition, we employ a rigorous cross-examination of witnesses to challenge any unfounded claims that may arise during proceedings. By dissecting testimonies and examining the credibility of those involved, we work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of your case is accurately presented in your favor.

Why Choose a DUID Lawyer in Bend Backed by 50 Years of Experience?

Facing a DUID charge without experienced legal support can be daunting. At Ward Grover, our team offers over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense, providing you with substantial knowledge and tailored strategies specific to your situation. Our understanding of Oregon's legal landscape allows us to craft effective defenses and negotiate with prosecutors for optimal outcomes.

Clients choose us because we focus on protecting their rights through every stage of the legal process. From thorough analysis and evidence examination to strategic courtroom representation, our commitment is unwavering. Our team is known for its diligent, compassionate approach, ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way.

Beyond our legal strategies, we are committed to fostering an environment where your concerns are heard and your input is valued. We believe in transparent communication, keeping you informed of every development in your case to reduce the stress and uncertainty often associated with legal proceedings.

Talk to our experienced Bend DUID attorney today for a consultation and learn how we can work to get you the best possible outcome. Contact us now online or by calling (541) 312-5150!