I just got a DUI in Portland

[RobertPaulson]

that sucks Darren, specially so close to home.

all i will say is don't cheap out on the lawyer, buddy of mine use DUIaway and he paid decent money but by no means did he go out and pay for the best, and the lawyer basically dragged it out for 9 months and did nothing. The officer made a mistake when he blew, he had no probably cause to pull him over and my buddy who's in his late 30's has only ever had a speeding ticket against him. And yet with all these mistakes and with 0 record the lawyer was still unable to get it reduced to a neg driving let alone get it thrown out.

[Dvipercop]

Since you blew over the legal limit, the attorney will most likely attack the DUII detection steps the officer took. Since these tests are literally a scientific method, any deviation from them can be a win for you. They will look at how many clues the officer saw doing the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn, and the one leg stand. Each of those tests are designed to prove impairment if a certain number of clues are present.

Just throwing my two cents in. It's really only beneficial to get a lawyer if the officer didn't do a thorough report and there is stuff the lawyer can pick apart. As a general rule, however, traffic officers (in Portland) are VERY good at picking up clues and detailing them in their reports. So more likely than not, any lawyer you hire will put on a good show and that's about it.

You may be better off just going through a program they offer. Either way, it sucks and I hope it all works out for you.

[Dave-ROR]

Damn man, sorry to hear I've definitely drove past the legal limit a few times but felt fine. Luckily have never been pulled over.

[DarrenDriven]

Well I chose a lawyer based on a friend's recommendation who went through this a few years ago. It's $2500 poof, but that is something I can soon forget about. If I botch my court dates, etc, then that will be much more of a PITA.

I'm hoping that describing this might help someone make a better choice so they don't have to go through this... and if they do, well they will know what to expect. That is the scariest part: not knowing what I should be worried about and what isn't a big deal.

[PNW FRS]

Sorry to hear of your incident... props to you for the adult manner in which you're telling the story... taking responsibility, etc.

If your telling of the story helps even one person from making a similar future bad decision, then that's a good thing...

Not trying to start a pissing match with anyone about the issue of driving while impaired (under any circumstance).... save it for a social issue forum.

Just wanted to let OP know that this former "problem drinker" salutes him for his transparency.

[Dave-ROR]

pushrod: That equals subforum moderator.

[evan]

I'm very sorry that this happened to you. If you do get an attorney, I would suggest that you don't cheap out on one (as was previously mentioned). Good luck. Sending positive vibes your way..

[BRZPDX]

I got mine 2 summers go (a week after brz purchase..). I got very lucky since it was in eastern Oregon BFE and I was able to skip all my classes by paying the diversion counselor off.


also if you own your own business, you can file an exemption for the breathalyzer ignition bullshit, saying my employer (yourself) will sign off on driving a company car for work. my brz was not a company vehicle so it was put down for 3 months. but I was able to drive my company car.


I know this isn't much of a help since my case was a bit unusual, but find a good rehab place to do your classes. they will fail you on purpose sometimes for you to start over, and pay more for classes. its shitty but it has happened to my friend. failed him at week 10 and he had to start and pay all over again.


Drinking and driving is bad, but .1, you're probably fine imho. I blew a .22 and tumbled out of my car before doing the walk of shame. i remember the cop saying "woa, don't fall over yet, we havnt even started!". this was in the middle of no where twistes by Deschutes river after an epic 3 day binge drinking rafting trip.


The feeling of shitbagness is the most shittiest part. the rest is all temporary. well, if you get another one within 15 years or something, the first one haunts you back. and its lies when people say "yea bro diversion wipes off everything". sure you're not convicted but DMV record will show DI, which means you took diversion, which means you got n duii. My car insurance dropped me instantly. I had them for 10 years prior.


Its not that bad once you get through it. I only know 1 friend that hasn't gotten one yet. you'll be fine.

[Carlitoz3]

Can't say I've never done it.
Hope everything works out for the best.
Keep us posted!

[ducky369]

Dear great sir,
Sorry for what happened to you, one mile could've been a 4 minutes local drive. It really sucks. I've been underage drinking and driving home since I was 19, I'm 21 now. I rarely go out to drink anymore. After your story, I am terrified and I certainly won't make any wrong choices because I really cannot afford to pay law suit fees or any DUI fees. Thank you so much for writing this post and taking your time to warn us (especially younger drivers on here who think we are gods[myself when I was 19]) I promise you all I will not drive after i drink anymore!

[murselyfe]

This is why I now Uber or Lyft it home. $26.00 vs $2,500+ the rest of the bull.

Hope you get it sorted out... buddy of mine is still dealing with his.

[DarrenDriven]

No Uber or Lyft here in Portland.

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by DarrenDriven

No Uber or Lyft here in Portland.

That sucks.

[murselyfe]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

That sucks.

Didn't know that.

At any rate, good luck!