Best DUI Lawyers in Portland, OR

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Portland, Oregon?

  The non-emergency phone numbers of local police station in Portland are 503-823-3333 and 311.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Portland, Oregon?

  You can seek copies of Portland police reports by sending a letter to Central Precinct, Public Records, 1111 SW Second Avenue, First Floor, Portland, OR 97204, or online at https://portlandor.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(3zrtv0qrpbyqdwwon0bvq3y4))/supporthome.aspx. For online requests, allow six to eight weeks for processing; for paper requests, allow 16 weeks. Be aware that most requests for public records cost fees.

• What is the most common error committed by Portland drivers following a DUI arrest?

  The error most people make after being detained in Portland for a DUI is failing to consult with an experienced lawyer. Punishments for drunk driving might have serious consequences depending on the situation. DUI-related problems can affect a person for the rest of their life. Before mentioning anything to the police, you must speak with me or another attorney.

• What happens if you decline a breathalyzer test in Portland?

  If you resist a breathalyzer test in Portland, you risk having your Oregon driver's license suspended for at least a year and paying a $650 fine. To keep your license, you must arrange an Oregon DMV or Implied Consent Hearing within ten days of the arrest. Additionally, the police will get a warrant and have a paramedic take your blood. It will be transported to the state crime laboratory for testing to determine the blood alcohol level.

• What happens if you don't follow the rules of your probation or your Portland DUI diversion program's requirements?

  You will get "An Order for Show Cause" from the judge if you breach the conditions of your probation or the Oregon Diversion program after being deemed guilty of DUI in Portland. You have a limited amount of time to respond to this letter to avoid having the conditions of your probation or diversion program removed. There may be severe consequences if a revocation occurs after you have been issued an Order to Show Cause.

• What are the typical penalties for a second DUI conviction in Portland?

  In Portland, the following punishments are possible for a second DUI conviction: -A 24- to 36-month probation period;

  • 10 to 60+ days in prison; -A fine of $1,500 to $3,500; -Numerous hundred dollars worth of extra charges; -A driver's license suspension of one to three years -Substance abuse remedy classes; -Victims impact panel class; -No access to pubs and bars; -Driving only with a legal license and insurance; and -A misdemeanor offense.

• How can a Portland DUI attorney aid you?

  DUI attorneys in Portland will examine every aspect of your case, including the police departments and their justification for stopping you, the breathalyzer or sobriety test that established you were too drunk to drive, the events and procedures leading up to your actual arrest, and the evidence used by the prosecutor to support their case. Hiring a DUI attorney in Portland is your first line of defense against the prosecutor's office and a crucial step in gaining the confidence you need to confront your upcoming court date without fear.

• What does a DUI charge involve?

  DUI, or driving under the influence, is a criminal charge applied to someone who is suspected of operating their vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, such as drugs and/or alcohol. Every state in the U.S. has a law on the books that bans driving while intoxicated; however, the specific criteria may differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some states, a driver with blood alcohol content (BAC) in excess of 0.08% can be brought up on DUI charges while other states set a higher threshold or increase the severity of charges in accordance with the level of intoxication. In some cases, DUI is determined not via testing but by behavior; drivers who are intoxicated to the point of impairment and who cannot safely operate their vehicle may be arrested on suspicion of DUI.

• What's the difference between DUI, DWI, and OVI?

  The terms driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI), and operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) are all legal phrases that refer to the crime of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs (illegal or prescription), alcohol, or both. These terms are largely interchangeable though some states use only one acronym in their statutes for the sake of clarity. There are also other acronyms occasionally substituted for DUI, such as DWAI (driving while ability impaired), OWI (operating while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence), and DUII-CS (driving under the influence of intoxicants: controlled substances).

• How long does a DUI stay on your record?

  In addition to the more immediate penalties that come with a DUI conviction, this costly mistake can have other consequences. DUIs stay on your driving record for years with the exact length of time differing from state to state — the California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, tracks DUIs for 10 years and may use that information to determine things like license eligibility. In Alabama, DUIs stay on the record for five years while in Alaska they're permanent. In states that use point systems to track driving infractions, DUI points may stay on the record far longer than the DUI itself.

