Third Offense DUI/DUII in Oregon

A third DUI in Oregon is something you do not want on your record. Nevertheless, if you have actually been charged with it, there are very few ways you can get off easy. However, proper knowledge and legal help can always be of great use.

Administrative Penalties

The administrative penalties you have to face if charged with a third DUI offense in Oregon are pretty severe. Your driver’s license may be permanently revoked. In such a case, there is no chance of reinstatement, and appeals against the ruling are rarely successful. If you are allowed a restricted license after your term, you have to drive with an ignition interlock device in place for a period of three years.

Criminal Penalties

Some part of your sentence will involve serving jail-time or/and paying monetary fines. These may also include community service or compulsory attendance of alcohol rehabilitation programs. These are called criminal penalties and for DUI cases in Oregon include:

• A jail term that can last up to five years.
• A fine of minimum $2,000. If a minor aged three years or less from the driver was in the car at the time of the accident, this fine escalates to $10,000.

The Lookback period

The lookback period for a third offense DUI in Oregon is 10 years. This means that the court shall look back into your driving record for the past 10 years to take into account previous incidents involving drunk driving when deciding your sentence.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor in Oregon

A third DUI offense within 10 years is considered a class C felony in Oregon. This is a pretty serious charge. If charges of injury or destruction of property are involved along with drunk driving, you should expect a pretty severe ruling by the court taking up the case.

Plea Options

Every defendant is given three choices regarding their defense plea by the court of law. The defendant may choose to plead guilty of the crime, plead not guilty or plea bargain. Most attorneys recommend a not guilty plea, but in cases where a conviction seems inevitable, plea bargaining seems like a better option so that you get a lighter sentence.

Legal Help

Before you make any decisions, consulting a good attorney would be a good idea as proper legal help can assist your case. It is better to seek expert legal help rather than losing your driver’s license permanently.