DUII & Traffic Law

The most common interaction with our criminal justice system that people experience is through traffic violations and crimes. From the garden-variety speeding ticket to the always unexpected and upsetting DUII charge, people from all walks of life are charged with these violations and crimes every day. I work closely with clients to vigorously defend against these prosecutions.

People charged with DUII, one of the most common crimes committed in our state, face an array of options. They may be eligible for the Diversion Program. The Diversion Program allows people to keep a DUII off their record and avoid jail time. However, the rules of eligibility include restrictions based on prior DUII convictions, commercial driver license status, participation in prior diversion programs, and other factors. Additionally, entry into the diversion program is time-limited. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.

People who fail or refuse a breath test face suspension of their driver’s license. This is a civil action separate from your criminal case. You must notify DMV of your intent to fight a suspension within 10 days of the incident. It is important to peak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss pending license suspensions. These hearings require competent cross-examination of law enforcement. I fight for you to keep your license.

Finally, people who must take their DUII charge to trial need an attorney experienced in criminal law and in trial work. A trial attorney must be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of every case, identify and present favorable evidence and expert opinions, discredit the story of law enforcement, and deliver the winning argument. I am an experienced trial attorney who can present your case in trial and get the results you deserve.

Recommended next steps for DUII clients:

Speak to an attorney. It’s important to achieve your best possible result on a DUII. Prosecutors or court staff have not evaluated your case from your perspective or for possible defenses. Just because you are eligible for diversion does not mean you are not facing important decisions. If only a consultation, speak to an attorney and get advice that is in your best interest.

Schedule an administrative hearing to protect your driver’s license. The deadline is 10 days from the incident date.

Determine if you are eligible for the Diversion Program. The deadline is 30 days from the incident date.

Traffic Law

Every day, hundreds if not thousands of traffic violations are handed out in the Portland area. Convictions for traffic violations involve fines and can raise your insurance premiums. Repeat offenders may face suspension of their driver’s license. Although many people believe that beating a traffic ticket is difficult if not impossible, I regularly help people keep tickets off their record. There are many options for dealing with traffic tickets and it is often possible to keep a ticket off of your driving record.

Recommended next steps for traffic ticket:

Speak to an attorney experienced in traffic law. I have helped many clients with traffic offenses. I regularly help clients achieve acquittals, dismissals, deferred sentences (traffic school), and reduced fines. Each case is different and each presents a new opportunity for a favorable outcome.

Request a trial. It is always helpful to take the time to evaluate your case and prepare a defense. Positive outcomes can be reached simply by scheduling a trial and working with an attorney. Your citation has instructions for requesting a trial. Deadlines for requesting a trial differ between jurisdictions.

Prepare a defense and defend at trial. Be prepared for trial. An effective cross-examination of the police officer is critical. Your testimony and your witnesses’ testimony are no less important. Consult with an attorney and be prepared. I help people get strong results on traffic tickets.

Featured Cases

2013: Client was charged with DUII and Hit and Run. An aggressive cross-examination of the arresting officer during trial revealed that the officer misstated key evidence and lied under oath. The jury acquitted client of the DUII in under 30 minutes and the client avoided a permanent suspension of his driver’s license.

2013: Client received two tickets in the span of 45 minutes, one of which was a photo radar speeding ticket. I was able to negotiate a dismissal (pending completion of traffic school) on the first moving violation and a verdict of not guilty on the photo radar ticket. Client walked away with no tickets on his driving record.

2011: Client held a CDL and drove a commercial vehicle as part of his employment. He was charged with failure to obey a traffic control device. After a trial before a judge, the client was found not guilty and the ticket was kept off his driving record.

2009: Client was charged with speed racing. The court granted my motion for dismissal after hearing the officer’s testimony. The ticket was kept off client’s driving record.

2008: Client received a ticket after allegedly causing an accident. Resolution of the ticket was going to determine liability for the accident and impact insurance rates. I achieved a dismissal of the citation before trial and kept the ticket off of client’s driving record.