Drunk driving is a serious offense in Oregon. Portlanders accused of drunk driving can face serious and life altering penalties. These penalties are very serious when the arrest occurs following a car accident or injury to another person. However, it is important for Oregon residents to remember that not everyone that is accused of drunk driving will be charged with a crime. Additionally, not everyone who is charged with a DUI will be convicted, even following an accident.
For example, police and prosecutors in Multnomah County are still trying to determine if one man should be charged with DUI, following a recent accident. In this case, the 63-year-old man is accused of hitting another man with his car. The accident took place as the other man crossed Northeast 60th Avenue in Portland. Seven days after the accident, the man died as a result of his injuries.
Immediately following the accident, the 63-year-old was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. At the time, police say that the man admitted to driving a beer before driving. They also allege that the man failed multiple field sobriety tests.
Despite these allegations, the charges -- including the DUII charges -- were dismissed against the man. Prosecutors say that the case is still under investigation, but at this time, no criminal charges were pending.
In all cases, those accused of drunk driving should be treated as innocent until proven guilty. There are times that police may suspect drunk driving, but not have the evidence to back it up. Police need solid evidence that a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) level is elevated. While some tests can show a person's BAC level, these results can often be challenged in court.
Source: Woodburn Independent, "Case against alleged drunken driver evidently stalled," Tyler Francke, July 15, 2015
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