DUI in Oregon is treated as a serious crime that carries real risks of jail time, fines, and license consequences. A first-time DUI offense is a Class A misdemeanor, for which a judge can impose up to 1 year in jail, 5 years of probation, and $6,250 in fines. Drivers face separate sanctions from both the DMV and the courts, including license suspension and criminal prosecution, with the sanctions depending on factors like failing or refusing a breathalyzer test. Even drivers hoping to resolve their case without trial should consult an attorney, as the process can involve ongoing obligations for 12-24 months or longer.

1. Serving the Portland Metropolitan Area ~ By Appointment Only
Article: Oregon DUI 101, January 5th, 2016
Ph: 503-575-1244  Ofc: 8625 SW Cascade Avenue, Suite 450  Beaverton, Oregon 97008
Oregon DUI 101
In Oregon, DUI—“Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants”—is
a crime. Years ago, DUI was often treated like a serious traffic ticket.
However, DUI is now treated as a serious crime, which involves a real risk
of jail time and expensive fines.
DUI is generally a “Class A Misdemeanor”in Oregon, meaning that
an Oregon judge has the legal authority to impose 1 year in jail, 5
years of probation, and $6,250.
DUI drivers also must face consequences for their driver’s license.
First, DMV will take actionagainst the DUI driver by pursuing an
administrative sanction; DMV action is completely separate from anything
that happens in court. Second, and separately from DMV, the Court where
the DUI charge is pending criminal prosecutionwill take actionagainst
the DUI driver if they are convicted.

2. Serving the Portland Metropolitan Area ~ By Appointment Only
Article: Oregon DUI 101, January 5th, 2016
Ph: 503-575-1244  Ofc: 8625 SW Cascade Avenue, Suite 450  Beaverton, Oregon 97008
The DMV and Court sanctions depend on a variety of factors,
including: whether the DUI driver failed the breath test; whether the DUI
driver refused the breath test; and whether the police legally stopped the
DUI driver.
Even DUI drivers who want to resolve their case without a battle in
court should considerconsulting with and hiring an attorney to help them
through the process. While in some casesthe DUI driver may enter DUI
diversion, or plead guilty or no contest, that is not the end of the case—
they will likely have ongoing obligations that may last anywhere from
12 – 24 months, or longer.
DISCLAIMER:The informationcontained in thisarticle is offered for
educationalpurposesonly. Thisinformation isnot offered as legal advice.
A person accused of a crimeshould alwaysconsultwithan attorney before
makingdecisionsthat have legal consequences.