MEDFORD DUI LAWYER

Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) charges make up a large majority of all criminal charges filed in Southern Oregon and the State of Oregon. Along with charges for Driving While Suspended (DWS) that often proceed a charge for DUII, the court system has its hands full. When charged with DUII / DWS it is important that you and your case does not get lost in the shuffle. That is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney working for you is so important to emerge from these difficult life events with the best possible outcome.

Many people have an idea that a DUII diversion program exists, but without knowing the details of the program such as:

How and when the ignition interlock device requirement can be avoided;
How and when the fee for diversion can be reduced;
How and when the evaluation must be completed;
How and when to overcome an objection from the District Attorney about entry into diversion.

Medford DUI Diversion Program

It can be difficult to find the right DUI attorney in Medford, let alone all of southern Oregon. Without the right representation, you may find yourself unable to complete diversion because you are lacking knowledge about key components of the diversion program, or even worse, you may miss out on the chance to participate in diversion entirely.

Sometimes diversion is not an option, at those times it is important to have representation that knows how to negotiate. Our attorneys have negotiated hundreds of DUII cases, resulting in the most favorable outcomes possible for our clients. We know what details and factors are required to turn a daunting outcome into one that can be readily managed.

How A DUI Attorney Can Help You

Successful DUII representation is also about knowing when to take a case to trial and how to succeed in a trial setting. Whether a DUII allegation involves alcohol, cannabis, other intoxicants, or a combination can entirely change the complexion of a case. Our team is skilled at cutting to the heart of the matter by getting answers to vital questions regarding the validity of the procedures used by law enforcement, whether civil rights were violated during the process that could result in the exclusion of evidence, or if an expert in toxicology is needed to testify on your behalf.

Not only can we represent you in the court system, but our team has extensive experience representing clients in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles in administrative hearings. It can be a crucial element of a case that is often overlooked, but DMV hearings can provide relief from driving license suspensions and additional information about the case that can be used in court.

With more than sixty years of case law around the issues involving DUII, this most common of criminal charges has become a field of landmines for the unwary. Get excellent DUII/DWS representation today by calling Kollie Law.

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Oregon DUI Laws

Oregon has strict laws regarding driving under the influence to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians on the road. A DUI charge is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for those who are convicted. As an experienced Medford DUI lawyer, I know these laws and can help you with your case.

Here are some key things to know about Oregon DUI laws:

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit: In Oregon, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher.
Implied Consent: By driving on Oregon's roads, you have given implied consent to submit to a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine if a law enforcement officer suspects you of driving under the influence.
Field Sobriety Tests: Oregon law enforcement officers may conduct field sobriety tests to evaluate a driver's physical and cognitive abilities. These tests may include walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, and following a pen with your eyes.
Underage DUI: For drivers under the age of 21, the legal limit is a BAC of .02% or higher. This is much lower than the limit for adult drivers.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) DUI: If you have a CDL, the legal limit for your BAC is .04% or higher.
Marijuana DUI: It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, regardless of whether it’s for medicinal or recreational purposes.
In addition to these key points, there are several other aspects of Oregon's DUI laws that are important to understand if you are facing a DUI charge. It’s best to consult with a qualified DUI attorney in Medford, Oregon who can help you navigate the legal system and minimize the impact of a DUI conviction.

Oregon DUI Penalties

The severity of the consequences and penalties of being convicted of an Oregon DUI depends on various factors, including the driver's BAC level and whether they have any prior DUI convictions. Penalties can include fines, license suspension or revocation, mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs, and even jail time. In addition to these legal consequences, a DUI conviction can also have long-term impacts on your personal and professional life.

Here is a list of some of the penalties and consequences associated with a DUI conviction in Oregon:

Fines: DUI fines in Oregon can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the circumstances of the offense.
License suspension or revocation: A first-time DUI conviction can result in a license suspension of up to one year. Subsequent convictions can lead to longer suspensions or revocations.
Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Drivers convicted of DUI in Oregon may be required to install an IID in their vehicle, which requires a breath test before the car can be started.
Alcohol education or treatment programs: Depending on the severity of the offense, a driver may be required to complete an alcohol education or treatment program as a condition of getting their license reinstated.
Jail time: A DUI conviction in Oregon can result in jail time, with mandatory minimums ranging from two days to one year depending on the offense.
Probation: Drivers convicted of DUI may be placed on probation, which can include various conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, random drug and alcohol testing, and attendance at AA meetings.
Increased insurance rates: A DUI conviction can also lead to significantly higher auto insurance rates, making it more difficult and expensive to get back on the road.

*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.

First DUI in Oregon

The consequences of receiving a first-time DUI in Oregon may not be the same for everyone because every situation will vary. However, there are some general guidelines that will apply most of the time. Whether this is your first or second charge, your chances of getting the outcome you want improve drastically when you hire a good Medford DUI lawyer.

Typically, a first-time offender can face a combination of fines, jail time, and license suspension. The fines can range from $1,000 to $6,250, and the jail time can be up to one year. Additionally, the offender may be required to attend a DUI diversion program and install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. The length of the license suspension can range from 90 days to one year, and the offender may be required to complete community service or perform alcohol treatment. These penalties are designed to deter individuals from driving under the influence and to protect the safety of other motorists on the road.

It's important to note that in some cases, it may be possible to avoid a DUI conviction or reduce the severity of the penalties through plea bargaining or other legal strategies used by a DUI attorney in Medford.

Second DUI in Oregon

A second DUI conviction in Oregon can result in more severe penalties and fines compared to a first-time offense. The offender may face fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the circumstances of the offense. Additionally, they may be sentenced to jail time for up to one year, and their driver's license may be suspended for up to three years. Community service, attending an alcohol treatment program as well as installing an Ignition Interlock Device will also be required. The best way to avoid a second DUI offense is to avoid drinking and driving altogether. If you choose to drink, make sure to plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation to avoid putting yourself and others at risk.