Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Oregon takes driving under the influence offenses very seriously. If your driving is impaired due to alcohol, you may be charged with DUI, also known as DUII or driving under the influence of intoxicants. If you are charged with DUI, you may face severe punishment, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. The severity of the punishment varies depending on how many DUI’s you’ve had in the past, your blood alcohol content, and the age of any minors in the vehicle.

A first time offender can expect two days to one year in jail or 80 hours of community service, a minimum fine of $1,000 – 2,000 depending on your BAC, to a maximum of $10,000 if a child is in the vehicle, license suspension for one year, an ignition locking device on your vehicle, a drug and alcohol program, and participation in the Victims Impact Panel program.

For second offenses, the minimum fine jumps to $1,500 with no option for community service. Jail time is up to one year and a three year suspension of your license if the offense is within five years of your last DUI. You will receive an ignition interlock device for two years from date of suspension, an alcohol and drug program, as well as participation in the Victims Impact Panel.

In Oregon, a third offense within ten years of the first two DUIs is considered a class C felony. You can expect to receive up to five years in jail, a fine ranging from $2,000 – $10,000, permanent revocation of your driver’s license, an alcohol and drug program, and participation in the Victims Impact Panel program.

If you are caught driving in Oregon with a BAC of .08% or higher, you will be charged with committing DUI. To determine your BAC, the officer may have administered a breathalyzer test at the scene of your arrest. The breathalyzer can detect your BAC based on the alcohol content of your breath.

If an officer determines that your driving is significantly impaired due to alcohol, you may still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is under .08%. To make the determination, an officer might subject you to a field sobriety test. Poor performance on these tests could give the officer reason to arrest you on suspicion of committing DUI.