Portland DUI Lawyer
Portland DUI Defense Backed by Personalized Strategy & Real Accessibility
A DUI charge doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. Numerous legal defenses can reduce or eliminate the charges against you, but how quickly you act matters. If you or a loved one are facing DUI charges in Portland, your first priority is getting a skilled DUI attorney in your corner.
At the Law Office of Robert R. Cleland, Robert Cleland works with clients personally from the first consultation through resolution. We understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to help you work toward the best possible outcome.
Have you been charged with a DUI in Oregon? Call Law Office of Robert R. Cleland today at (503) 433-8285 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Portland DUI lawyer.
Oregon DUI Laws & Your Rights After Arrest
In Oregon, the offense is formally called Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) under ORS 813.010. You’ll hear DUI and DUII used interchangeably. Oregon prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, and impairment by drugs or controlled substances also constitutes DUII regardless of BAC. Oregon’s Implied Consent Law means that by operating a vehicle in the state, a driver consents to breath, blood, or urine testing if lawfully arrested for DUII. Refusing a breath test carries a proposed 1-year license suspension; failing at 0.08% or above results in a proposed 90-day suspension.
One deadline most people don’t know about: after a DUII arrest, you have only 10 days to request a hearing with the Oregon DMV, or the license suspension takes effect automatically. That tight window is one reason we advise clients to contact us as soon as possible after an arrest. We examine all evidence, including Intoxilyzer 8000 breathalyzer calibration records and whether the arresting officer followed proper procedures, to build the strongest possible defense from the start.
The Oregon DUII Diversion Program
Oregon’s DUII Diversion Program gives eligible first-time offenders a path to avoid a criminal conviction. Rather than proceeding through standard sentencing, qualifying defendants enter an agreement with the court to complete a set of requirements, including fees, treatment, and education classes. Successfully finishing the program results in the DUI charge being dismissed.
Eligibility generally requires no prior DUI conviction and no prior participation in court-ordered substance abuse treatment within the last 15 years. A diversion petition must be filed within 30 days of the defendant’s first court appearance. Missing that window eliminates the option entirely. Diversion isn’t an automatic right, and whether it’s the right path depends on the specifics of your case. We evaluate each client’s eligibility carefully and guide those who qualify through the petition process and every program requirement.
Multiple-Offense DUI in Portland: Escalating Stakes
Oregon imposes significantly harsher penalties for second and subsequent DUI offenses, including longer jail minimums, higher fines, and extended license suspensions. Multnomah County courts handle repeat charges with heightened scrutiny, and the consequences reflect it. Courts may also require participation in rehabilitation programs and installation of an ignition interlock device (IID).
When you’re facing a second or subsequent drunk driving charge in Portland, a tailored defense strategy isn’t optional. We examine every angle, from procedural errors during the stop to mitigating circumstances that can affect sentencing. At the Law Office of Robert R. Cleland, we build a defense as specific to your situation as the charges against you.
Felony DUI: What It Means & What We Do About It
In Oregon, a DUII becomes a Class C felony when a defendant has at least two qualifying DUII convictions within the prior 10 years. A third DUII within a decade triggers felony classification. When a DUII involves serious injury or death, that conduct can also give rise to separate felony charges such as assault or manslaughter, each carrying its own severe penalties.
The consequences of a felony DUI conviction reach well beyond the criminal sentence. Significant prison time, permanent license revocation, and lasting effects on employment, professional licensing, and housing are all on the table. For anyone facing felony DUI charges in Portland, having legal counsel isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. We dissect the prosecution’s case, identify procedural missteps, and build a defense that reflects the full context of the charge. Our commitment is to keep clients informed and supported at every stage of this process.
what our clients have to say
Passionate and Dedicated to Providing the Most Favorable Outcome Possible
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"Robert Cleland is the best of all of them."Robert Cleland is the best of all of them.- R. L.
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"I would HIGHLY recommend Robert Cleland!"If you want a competent, detail oriented attorney on your side that will produce the best possible outcome for your case, I would HIGHLY recommend Robert Cleland!- Jonathan
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"He holds his own in the court room, and I'm happy to say had a great effect upon my ultimate ruling."I couldn't be more grateful for the high levels of professionalism and the overall experience I had with Mr. Cleland. He has a cool and collected demeanor, but was open enough that I felt I was in good hands the entirety of my legal dilemmas. He holds his own in the court room, and I'm happy to say had a great effect upon my ultimate ruling. I would absolutely hire him again, and recommend him to any and everybody. Overall he is a fantastic lawyer.- Conner
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"Calm and professional."Robert was recommended to me by a friend and I will recommend Robert to others that seek help. He explained a lot of things that I did not understand in a calm and professional manner. Thank you Rob.- Igor
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"He is truly one in a million!"He is truly one in a million!- S. B.
