While people may think that it could never happen to them, it is easy to be caught driving drunk. People may not even realize that they are over the legal limit until they are stopped by police. In some cases, it doesn't take that much alcohol to reach a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent. In some cases, people may not realize that they have had too much to drunk until it is too late. In a recent case highlighted in this blog post, a man was arrested for DUI only after apparently causing a serious car accident.
Oregon man charged with DUII after fatal accident
Drunk driving charges are very serious in Oregon, especially if someone else is hurt by the allegedly drunk driver. When someone else is killed, the penalties increase even more. A felony conviction for intoxicated manslaughter can result in long prison sentences, large fines, probation, alcohol education classes, drivers' license revocation and more.
What is the fine for DUI in Oregon?
With a recovering economy, money is tight for many people. People often don't have extra money to pay for unnecessary expenses. People may turn to cheaper forms of entertainment -- like drinking with friends -- to fill their time instead of more expensive options. However, Oregon residents should be aware that being convicted of drunk driving can lead to financial consequences.
Rollover accident leads to DUI charges for Portland man
A car accident in Oregon will often lead to an investigation by police. They police will try to determine why the accident occurred. If they believe that alcohol was a factor in the incident, the driver or drivers could face criminal charges for driving under the influence.
Implied consent and field sobriety tests in Oregon
In order to make an arrest for driving under the influence, Portland police must have evidence that the person is intoxicated. To gather this evidence, police will often perform one or more blood alcohol content level tests. These tests can include breath tests, blood tests or field sobriety tests. Unlike breath tests or blood tests, a field sobriety test cannot read the exact amount of alcohol in a person's blood. Instead, the test measures certain behaviors and reactions that can suggest that a person has been drinking.
Portland police officer arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
Police in Portland, Oregon, will arrest anyone they believe is driving under the influence. As a recent case shows, this also includes members of their own force. According to police, a 43-year-old sergeant with the Portland Police Department was recently arrested for DUI. Police claim that the arrest took place after the man supposedly crashed his 2014 Jetta into a yard, fence and fire hydrant, causing $5,000 worth of damage on 190th Drive at around 10:00 a.m.
Two same day car crashes result in DUII charges
Washington County, Oregon recently saw two separate car accidents that led to DUII charges for the drivers. According to police, the first accident occurred when a 26-year-old man lost control over his pickup truck. The accident allegedly took place around 4:05 p.m. on Hornecker Road near Cornelius. In the accident, police say, the truck left the roadway and flipped at least once, injuring a passenger. In this case, the driver was charged with fourth-degree assault and DUII. In the second accident, the 25-year-old driver was charged with DUII after he also lost control over a pickup truck. This accident happened around two hours after the first crash, near Gaston. Police say the truck rolled over after the driver lost control. Nobody was injured in that accident. It is unclear why police believe that either driver was drunk at the time of the accidents. To make claims, like these, police must have hard evidence of intoxication. This can include a failed field sobriety test or a blood alcohol test -- including a breath test or blood test -- with a reading over .08 percent.
Legalized marijuana may increase risk for DUI in Portland
Many Oregon residents understand the dangers and the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. People understand how alcohol can impair a person's judgment and make driving dangerous. However, many people have different views about the recreational use of marijuana. People may not associate marijuana use and driving under the influence.
Portland man's DUI overturned due to improper search and seizure
When a driver is stopped by authorities, they should be aware of their rights and what forms of questioning and tests they could be asked to comply with. If an officer suspects that a driver is under the influence of alcohol, the driver could face a DUI if the officer establishes the proper evidence to place them under arrest. If authorities do not properly carryout the procedures of a DUI stop or a drunk driving arrest, the driver could use this evidence in their defense against the pending charges.
Police charge man with DUII following accident
An Oregon driver is facing criminal charges following a car accident. According to police, the 40-year-old man was driving a Dodge Dakota truck when he lost control over the vehicle. Police claim that he then swerved out of his lane and into oncoming traffic. Apparently, the man hit another car -- a Ford Mustang -- that had been in the other lane.
