DUI Consequences

Driving under the influence is a serious crime that carries serious consequences.  The penalties for a DUI conviction include custody, fines, license suspension or revocation, and other miscellaneous consequences.  

Custody

In the State of Oregon, driving under the influence is a Class A misdemeanor.  This means that it is punishable by up to a year in jail.  If a person has been previously convicted three or more times within the past 10 years, however, DUI is a Class C felony.  In that case, it is punishable by up to 5 years in custody.  

The minimums sentence for a DUI conviction is 48 hours jail or 80 hours of community service.  Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case and the driver’s criminal history if any, judges will go up from there.  

Fines

Generally the maximum fine for a Class A misdemeanor is $6,250.00.   There are also mandatory minimum fines for drunk driving convictions.  For a first conviction, the minimum fine is $1,000.00.  For a second offense, the minimum fine is $1,500.00.  For a third offense, the minimum fine is $2,000.00 if there is no prison sentence.  In cases in which there was someone under 18 years old who was at least 3 years younger than the driver, the maximum fine is $10,000.00.

Miscellaneous Consequences

In addition to fines, the court will impose court fees and require a person to pay for the cost of other required expenses such as alcohol or drug screening and treatment,  and attendance at a victim’s impact panel.  Other expenses may include the installation of an ignition interlock device and SR-22 insurance.  A license suspension or revocation will also be imposed following a DUI conviction. 

Collateral Consequences

In addition to consequences that flow from Oregon State Law, there could be collateral consequences for a DUI conviction.  For example, a person who is convicted of DUI could be denied entry into Canada.  There can also be consequences for pilot’s licenses or Coast Guard Credentials