Oregon DUII FAQ
Understanding Potential Consequences.
The following is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
What to Know About DUII
Facing a DUII charge in Oregon can be overwhelming, and one of the most common concerns is: “What penalties am I looking at?” or “Am I going to jail?” With over 50 years of experience in defending DUI cases across Oregon, we aim to provide answers to these critical questions.
First-Time DUII in Oregon: No Injuries
In most cases, first-time DUII offenders in Oregon may qualify for the Oregon DUII Diversion Program, allowing them to avoid a conviction if they meet all program requirements. For more details, visit our Oregon DUII Diversion Program page. However, if you do not qualify for diversion, several statutory penalties are mandatory for a first-time DUII conviction:
- 48 Hours in Jail or 80 Hours of Community Service: Oregon courts typically require one of these as the minimum penalty.
- Driver’s License Suspension: Your license will be suspended based on ORS 809.428 and could even be revoked for more severe offenses. Learn more about Oregon’s DUII License Suspension Process.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Required during any hardship permit period and beyond. The IID requirement continues indefinitely until installation is confirmed. More information can be found in our IID Guidelines.
- Fines: The standard fine for a first DUII conviction starts at $1,000, increasing to $2,000 if your
BAC was 0.15% or higher.
Additional penalties may include probation for up to 36 months, a substance abuse evaluation and treatment, and restrictions on visiting bars or taverns.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation on first-time DUII charges.
First-Time DUII with Additional Charges
If you face DUII alongside other charges, such as hit-and-run or reckless driving, you could be looking at more severe penalties. For instance, reckless driving or endangering others while under the influence often leads to longer sentences and higher fines.
Learn more about DUII Plus Other Charges.
First-Time DUII with Injuries
If your DUII involved causing injury, you are not eligible for diversion and will face both DUII and Assault charges. For minor injuries, jail time typically starts at 48 hours, but more severe injuries can result in felony charges and longer prison terms.
If someone was seriously injured or killed, the charges can escalate to Criminally Negligent Homicide or Manslaughter, with prison sentences likely.
Consult an experienced DUII attorney to evaluate your case.
Learn more about the consequences for a DUII with an injury.
How Will a DUII Affect My Job?
The impact of a DUII on your employment depends on your job type. CDL holders are often hit hardest since DUII convictions can revoke their commercial licenses permanently, making it nearly impossible to continue working in their field.
Professionals such as doctors, nurses, and lawyers may also face disciplinary actions due to the criminal nature of the DUII charge.
Learn how a DUII might impact specific professions by reviewing your employer’s policy or speaking with our team for tailored advice.
Consequences for Second or Third DUII Conviction
A second DUII conviction typically results in:
- Increased jail time, especially if the offense occurred within five years of the first conviction.
- Longer license suspension periods and higher fines.
A third conviction within 10 years becomes a Class C Felony, requiring at least 90 days in jail and resulting in a permanent license revocation. After 10 years, you may apply for license restoration, as outlined in our permanent license restoration guide.
Contact Our Oregon DUII Defense Team
Facing DUII charges? Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients throughout Oregon, including Portland, Eugene, and Salem.
We can answer questions such as “How long is your license suspended for DUI?”, “How do I avoid license suspension after a DUI?” and “Is my license suspended immediately after a DUI?”. You can also find many DUI questions and answers on this website. Important: If you are stopped for any reason and are concerned about a possible DUI charge, you can immediately ask for a lawyer. If you are arrested, you do not have an obligation to talk to the police, and, in fact, most people convict themselves when they do talk to the police.
Call Now: 503-362-6528