Hiring a DUI Lawyer in Beaverton, Oregon
Beaverton, Oregon is a growing city just seven miles west of downtown Portland, a hip, flourishing area filled with amazing shops, restaurants, bars, and all the fun of a major coastal city in the Pacific Northwest. Beaverton itself has much to offer in the way of fun and entertainment. A quieter oasis outside the major hub of Portland, Beaverton boasts one of the top shopping malls in the country, Washington Square; an unparalleled summer market, the Beaverton Farmers’ Market; and proximity to the beautiful scenery of Oregon and Washington States. But for some people, too much fun and relaxation can lead to a world of trouble in the form of a DUI.
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. Beaverton specifically has come under attack in the last year or so as reports from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission show that, for a four year period, three bars in the area have been cited consistently as the establishments where DUI offenders were over-served before hopping behind the wheel.
Malone’s Ale House was linked to 102 DUII arrests between December 2009 and July 2013. The Peppermill Restaurant & Lounge is connected to 75 DUII arrests during this time, and the West Union Sports Pub & Family Restaurant was linked to 68. Though incredibly problematic for the Beaverton and Washington County areas, these 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.
Since 1987 Oregon is one of just 12 states that has banned DUI checkpoints. Those that have moved to Oregon from other states may be shocked to know that DUI checkpoints are not common, or even possible, even on nights such as New Year’s Eve or Memorial Day Weekend. Studies have shown that DUI checkpoints reduce the number of alcohol related crashes by 9% but the state or Oregon does not want to infringe upon the rights of its residents; including those that will be driving vehicles on Oregon highways and roads.
That is not to say there has been opposition to this legislation. Senator Rod Monroe (D) is pushing for the reinstatement of DUI checkpoints in Oregon. In fact, his proposal has been added to Senate Bill 13 and could be on ballots in 2016 during the next voting period. Ultimately, Oregon residents (voters) will get to make the decision if DUI checkpoints are reinstated.
When searching for the best DUI lawyer in the Portland, Oregon area look no further than Mr. Andy Green. He has the knowledge and experience to represent you in the court of law. If you this is your second or third DUI we would strongly suggest seeking legal representation as the fines and penalties are much more severe. Andy Green offers free consultation and can even visit you while in jail. He will work diligently to help you in this difficult time. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek legal consul advice as this could be one of the most important decisions you make in your adult life.
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.