Road Trip Troubles: Getting a DUI in Eugene, Oregon

DUI punishments in Oregon are some of the toughest in the country. And, while you may be a native to Oregon, and fully aware of this, there is always the chance you have a mishap and get pulled over on suspicion of driving while under the influence.

Today we are going to look at just what can happen to you if you are travelling through one of the most popular places in Oregon on a road trip and get pulled over for a DUI.  In particular, we are going to discuss what you are up against should you get pulled over in Oregon’s second largest city – Eugene – for a DUI.

Planning a road trip is always a fun endeavor.  You get to pack your car to the max with things to get you by on the road, drive for endless hours chatting it up with your closest family or friends, and experience new places you may never have seen before had you not taken to the highway to do so.

In fact, there is one great place to road trip if you live in Oregon and don’t want to leave the state.  And no, I am not talking about the cliché Pacific coast trip that everyone always plans.  I’m talking about travelling to the city of Eugene – home to an exciting downtown area full of dining, adult beverages, and entertainment hotspots.

The place where you can catch all the hometown football games with beers and hotdogs in hand, or the Oregon Ducks take it out on the ice, paired with an ice cold brew.  The place where the Simpsons lived (Springfield) and the Bier Stein store exists, complete with over 1,000 different types of beer for anyone to enjoy.

But these kind of activities lead to drinking, and sometimes driving.  Which then makes you vulnerable to a DUI.

DUIs in Eugene, Oregon

If you are not familiar with the Eugene DUI before road tripping into town, you should definitely get acquainted before taking to the wheel after throwing back a few drinks on your first night in.

In fact, here are some key things you should know about getting a DUI in Eugene, Oregon.

First Time Offenders

Those convicted of a DUI for the first time in Oregon face the following penalties:

  • Jail sentence ranging between 2 days and 1 year, or 80 hours of community service
  • Minimum fine of $1,000 ($2,000 for BACs over 0.15%; $10,000 if a child is in the vehicle)
  • One year license suspension
  • Mandatory interlock ignition device
  • Required drug and alcohol program completion
  • Participation in a victim’s impact program

Second Time Offenders

If you have previously been convicted of a DUI, and rack up another conviction while visiting Eugene, Oregon, be prepared for the following:

  • Up to one year in jail
  • Minimum fine of $1,500 ($2,000 for BACs over 0.15%; $10,000 if a child is in the vehicle)
  • 3 year license suspension (if second DUI is within 5 years of the first conviction)
  • Mandatory interlock ignition device
  • Required drug and alcohol program completion
  • Participation in a victim’s impact program

As you can see, the punishments for receiving a DUI is Oregon get stiffer the more times you are convicted.  In fact, if you are convicted with a third DUI, you are looking at 5 years in jail, thousands more in fines, and even a permanent revocation of your driver’s license.

That’s why, should you find yourself facing DUI charges in Eugene, Oregon while on your road trip of fun, you should enlist the help of a reliable DUI defense attorney in Oregon.  Knowledgeable about the DUI laws in Oregon, experienced in the local Eugene region, and dedicated to getting you the best defense possible against a Eugene DUI conviction, Michael G. Romano of Romano Law, P.C. can help you get past your road trip troubles and back on track with your life.