You Received a DUI — Now What?

So, you’re feeling completely overwhelmed-you’ve been arrested for a DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants—these include alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both), commonly referred to as a DUI or DWI. No matter if this is your first or hundredth time, you will probably be dealing with a wide range of emotions and questions. Not of least of these is probably: What happens now?

Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Andy Green, attorney at law, P.C., has years of experience representing people facing DUII charges in Portland Oregon. Call 1-503-477-5040 to set up an appointment today.

In addition to contacting a good lawyer that can represent and help guide you through the process, there are a few other things to keep in mind when arrested for a DUII. Keep in mind that if this is a repeat offense, it is likely that penalties and criminal charges will be more severe than if this is your first DUII.

Here is some of the most important information to keep in mind when dealing with a DUII charge in Oregon.  

 

  1. If you are arrested for an alcohol content of .08% or more—even if you are not later convicted—you will face some administrative penalties. These could include at least a 90-day license suspension. If you refuse to take a chemical test (blood, breath, or urine) then you could face a license suspension of up to three years. You can receive a hardship or emergency permit. See our earlier blog post about who qualifies for these special permits and how to obtain one.
  2. Unlike other criminal charges, a DUII comes with mandatory fees. In Oregon you will likely need to pay at least $1000, but you could be charged up to $10,000.
  3. Criminal charges and a court summons will be issued to you upon our release from jail following your initial arrest. It is imperative that you attend your court date. At your first hearing, or arraignment, you can offer a plea of innocent or guilty. You will want to have hired a good attorney, as they can advise you the of the best plea to make in your specific case.
  4. If convicted of the DUII there are a number of consequences that you will face. These will vary in severity depending on the number of offenses you have, if a child under 18 or a person younger than the driver by three years or more was in the vehicle, and your blood-alcohol content level (BAC).
  • Your license will be suspended for at least one year or could be revoked permanently.
  • You could have to pay a conviction fee on top of fines already imposed.
  • You will need to serve 2 days to five years in jail or at least 80 hours of community service.
  • Your participation in drug and alcohol treatment and the Victim’s Impact Panel will be mandatory.
  • You will need to install an ignition interlock device for one to two years after your license is reinstated.

 

Getting a DUII can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in your life. As mentioned above, the best thing you can do to help yourself is to hire a good defense attorney. For those of you dealing with DUII charges in Portland, Oregon, Andy Green is a good person to have on your side. Call 1-503-477-5040 to ask questions about your DUII charge or set up a meeting.

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