If you are like a number of other Oregon citizens, you may unwind by going out for drinks with friends or attending a party. You may even plan ahead by designating a driver to stay sober throughout the evening, so that he or she may drive the others safely home. Yet, even though you may trust that the designated driver is sober and able to drive safe, you might be mistaken. A report released in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that up to 40 percent of designated drivers have consumed alcohol during the evening and may not be as sober as you think.
Driving while slightly impaired
When many people think about alcohol and driving, they may envision someone who is over the legal limit and has consumed a number of drinks. However, it is important to keep in mind that many people drive while they are slightly impaired. Even though they may not be excessively over the legal limit, there are a number of potential risks associated with this behavior. From unexpected drunk driving charges to other consequences, there are many reasons why driving after only having one or two drinks can be concerning as well.
How is a drunk driving conviction treated in Oregon?
Oregon State is one that cracks down hard on people who are convicted of driving while under the influence. Today, David J. Celuch takes a look at the different ways that having a DUI conviction could impact your life in both the short and long term.
The lifelong cost of a conviction
A criminal conviction comes with a higher cost than many people realize. There are the obvious penalties like potential prison time and hefty fines.
What are common mistakes you should avoid during an appeal?
If you want to appeal your conviction, you will need the right lawyer. In fact, you might not realize that it could be a mistake to hire your original trial lawyer for an appeals case. These cases require a different approach to the court system. You will need a lawyer trained in this specific area if you want to improve your chances to win an appeal.
Oregon man receives 10-year reduction on original sentence
When someone receives a criminal conviction in Oregon, the sentence originally ordered by the judge is not necessarily the number of years that the defendant will serve in prison. There are a number of factors that may affect the outcome in the meantime, including situations that allow the defendant to seek post-conviction relief. For example, the court system may allow a defendant to seek relief when there is relevant evidence that the court did not include during the original trial.