OUI Attorney in Corvallis

Facing An Oregon OUI Charge In Corvallis

An OUI arrest in Oregon can affect your license, your criminal record, and your future. If you are facing charges here, you may be unsure what happens next or whether you should talk to an OUI attorney in Corvallis before your first court date. You do not have to sort through that alone.

At Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C., we represent people charged with OUI and other criminal offenses in this community. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys understand how these cases move through Benton County Circuit Court and the Oregon DMV system. We work to protect your rights while helping you understand every step of the process.

We know this may be the first time you have ever been in real legal trouble. Our goal is to provide clear information, realistic guidance, and focused representation so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Get clear guidance from our Corvallis OUI attorney. Schedule a confidential consultation online or call (541) 243-0678 today.

Why Choose Our Corvallis OUI Defense

When you are deciding who should stand beside you in court, you need more than general criminal law information. You need a legal team in Corvallis that has handled serious charges for many years and is prepared to take your case to trial if that becomes the right path. That is the type of representation we work to provide.

Our firm brings over four decades of combined practice in criminal defense and family law. This experience gives us a practical understanding of how charges affect real lives, families, and careers. We draw on that background when we evaluate the evidence, explain your options, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of different approaches.

We are trial-ready. That means we prepare every OUI case as if it may be presented to a judge or jury in Benton County Circuit Court. A trial-focused mindset can strengthen our ability to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and give you a meaningful choice if you decide not to accept a plea offer. While many cases resolve short of trial, you deserve counsel that is ready for that possibility.

Our approach is client-centered. We listen carefully to what matters most to you, whether that is limiting license consequences, protecting a professional license, avoiding jail time, or minimizing impact on school or employment. You define your goals, and we provide candid legal advice to guide you. Throughout the case, we aim to treat you with professionalism and respect, and we provide focused attention to the details that can influence the outcome.

What To Expect After An OUI Arrest

The period right after an OUI arrest can feel confusing. You may receive paperwork at the jail or police station and then be released with instructions to appear in court in Corvallis. Understanding the general path of an Oregon OUI case can make this time more manageable and help you see where legal representation fits in.

Most OUI cases in this area begin with an arraignment scheduled at the Benton County Circuit Court. Arraignment is usually your first formal court appearance, where the judge tells you the charges, addresses issues like release conditions, and sets future dates. If you work with us before arraignment, we help you know what to expect, what questions you may be asked, and how your appearance fits into the larger strategy for your case.

In Oregon, an OUI arrest often triggers two separate tracks. There is a criminal case in Benton County Circuit Court and an administrative license suspension process through the Oregon DMV. The DMV side typically begins when the officer issues a notice of proposed suspension after a breath test result or a refusal to test. You usually have a limited number of days to request a DMV hearing, and missing that deadline can lead to a suspension.

As your matter moves forward, the court will generally schedule pretrial hearings. These dates provide opportunities to address discovery, file appropriate motions, and discuss possible resolutions with the prosecutor. We work with clients to review police reports, video, and test records, and we explain how these documents relate to issues such as probable cause, field sobriety tests, and chemical testing procedures. Our familiarity with how OUI cases are handled in Corvallis helps us give you realistic expectations while we explore options.

Every case is different, and timelines can vary based on court scheduling, the complexity of the evidence, and your own goals. We keep you informed of upcoming dates and help you understand how each step fits into the overall defense plan.

How An OUI Lawyer in Corvallis Can Help

Once you know the basic path of an OUI case, the next question is how a local attorney can make a practical difference. Working with an experienced OUI lawyer in Corvallis gives you guidance that is tailored to both Oregon law and the way cases are handled in this community.

We begin by carefully reviewing what led to your arrest. That typically includes the initial stop, the officer’s observations, any field sobriety tests, statements, and breath or blood test results. We look for issues such as whether the officer had a lawful basis to stop your vehicle, whether instructions and demonstrations for field sobriety tests were proper, and whether testing equipment and procedures followed required standards. Identifying legal or factual problems in the state’s evidence can inform our strategy.

