Hillsboro DUI Lawyer

Advocating for Your Rights After a DUI Arrest in Washington County

Being pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence can be an overwhelming experience. From witnessing the flashing lights in your rearview mirror to being placed in the back of a police vehicle, you may find yourself anxious and uncertain about what to do next.

It is essential that you avoid answering investigative questions from law enforcement (apart from providing your basic information). Ask to speak with a DUI defense attorney in Hillsboro immediately to protect your legal rights and options.

At Cornerstone Law Group, our team brings eight decades of combined experience handling DUI cases for clients throughout Hillsboro and Washington County, Oregon. 

When you are charged with DUI in Hillsboro or anywhere in Washington County, having in-depth knowledge of the local legal system becomes critical. Our team’s lasting presence in the community means we have a practical understanding of local court procedures, the tendencies of individual judges, and the specific practices of law enforcement handling DUI stops and arrests. This distinct insight equips our clients with an advantage, allowing us to anticipate challenges and tailor a defense that addresses the legal realities within the Hillsboro Municipal Court or Washington County Circuit Court. We pride ourselves on this familiarity, which makes a substantial difference in outcomes for those facing DUI charges locally.

If you're charged with DUI in Hillsboro, Oregon, contact Cornerstone Law Group for an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Hillsboro prepared to help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights. 

Our team will scrutinize the details of your arrest, identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and explore every possible legal option. We offer a free and confidential consultation to get started on your defense. Call our law office now to protect your future and pursue the justice you deserve with a trusted DUI attorney in Washington County.

Have you been arrested for a DUI? Call Cornerstone Law Group today at (503) 461-5005 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Hillsboro, Oregon, DUI defense attorney.

The DUI Process & What to Expect in Hillsboro, OR Courts

Understanding the legal process after a DUI arrest in Hillsboro is crucial for making informed decisions. In Washington County, DUI cases typically begin with an arraignment at the Washington County Circuit Court or, if applicable, at Hillsboro Municipal Court. During the arraignment, your charges will be formally read and your rights explained. The court may address bail and set your future court dates as well. Afterward, your case moves to pretrial conferences, where your DUI defense attorney in Hillsboro negotiates with prosecutors and explores possible resolutions. Pretrial motions — such as challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the arrest procedure, or the admissibility of test results — can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Should negotiations not result in a resolution, your case will proceed to trial, where both parties present evidence before a judge or jury comprised of local residents familiar with the community’s streets and law enforcement patterns.

Although the process might seem overwhelming, Cornerstone Law Group has decades of collective experience guiding clients through every phase. We keep you well-informed, help you prepare for court, and leverage our relationships with local prosecutors and judges to seek favorable resolutions. Courts in Hillsboro maintain strict timelines for filing requests, such as for DMV hearings to contest a license suspension. Prompt action is critical: we prioritize clear communication and thorough preparation, ensuring you understand every step specific to Hillsboro and Washington County. From your first appearance to a potential trial, our local knowledge helps protect your rights and future at every juncture.

Common DUI Defenses & Strategies in Washington County

If you have been charged with DUI in Hillsboro or Washington County, several viable defenses and strategies may be available, depending on the specifics of your case. At Cornerstone Law Group, we examine the details of the initial traffic stop, closely review the officer’s observations, and scrutinize field sobriety and chemical testing procedures for any lapses. For example, a powerful defense may involve contesting whether the officer had lawful probable cause to initiate the stop, or challenging the accuracy of the breathalyzer machine, which must be properly maintained and calibrated as mandated by Oregon law. Medical conditions or other external factors, such as recent dental work, can sometimes cause artificially elevated test results. Because we are familiar with law enforcement methods in Hillsboro and Washington County, we can often identify and leverage police procedural errors or oversights in your case.

Our strategic approach may also involve negotiating for your admission into Washington County’s DUI diversion program, which can lead to a dismissal of charges after successful program completion. We walk clients through eligibility requirements, coordinate all court-required filings, and guide you through what to expect in each step with the support of a DUI defense lawyer in Washington County. Every case is different, and our team’s deep knowledge of local prosecutors’ and judges’ practices helps us build a robust defense tailored to your unique circumstances. Our mission is to minimize the consequences of your DUI charge and help you move forward with confidence.

