Bend DUI Attorney

Hire Our Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer in Deschutes County, Oregon

DUI, known as DUII or “driving under the influence of intoxicants” in Oregon, is a common yet aggressively prosecuted offense in our state. If you have been charged with DUII in Bend, you may face a loss of your driving privileges, fines, and jail or prison time depending upon the circumstances of your case and any previous convictions. A drunk driving conviction can also have lasting collateral consequences and may make it impossible for you to maintain your employment.

With so much at stake, it’s recommended that you secure legal representation as soon as possible. At Ward Grover, we take every case seriously. Our Bend DUI attorneys offer top-quality legal representation with experience for any client charged with DUI or DUII in Deschutes County, Oregon.

Facing DUI in Bend, Oregon? For a consultation with an experienced Bend DUI lawyer, contact us online or call Ward Grover now at (541) 312-5150.

What are the Penalties for DUI in Oregon?

DUI in Oregon is a serious offense with potentially life-changing consequences. If you are found to have a blood alcohol content above the legal limit of .08 percent, you may face criminal charges. If you're arrested for DUII and drugs other than alcohol are found in your possession, you may face even more severe drug crime penalties.

Oregon has mandatory minimum sentencing for DUI charges. This means that if you’re convicted, you will automatically be dealing with a set of penalties that will adversely impact your life. The degree to which these penalties are imposed will depend on the circumstances of your case and the existence of any previous convictions on your record.

The penalties for a drunk driving conviction in Oregon may include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• License suspensions
• Ignition interlock device installation

In addition to the mandatory penalties upon conviction, you may also be required to perform court-mandated community service or participation in rehabilitation programs in the great city of Bend. DUI conviction can also lead to increased insurance rates and employment difficulties.

With this much to lose, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney if you have been charged with DUI in Bend, Oregon. An experienced Bend DUI lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options.

How Likely is Jail Time for First DUI in Oregon?

A first-time DUI conviction in Oregon can result in a minimum of 48 hours in prison or 80 hours of community service. The jail sentence can range from two days to one year.

Other penalties for a first-time DUI conviction in Oregon include:

• A minimum $1,000 fine
• A one-year license suspension
• A fine of up to $2,000 to $6,250 if your blood alcohol level (BAC) is .15% or higher

However, if you complete the diversion program, there will be no DUI conviction, and your criminal charges will be dropped. You will likely serve no prison time (other than the initial night you were arrested).

Can You Get a DUII Removed From Your Record in Oregon?

Unfortunately, expungement is not possible and is prohibited for DUII convictions under Oregon state law. Even if you can have your case dismissed once you complete a DUII diversion program, a DUII will permanently stay on your record.

Defenses Against DUI Charges in Oregon

In Oregon, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you are facing DUI charges in Oregon, understanding the possible defenses can be crucial in building a strong legal strategy to challenge the accusations. Here are some common defenses against DUI charges in Oregon:

1. Improper Stop or Arrest: The police must have a valid reason to stop and arrest you for DUI. If the officer did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle or lacked sufficient evidence to arrest you, this could be a viable defense.

2. Inaccurate Breathalyzer Test: Breathalyzer tests can sometimes produce false readings due to calibration errors or improper administration. Challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer results can be an effective defense.

3. Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): It takes time for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. If you drank alcohol shortly before driving, your BAC could have been under the legal limit when you began driving but increased while you were on the road. This "rising BAC" defense can challenge the validity of the BAC test results.

4. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of intoxication. IIf you have a medical condition that might impact your performance on field sobriety tests or make you appear intoxicated, this can serve as a defense.

5. Violation of Miranda Rights: If the arresting officer failed to read you your Miranda rights during the arrest, any statements you made following the arrest may be inadmissible in court.

Facing DUI charges in Oregon can be daunting, but with the help of our experienced Bend DUI attorney, you can explore these and other potential defenses to challenge the charges against you effectively. It's crucial to seek guidance from an experienced attorney who can assess your situation, recommend the most suitable strategy, and work diligently to safeguard your rights and reduce the penalties associated with a DUI conviction.

Don’t Let a DUI Conviction Threaten Your Future

Being charged with a DUI in Bend, Oregon, can be challenging to deal with. In addition to fines and jail time, a conviction can preclude you from certain types of employment or affect custody and visitation of your children.

At Ward Grover, our attorneys know how crucial it is that you have a favorable outcome for your case, and our DUI lawyers in Bend work hard to provide you with a strong defensive strategy. Our law firm takes a detail-oriented approach that considers you as a whole person. We genuinely want to help our clients, and when you hire one of our criminal defense lawyers to handle your DUI case, you can be sure you’re getting an attorney you can trust.

To speak with an experienced Bend DUI attorney, call (541) 312-5150 or contact us online. We have consultations and same-day appointments available.