The association that many make with driving under the influence is with alcohol. However, there are many different ways in which a person in Portland can be considered intoxicated and all can lead to being charged with operating under the influence if they are stopped by law enforcement while behind the wheel. This includes the use of various drugs or household items to get high. These charges can be serious with a conviction and punishments the same as for a DUI arrest for alcohol use.
A 37-year-old woman was arrested on her third DUI charge in 2015 after she allegedly committed a hit and run in a Dodge Durango. After the accident, the other driver tried to prevent the woman from leaving the scene, but could not. Another witness followed the vehicle and contacted law enforcement. Police stopped the vehicle and conducted an investigation. They allegedly found that the woman had been doing what is called "huffing." This is when a person will use various objects that have compressed air in an attempt to get high. The woman had been caught engaging in this activity while driving in one of her prior 2015 arrests.
People need to be fully cognizant of the long-term damage a conviction on charges of operating under the influence can do. Depending on the charges, an OUI offense can lead to jail time, fines and other penalties. It is also possible to face the inconvenience of having one's driving privileges rescinded. For many, this can have a profoundly negative affect on their ability to work and to care for their family. It must also be remembered that law enforcement is required to follow certain protocols when investigating a case before making an arrest on a DUI charge. If these are not followed, the evidence accrued might not be valid in court.
In this case, a woman is accused of having gotten into an accident, fled the scene and done so while under the influence from huffing. Because this is the third time the woman is alleged to have been operating under the influence, the charges can be much more significant along with the possible consequences. With everything she has to deal with, it is imperative that she have legal assistance to lodge a defense with help from a qualified legal professional.
Source: koin.com, "Oregon City woman arrested for huffing hit and run," Dec. 16, 2015
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