It's an unsettling reality that many drunk drivers are habitual offenders, whether they go undetected or are arrested repeatedly. But for many people who make the choice to drive under the influence, it takes only one harrowing incident to realize the danger of their actions.
Oregon student's career goes off-course with DUII conviction
We often discuss the personal and professional ramifications of drunk driving. Those accused of driving under the influence may have their reputation tarnished by a news story of their arrest, and a conviction can result in prison time, license suspension and crippling fines. Because it can be hard to undo this damage once you're convicted, finding good legal representation before your court case begins is crucial.
High-speed chase leads to DUII, other charges for Oregon driver
Being pulled over by police is almost always a nerve-racking experience, even if you don't think you've done anything wrong. If, however, you know why you're being stopped and are worried about being charged with drunk driving or another traffic violation, a squad car's flashing lights and siren can send you into a panic. How you choose to react will affect the outcome of the ensuing case against you.
Naked Portland man charged with DUII after crashing car
It's not hard to find stories about embarrassing or outrageous behavior of someone who's intoxicated. Whether these stories come from news reports, our friends or our own personal history, they have the potential to be amusing, but they can also be a source of legal trouble. Sometimes they can cause so much shame that we don't know where to turn for help.
Southern Oregon woman charged with Measure 11 felony, DUII
You don't have to be an attorney to understand that drunk-driving offenses can result in serious penalties. But seeking out a lawyer is crucial if you're accused of such an offense because there are so many variables in any given case. Not only are there various levels of drunk-driving charges, but you could be hit with additional charges that make your case more complicated and result in higher fines, more jail time and long-term restrictions against you.
Oregon teenager charged with DUII after crashing into home
As teenagers, we're constantly telling our parents that we're adults and want to be treated as such. But the ages between 18 and 21 are a tough middle ground, in part because these young adults are still not old enough to drink, but face all of the legal ramifications that other adults do if they're involved in a crime that involves drinking.
Officer throws the book at Oregon wrong-way driver
Have you ever accidentally gone the wrong way on a road? Entered on the wrong side of a divider? It happens more than one might think, but for one young driver it meant a litany of traffic violations and a DUI.
In some drunk-driving cases, quick resolutions aren't always best
If you're accused of drinking and driving, you may have a number of legal options laid out before you, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. If the incident is relatively minor and it's your first drunk-driving arrest, you could be eligible for a diversion program that would allow you to keep the offense off your record. But even "easy" options should be weighed carefully with the help of an attorney who can explain all of their ramifications.
Technology aids alternative sentencing options
Sentencing options have expanded significantly in recent decades, especially as awareness of effective rehabilitation and deterrence methods grows. Incarceration and probation used to be the primary penalties imposed on those convicted of crimes, and those two options were limited in effectiveness and also very costly. Now, judges are using alternative sentencing options such as mental health or substance abuse treatment and electronic home confinement to impose more tailored sentences on certain offenders.