Collateral Consequences of a DUI in Oregon
Many people arrested, cited, or charged with a DUI in Oregon are worried about things like jail, loss of driving privileges, fines, and probation. But there are also additional consequences of a DUI arrest or conviction, and we refer to those additional penalties as “collateral consequences.”
In addition to the possible legal consequences of a DUI, there can often be what are often called the “collateral consequences of a DUI in Oregon” such as:
- Loss of employment or burdensome restrictions on employment
- An inability to drive children to school or to conduct regular activities such as going to doctor’s appointments, the gas station, the bank, or even the grocery store
- Impoundment of vehicle, plus tow fees and impoundment fees
- Court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment
- Probation (which may require frequent obligations and a monthly service fee)
- Loss of insurance or increase of insurance premiums
- Loss of driving privileges (through driver’s license suspension or revocation)
- Revocation of pilot’s license
- Possible restrictions of other certifications, licenses, or memberships
- Deportation or negative immigration consequences
These collateral consequences of a DUI in Oregon are in addition to the legal consequences of a DUI conviction, which can be imposed at the time of sentencing:
- Court-ordered fines and fees
- Electronic monitoring or house arrest
- Community work service
- Jail or prison
- Loss of driving privileges (through driver’s license suspension or revocation)
- Court-ordered drug and alcohol treatment
- Probation (which may require frequent obligations and a monthly service fee)
- Interlock Ignition Device (IID): A small breathalyzer installed in your car at great expense
It’s common for DUI charges to also carry with them related traffic violations which can result in fines.
Prior to considering a plea to a charge of DUI in Oregon, it’s critical that you discuss with a knowledgeable DUI attorney how a conviction could possibly affect your life. Most people recognize the obvious consequences of a DUI conviction such as jail, but many times the collateral consequences can have an greater detriment on their lives.