Third Offense DUII in Oregon
Under Oregon state law, third offense charges for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) are considered a felony. DUII regulations stipulate that third-offense charges stem from any third arrest upon suspicion of driving while intoxicated or impaired within a ten year period. Revisions to the state law that went into effect late last year specify the ten-year guideline.
Third offense DUII convictions carry a mandatory jail sentence of at least 90 days, followed by three to five years of probation, though judges may sentence those convicted to even longer prison sentences (up to five years) depending on the circumstances surrounding the DUII event in question. In addition, the sentence carries a mandatory lifetime driver’s license revocation, meaning those convicted lose their state licensing eligibility forever. Those convicted of third offense DUII charges are further not eligible for hardship licenses that allow them to travel to work and other necessary destinations.
In addition, those convicted are still subject to many of the same fines and levies placed against those found guilty of first- and second-offense DUII charges. These can include a minimum $2000 fine (with a maximum penalty of $125,000) as well as hundreds of dollars in additional fees, including court costs. Finally, those convicted must also attend substance abuse classes and victim’s impact seminars at their own expense.