If you’ve been charged with a drunk driving offense, then you’re probably stressed and worried about your future. That’s understandable given the threat of serious penalties being imposed upon you. But what, exactly, is at stake in your Oregon DUI case? Let’s take a closer look at some of the penalties you could be up against so that you know what you need to be prepared to face.
Oregon’s penalties for DUI convictions
Prosecutors and the courts have a lot of discretion when it comes to seeking and imposing penalties on those who have been convicted of a drunk driving offense. Here are some of the penalties that you could be hit with if you end up convicted on the charges you’re facing:
- First offense: Your first DUI conviction could result in up to a year of incarceration, a fine of up to $6,250, license suspension for one year, and mandatory implementation of an ignition interlock device for a year.
- Second offense: A second offense can result in the same amount of incarceration and just as big of a fine as a first conviction, but you’ll face three years of license suspension and two years of ignition interlock use.
- Third offense: You’ll be hit with at least 90 days of incarceration and anywhere between $2,000 and $125,000 in fines. Your license will also be revoked. While you can petition to have your license reinstated after 10 years, you’ll still face years of mandatory ignition interlock use.
Some of these penalties can be heightened, too. For example, if you were driving with a child in the car at the time of your drunk driving arrest, then your conviction could lead to more significant penalties, including higher fines. So, be sure to fully assess the facts of your case so that you know what you could be up against in your case.
Aggressively defend yourself against drunk driving allegations
As you can see, there’s a lot at stake when you’re accused of drunk driving. That’s why you need to be prepared to aggressively defend yourself. And you can do so by exploring your defense options and choosing those that are right for you. If you need assistance with that, then please continue to read up on DUI defenses.