Hillsboro DUI Attorney

Arrested for DUI?

Being pulled over under suspicion of driving under the influence can be stressful. From the minute you see the flashing lights until you are being put into the back of a cop car, you may be panicking and wondering what to do.

It is important that you do not answer questions from law enforcement (besides giving them your basic information) and ask to speak with a Hillsboro DUI defense lawyer right away.

At Cornerstone Law Group, we have more than 60 years of combined experience fighting DUI cases in Hillsboro and Washington County.

Oregon Implied Consent Law

Under Oregon's implied consent law anyone driving on "premises open to the public or the highways of this state" has automatically consented to a breath, blood and or urine test. This means if a driver is lawfully arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and they refuse to take a breath, blood and or urine test, they can be subject to strict penalties including having their license suspended.

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

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

In order for an arrest to be deemed 'lawful," a police officer must have probable cause before pulling someone over. Often times probable cause can include but is not limited to:

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

During the arrest, once these tests have been refused and a license has been taken, the officer will issue a 30-day temporary driving permit to qualifying drivers. If you have recently refused a blood, breath or urine test time is not on your side. In order to avoid further potential penalties, it is vital that you contact a Washington County DUI lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense.

Penalties for DWI Convictions in Washington County

Every state treats DUI charges slightly differently, as does each judge in criminal courts and DMV hearings. Being prepared is essential, especially when it comes to having proper representation during your hearings to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.

The penalties for a DUI conviction of any type can be severe; working with a proven legal team can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Depending on the circumstances of your alleged offense, penalties may include:

• First Offense:
  • minimum $1000 fine
  • 1 year driver's license suspension
  • Ignition Interlock Device for 1 year after your license suspension
  • Program for Drugs & Alcohol
  • Victims Impact Program
  • Misdemeanor conviction on your record
• Second Offense:
  • Minimum 48 hours jail or 80 hours community service. Up to 1 year in jail is possible.
  • $1,500-6,250 in fines
  • 1-3 year driver's license suspension
  • Ignition Interlock Device for 2 years after suspension
  • Up to 5 years probation
  • Program for Drugs & Alcohol (12-20 hours per week)
  • Victim's Impact Program
  • Misdemeanor Conviction
• Third Offense (Within ten years of first)
  • 90 days - 5 years incarcerated
  • $2,000-10,000 in fines
  • Permanently revoked license (You may petition to restore driving privilege after 10 years, and it will still require you to have an Interlock Ignition Device)
  • 2 years supervised probation
  • Program for Drugs & Alcohol (12-20 hours per week)
  • Victim's Impact Program
  • Felony Conviction on record

Put 35+ Years of Experience to the Test

Knowing your rights and what to expect when you are pulled over can help ensure your rights are protected and that you do not make any major mistakes.

In addition to asking to speak to a lawyer, it is vital that you do not plead guilty, agree to any search without a warrant, or get upset with law enforcement.