• How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

  The cost of a DUI lawyer depends largely on three things: geographic area, the lawyer's experience, and whether the case is settled quickly with a plea or ends up going to trial. Attorneys may charge a flat rate, more commonly used for simple cases that are likely to wrap up quickly, or they may charge by the hour, which can add up quickly if the case requires a lot of pretrial preparations and court time. Ultimately, a DUI lawyer could cost as little as $700 or bill in excess of $4,000.

• How do I choose a DUI attorney?

  Finding the right DUI lawyer is crucial, especially when it comes to preventing a suspended license and minimizing fees and other penalties. To choose the right one:

  • Look for attorneys experienced in DUI case law
  • Ask for referrals from family and friends
  • Check the internet for reviews, keeping in mind that no two DUI cases are exactly alike
  • Meet with prospective lawyers (many offer free consultations) to hear their perspective on the case and see whether their personality feels like a good fit
  • Ask whether the lawyer will be the primary representative or if the case could be passed to an associate and how many clients the lawyer/firm represents at one time
  • Discuss billing options — the difference between an hourly rate and flat fee can be considerable

• What happens when you get a DUI?

  Individuals detained on suspicion of a DUI are typically taken to jail, their vehicles impounded, and either held on bail or processed and released pending a court date. That initial court appearance is a chance to enter a plea; it's a good idea to retain legal representation prior to this hearing so they have an opportunity to argue for reduced charges or even dismissal.

  Drunk driving charges are often enough to warrant a suspended license pending the outcome of the case. A DUI conviction could mean losing that license entirely as well as paying fines, court costs, and DMV fees and paying for treatment or other intervention programs as instructed by the court — perhaps even completing jail time. These penalties tend to be less severe for first-time offenders and increase significantly thereafter.

• Can I contest a DUI without a lawyer?

  While it's possible to contest a DUI without a lawyer present, case law is complex, and navigating those laws can be tricky. A DUI lawyer can't guarantee a positive outcome, but they are in a far better position to make crucial moves, such as challenging the legality of the original traffic stop, questioning the officer-led sobriety tests, and introducing evidence that could lead to an exoneration. In short, it's tempting to save money by going it alone, but the consequences could be costly. Before deciding against a lawyer, take advantage of a free consultation and weigh their recommendations. If budget is a factor, there are court-appointed public defenders who may take on the case.

• How much does a DUI cost?

  DUIs are expensive. In addition to attorney fees that often run the gamut from $700 to over $4,000, there may also be bail costs, court-ordered fines, alcohol education courses, traffic school, DMV fees, the cost of increased insurance rate, fees associated with recovering an impounded car, and the possibility of paying for a court-ordered ignition interlock device. All together, the average cost of a DUI sits at around $6,500 not counting peripheral expenses, such as alternate transportation while unable to drive and lost income due to court dates and incarceration.

• When does a DUI become a felony?

  Driving under the influence is classified as a misdemeanor unless the DUI meets certain state-specific criteria such as:

  • It's not the first offense. Anyone arrested for DUI who has been convicted of driving under the influence previously may be charged with a felony, depending on the length of time since the last conviction.
  • The offender was driving without a license. Getting a DUI with a license that has been suspended, revoked, or restricted is a felony in many states.
  • The DUI resulted in someone else's injury or death. Some states cite bodily harm as one of the reasons to change a DUI from a misdemeanor to a felony.

• How much does car insurance go up after a DUI?

  Since car insurance rates are based on driving history and projected risk, it stands to reason that a DUI conviction will result in higher insurance rates. How much those rates go up depends on the state. In Colorado, insurance rates jump around 18% following a DUI conviction while North Carolina sees a median rate increase of more than 300%. To put that in further perspective, consider New Jersey; the state's average insurance rate is $1,419, but the average rate with DUI increases 132% to $3,292.