Retaining a DUI Lawyer in Milwaukie, Oregon

Milwaukie, Oregon is a growing suburb right outside of Portland that spans Clackamas County and a small portion of Multnomah County. Founded on the shores of the Willamette River in 1847, Milwaukie is dubbed “the Dogwood city of the West” for its abundance of those flowering trees. Though a quieter town, it is currently experiencing a revival with the renovation and construction of houses, shops, and a brand new river walk.

The nightlife in Milwaukie is also flourishing, with six bars and pubs in the area (Jo’s Saloon, Wine:30 Bar Milwaukie, Duffy’s Irish Pub, Oak Grove Bar and Grill, and Ranch Tavern), not to mention entertainment and dining destination Arrivederci Wine and Jazz Bar. With growth comes an influx of people looking to get comfortable with their new surroundings, and sometimes, they can get a little too comfortable and start making poor decisions. One of those decisions could be to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

A DUI (or, Driving Under the Influence) is a criminal offense involving the action of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. According to the Oregon Metro’s 2012 State of Safety report, driving while under the influence of intoxicants is the number one cause of fatal traffic collisions in the region. Clackamas County, which holds the majority of the city of Milwaukie, has the highest rate of DUII offenses of the three largest Oregonian counties (Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas) with 3,572 total offenses in 2008, according to the DUII Data Book published by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Those DUII numbers across the Metro area are, overall, on the decline, as are the number of DUII-related deaths. In 2007, there were 138 deaths in the state of Oregon as a result of a DUII. That number dropped to 56 in 2010 and slightly rose to 87 in 2011. Some people believe that this number could be eradicated altogether if Oregon reinstated DUI checkpoints.

Eradicated in 1987, Oregon is one of 12 states in the U.S. (joining Alaska, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) that has banned DUI checkpoints, despite the fact that these checkpoints consistently reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes by about 9%. Reinstating this practice would require an amendment to the state constitution of Oregon, a fight that Senator Rod Monroe (D) is leading the charge on with Senate Bill 13, a proposal he hopes to have on voter ballots by 2016 according to KGW.com.

Some believe that DUI checkpoints are a violation of personal rights and freedoms. Others, as previously mentioned, feel that reinstating this policy would be a deterrent to those considering drinking and driving, and ultimately a life saver for them and unsuspecting sober drivers out on the road. But a decision like this, as with the decision to drink and drive, would rest solely on the people if the bill made its way through the legislature. Communities and individuals should always be vigilant about safety on the roads, but what happens if you are the person who makes this mistake? Your first step is always to get in touch with a DUI defense attorney with extensive courtroom experience.

When you are looking for an attorney for your DUI case, you’ll want someone with experience in navigating this specific type of crime. A DUI lawyer will have knowledge of how the court system works, and of the plea deals and bargains that come with this type of case. If this is your second or third DUI, you will definitely want to seek legal representation. As far as finding the best lawyer for your needs, well, that will take some shopping around on your part. Do your research, meet with lawyers in your area for a (usually free) consultation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about fees and costs associated with having that person representing you in court.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUII in the state of Oregon, contact Portland DUI/DUII lawyer Andy Green at 503-477-5040.