Two drivers were arrested recently in the area of Bend, Oregon, as a result of two separate crashes that police said were the result of drinking and driving. Although the accidents happened in the same week and relatively the same area, the outcomes of the drivers' criminal cases are likely to be radically different.
The first crash happened on the afternoon of Sunday, July 22. According to Sunriver police, a 29-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was driving drunk when he veered off the road and into a wooded area. The crash destroyed a couple of trees and damaged the surrounding landscape. The driver, who was traveling alone, suffered minor injuries. He was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, though more charges are possible.
In the second crash that week, a 20-year-old Bend, Oregon, man and his passenger were traveling in the Old Mill District of the city early in the morning on Tuesday, July 24 when they crashed on the Southwest Columbia Avenue bridge. The man's passenger, who was riding in the front seat, suffered critical injuries. Like the driver in the first incident, the Bend man was arrested on charges of DUII. But he also faces charges of assault, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. Because he is only 20 years old, he may also face charges of underage drinking.
It's not clear what the blood alcohol level of either driver was, or whether they already have drunk-driving offenses on their records, which would also increase their penalties if they're convicted. First-time DUII offenders in Oregon are typically subject to a probation period, jail time or community service, mandatory minimum fines of $1,000 and other consequences. But the driver in the second crash, in addition to causing serious injuries to his passenger, has a tougher legal battle ahead of him due to the assault charges.
They do share one more thing in common: Both will need attorneys to defend them in court. The level of experience and dedication their attorneys have could have a significant effect on whether they're ultimately convicted and the penalties they receive as a result.
Source: KTVZ, "Bend driver arrested in Old Mill DUII crash," Matt McDonald and Barney Lerten, July 24, 2012
- Our firm handles situations similar to those discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Portland drunk driving page.
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