Oregon's Implied Consent Law

Under Oregon's implied consent law, any person driving on a public road or premises open to the public in Oregon has implicitly consented to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test if lawfully arrested on suspicion of DUI. If you refuse to take one of these tests in Washington County, you can face strict penalties, including immediate license suspension.

Many drivers in Hillsboro and across Washington County are surprised by how quickly implied consent violations can impact their case. Refusing to submit to testing in Hillsboro typically results in the police confiscating your driver’s license at the scene and issuing a temporary permit, starting an administrative process that may suspend your driving privileges. Agreeing to a test does not mean you are automatically guilty, but refusing often eliminates certain opportunities for negotiations or participation in diversion programs. Our legal team frequently counsels clients on the critical difference this decision can make, and our understanding of how cases are handled in Washington County Circuit Court allows us to put clients in the strongest position possible from the earliest stages.

A driver who refuses a blood, breath, or urine test faces the following license suspension periods:

• First offense: 1 year
• Second offense: 3 years
• Third offense: 3 years

What Are Probable Causes for DUI Arrests?

For an arrest to be lawful, a police officer in Oregon must have probable cause to believe a driver is under the influence. Common indicators of probable cause include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors:

• Swerving
• Running a red light
• Speeding
• Reckless driving

Based on our extensive representation of clients in Hillsboro and Washington County, probable cause may also be established through additional clues, such as the odor of alcohol, observed slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or failure to follow simple instructions during a stop. Every report detail can be pivotal to your defense, and at Cornerstone Law Group, we have a deep understanding of how police in Hillsboro and throughout Washington County construct their reports and justify arrests. By meticulously reviewing the circumstances and law enforcement protocols—especially those practiced by the Hillsboro Police Department or Washington County Sheriff’s Office—we often identify weaknesses in probable cause claims that can benefit your defense. Understanding these local nuances is critical for effectively challenging DUI arrests.

After a refusal and subsequent license seizure, officers may issue a 30-day temporary driving permit to qualifying drivers. If you have recently refused a test or had your license confiscated, time is of the essence. Contact a DUI attorney in Washington County promptly to begin building your defense and protecting your driving privileges.

Consequences of DUI Convictions in Oregon

Each state treats DUI charges differently, and judges in criminal courts and DMV hearings across Hillsboro and Washington County maintain their own expectations. Being fully prepared is vital, particularly when it comes to securing proper representation during hearings for your best chance at a favorable result. DUI convictions can lead to severe consequences, so partnering with a skilled DUI defense attorney in Hillsboro can have a significant impact. Depending on your case circumstances, DUI conviction penalties in Oregon may include:

For those confronting DUI charges in Hillsboro or throughout Washington County, the impact of prior offenses, your age, aggravating factors, or the specific circumstances all influence potential outcomes. Local prosecutors may offer diversion or plea options for first-time offenses, but repeat offenses often result in stricter consequences. The location of your alleged DUI—such as proximity to schools or highly trafficked areas in Hillsboro—may result in enhanced penalties. At Cornerstone Law Group, we ensure you fully understand how local legal nuances can affect your criminal case and help you prepare for every step in Washington County’s unique legal process.

First Offense DUI Penalties

• Minimum $1,000 fine
• One year driver's license suspension
• Ignition Interlock Device for one year after license suspension
• Mandatory drug & alcohol assessment and program
• Victim Impact Program participation

Second Offense DUI Penalties

• Minimum 48 hours in jail or 80 hours community service; up to one year in jail possible
• $1,500-$6,250 in fines
• One to three year driver's license suspension
• Ignition Interlock Device for two years post-suspension
• Up to five years probation
• Drug & alcohol treatment program (12-20 hours per week)
• Victim Impact Program
• Misdemeanor conviction

Third Offense DUI Penalties (Within Ten Years of First)

• 90 days to five years incarceration
• $2,000-$10,000 in fines
• Permanently revoked license (eligible to petition for restoration after 10 years, subject to Ignition Interlock Device requirement)
• Two years supervised probation
• Drug & alcohol program (12-20 hours per week)
• Victim Impact Program
• Felony conviction on record

What Happens If You Get a DUI With a Child in the Car in Oregon?

In Oregon, being arrested for DUI with a child passenger triggers child endangerment charges and exposes you to additional severe penalties on the DUI charge. There is a minimum fine of $2,000 regardless of your blood alcohol content, and the fine can escalate to $10,000 if a child is present at the time of arrest. Your driver’s license may also be permanently suspended.

