Thousands of drivers are charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) in Portland each year. Moreover, being charged with DUII is not limited to drivers whose blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher: the law requires only that a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle be impaired to a noticeable or perceptible degree.
The penalties for DUII can range from quite serious to extreme. Repeat DUII offenders can face felony charges, lengthy prison sentences, and the lifetime loss of driving privileges. Even second offenses can carry significant jail time. First time DUII offenders are often, but not always, qualified to enter into a diversion program in order to avoid a criminal conviction. Fines, fees, treatment programs, and insurance consequences also dramatically affect the client's finances.
DUII Defense Lawyer in Portland, Oregon
At the Portland law firm of Raivio, Kohlmetz & Steen, P.C., our attorneys defend clients against DUII charges. We explore all evidence to ensure that the traffic stop, arrest and charge were legal and that the police did not violate the individual's rights. We make sure that field sobriety tests and other tests were administered correctly. We determine whether age, medication or illness may have compromised the results of police-administered tests.
The Oregon DMV will suspend your driving privileges after a DUII arrest. This suspension is totally separate from any court ordered suspension if you are ultimately found guilty of the offense. It is critical to act quickly to schedule a DMV hearing to challenge this suspension; if a hearing is not scheduled within 10 days, the license suspension will go into effect automatically. Our attorneys will appear at the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing to advocate for your license. This is in addition to vigorously defending you against the criminal DUII charge.
In addition to seeking the return of your license, our lawyers will argue vigorously for alternative penalties should you be convicted. For example, alcohol education or treatment, substance abuse classes or treatment, victims impact panel class, fines and fees, jail time, restitution for property damage, vehicle impoundment, and installation of an ignition interlock device are all common penalties. In addition, DUII convictions almost always result in a period of probation. you must obey all the rules of your probation; failure to do so could result in jail time or additional non-jail penalties.
One of our attorneys, Andrew M. Kohlmetz, authored a chapter on Felony DUII defense for the 2001 DUII Trial Notebook issued by the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has also lectured on DUII topics at continuing legal education seminars.
Call Our Portland DUI Attorneys
Our law firm is committed to providing the highest-quality defense at reasonable rates and is dedicated to protecting our clients' rights. We offer a free initial consultation. Call a Portland DUI defense lawyer toll free at 1-888-311-2016 or send us an e-mail.