Your goals play a central role in that strategy. Some clients are most concerned about keeping a license so they can drive to work. Others are focused on avoiding a criminal conviction or limiting the impact on professional licensing or school. We talk through how different options, such as challenging certain evidence, pursuing treatment-based alternatives where available, or taking a case to trial, might affect those priorities.

We also handle communication with the court and the prosecutor, and we help manage deadlines and paperwork so important dates are not missed. Throughout the process, we strive to keep you updated in plain language. You should not be surprised by what happens at a hearing or confused about what a proposal from the state truly means. Our trial readiness supports negotiations because we prepare as though we may need to present your case in front of a judge or jury.

While we cannot promise a particular result, we work to place you in the strongest position we can, based on the facts, the law, and your own decisions about risk and resolution.

Oregon OUI Penalties & Consequences

Understanding potential penalties helps explain why an OUI charge in Oregon deserves careful attention. A conviction or certain related outcomes can bring both direct court sanctions and indirect effects that touch many parts of your life.

For a first OUI offense, Oregon law typically allows for fines, a period of license suspension, required alcohol or drug education, and installation of an ignition interlock device as conditions for reinstating driving privileges. Courts may also impose probation, community service, or a short jail sentence, depending on the circumstances. Factors such as prior OUI convictions, very high blood alcohol concentrations, or accidents that cause injury can increase potential consequences.

In addition to formal penalties, an OUI can affect employment prospects, particularly for people whose jobs involve driving or who hold professional licenses. Students in this area, including those at Oregon State University, often worry about how a criminal record might influence school-related opportunities or future career plans. Insurance rates may rise, and transportation limitations can make daily responsibilities more difficult.

Oregon law also has programs and options that may be available in some situations, such as certain diversion paths for eligible first-time offenders. Each option has requirements and tradeoffs, and not everyone qualifies. We explain how these possibilities work, what obligations they carry, and how they may align with your goals. Our role is to help you understand the realistic range of outcomes so you can decide how to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license after an OUI arrest?

A license suspension is possible after an OUI arrest, either through the Oregon DMV or as part of a court case. Whether and when that happens depends on test results, refusals, and prior history. We explain deadlines for DMV hearings and how the criminal case can affect your driving privileges.

Do I have to go to court in person in Corvallis?

Most people must appear in person at Benton County Circuit Court for key hearings, especially at the start of a case. Exact requirements can vary based on charges and court preferences. We advise clients about which appearances are necessary and what to expect at each stage.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for OUI?

Legal fees for an OUI case depend on factors such as case complexity, the issues involved, and whether a matter goes to trial. During a consultation, we discuss anticipated work and our fee structure in detail so you understand costs before deciding how to proceed.

Can an OUI be reduced or dismissed in Oregon?

Some OUI cases result in reduced charges or dismissals, and others do not. Outcomes depend on the strength of the evidence, legal issues, your history, and the prosecutor’s position. We review the facts, identify potential defenses, and discuss realistic possibilities without promising a specific result.

How soon should I contact an attorney after my arrest?

Reaching out to an attorney as soon as possible is usually helpful. Early involvement allows time to address Oregon DMV deadlines, gather information, and plan for arraignment in Benton County Circuit Court. We speak with clients shortly after arrest so they can start making informed decisions right away.

Working With Our Corvallis Defense Team

Choosing to contact a defense firm is a significant step, especially if you have never worked with an attorney before. We want you to know what it is like to work with our team in Corvallis so you can feel more comfortable reaching out.

During an initial consultation, we typically ask about the circumstances of your arrest, any documents you received, and upcoming court dates. This conversation gives us a chance to learn about you and your priorities, and it gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the process. We explain in clear terms how OUI cases are usually handled in Benton County Circuit Court and by the Oregon DMV.

Communication is important to us. We strive to return calls, respond to questions, and keep you informed about developments in your case. Our OUI attorneys handle matters personally, and we work together with our staff to monitor deadlines and hearing dates. Throughout, we aim to provide the professionalism and respect you should expect when your future is at stake.

Schedule a confidential consultation online or call (541) 243-0678 to speak with a Corvallis OUI defense attorney about your case.