When DUI charges in Washington County involve a child in the vehicle, local prosecutors aggressively pursue these “aggravated” cases and view them as exceptionally serious. If this occurs in Hillsboro, Oregon law requires prompt reporting to the Department of Human Services, which may initiate a parallel investigation into child welfare. This creates significant risks beyond legal penalties, potentially affecting family and custody matters as well. At Cornerstone Law Group, we take a team-based approach to coordinating your defense in criminal court while protecting your rights and addressing collateral family law concerns. Our Hillsboro-based team will guide you through every step of this challenging process, so you are informed and supported no matter how complex the circumstances.

What Constitutes a Felony DUI in Oregon?

In Oregon, a DUI is classified as a felony if you have two previous DUI convictions within ten years (including those from other states). A first DUI is usually a misdemeanor, but a third DUI within ten years is a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison, $125,000 in fines, and the lifetime loss of driving privileges.

Felony DUI charges bring consequences that last a lifetime. In Hillsboro and throughout Washington County, people arrested for felony DUI may be held at the Washington County Jail before an initial court appearance. A felony DUI conviction also results in a permanent criminal record that can affect employment opportunities, licensure, housing, and international travel. The Washington County Circuit Court enforces strict supervision and treatment requirements for felony DUI convictions, along with prolonged probation periods. If you are facing this level of charge, working with a DUI attorney in Washington County who understands local protocols and sentencing trends is crucial for pursuing alternatives or sentence reductions permitted by Oregon law and local court practices.

Get Legal Help from Our DUI Lawyer in Hillsboro, OR

Knowing your rights and understanding what to expect during a DUI stop is critically important to protect yourself from potentially irreversible mistakes. In addition to immediately requesting to speak with a DUI defense lawyer in Hillsboro, you should never plead guilty, consent to any search without a warrant, or react aggressively with law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Defense in Hillsboro & Washington County

How do I request a DMV hearing after a DUI arrest in Hillsboro?

After a DUI arrest in Hillsboro or elsewhere in Washington County, you must act quickly to request a DMV hearing if your license has been confiscated due to a breath, blood, or urine test refusal or failure. You generally have just 10 days from the date of your arrest to submit a formal request for a hearing. The DMV hearing is separate from your criminal DUI case and takes place at the local DMV office in Hillsboro. At Cornerstone Law Group, our DUI defense attorneys in Hillsboro assist clients with preparing their hearing requests and provide representation before DMV officers. Thanks to our experience with local DMV procedures, we can help contest a driver’s license suspension and pursue the preservation of your driving privileges. We handle all paperwork, deadlines, and appearances to ensure no critical steps are missed throughout this important administrative process.

Is a DUI diversion program available in Washington County, & what does it mean for my case?

Oregon’s DUI diversion program is available for eligible first-time DUI offenders in Washington County, including those in Hillsboro. Participating in this program means pleading guilty or no contest to the DUI charge, after which the court will place you in a diversion program rather than sentencing you immediately. Requirements include a substance abuse assessment, treatment, paying fines and fees, installing an ignition interlock device, and regular compliance checks. If you complete the program in one year, your DUI charge may be dismissed. However, not everyone meets the eligibility criteria—those with certain prior convictions or those involved in DUI incidents with injuries may not qualify. At Cornerstone Law Group, our DUI attorneys in Washington County will assess your eligibility, explain the program requirements, and guide you through every step for the best possible chance of program completion and charge dismissal.

How can Cornerstone Law Group help me build a defense for a DUI charge in Hillsboro?

Cornerstone Law Group offers more than eighty years of combined experience defending DUI cases in Hillsboro and throughout Washington County. Our process begins with an in-depth investigation into the initial stop, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing procedures to identify any possible flaws. Our attorneys understand local law enforcement protocols, as well as the operations and tendencies of local prosecutors and judges. We maintain transparent, ongoing communication and carefully prepare you for each stage—whether that includes pursuing diversion, filing pretrial motions, or representing you at trial in Hillsboro Municipal Court or the Washington County Circuit Court. With our deep insight into the region’s legal landscape, we strive to protect your rights and secure the most favorable resolution possible for your DUI case in Hillsboro or Washington County.

Call Cornerstone Law Group today at (503) 461-5005 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DUI defense attorney in Hillsboro.