OWI Attorney in Corvallis

Legal Help When an OWI Turns Your Life Upside Down

An OWI arrest in or around Corvallis can leave you worried about your job, your license, and your future. In a short time, you may be facing criminal charges, DMV deadlines, and court dates you do not understand. You might not know where to turn or what to do next.

At Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C., we represent people accused of drunk or drugged driving in this part of Oregon. Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined criminal defense experience, and we use that background to guide clients through OWI cases with steady, practical advice. We focus on what matters most to you, so you do not have to face the process alone.

This page explains what OWI charges mean in Oregon, how our team approaches these cases, and what steps you can take right now to protect yourself. Our goal is to give you clear information and a path forward, not more confusion.

Have questions about your OWI case in Corvallis? Speak with an experienced OWI lawyer by calling (541) 243-0678 or schedule a consultation online.

Facing OWI Charges in Corvallis

Oregon treats impaired driving, often called DUI or OWI, as a serious criminal offense. If you have been cited or arrested, you are not only dealing with the stress of the stop and any time in custody. You are also now in a legal process that can affect your record, your license, and your finances for years.

Depending on your history and the facts of the case, a conviction can involve jail time, probation, fines, and mandatory treatment programs. The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division may also suspend your driver’s license after a breath or blood test, or if you refused a test, even before your case reaches court. For many people in Corvallis, losing the ability to drive can threaten employment, school, and family responsibilities.

OWI cases in this area may go through Benton County Circuit Court or Corvallis Municipal Court, depending on the circumstances and the issuing agency. Each court has its own calendars and procedures, and missing a date can make your situation worse. Having a local defense team that regularly appears in these courts can help you understand what to expect at each stage.

How Our Firm Handles OWI Cases

When you contact our firm about an OWI charge, we start by listening. We want to hear what happened from your perspective, what you remember about the stop and any tests, and what you are most worried about. Some clients are focused on avoiding jail. Others are more concerned about their professional license, immigration status, or a clean record for school or work.

We work with you to define clear goals, then we build a strategy around those priorities. With more than 40 years of combined experience in criminal defense, our attorneys understand how issues like the traffic stop, field sobriety exercises, and chemical testing can be handled under Oregon law. We review the reports and evidence, look for legal and factual problems, and identify options that fit your objectives.

Our firm prepares cases with the possibility of contested hearings or trial in mind. That preparation can help us negotiate from a position of strength and respond effectively if the case does not resolve early. While no attorney can promise a particular result, our record of successful outcomes reflects the care and attention we bring to each matter.

What To Do After an OWI Arrest

In the days after an OWI arrest, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking several simple steps can help you protect your rights and give your attorney a better foundation to work from. Acting quickly is especially important in Oregon because of DMV deadlines tied to your test results or refusal.

Key steps to take after an OWI arrest:

• Write down everything you remember about the stop, the questions you were asked, and any tests, while details are still fresh.
• Review your paperwork, including any citation and implied consent forms, so you know your first court date in Benton County Circuit Court or Corvallis Municipal Court.
• Pay close attention to any DMV notice about a proposed license suspension and the deadline to request a hearing, since waiting too long can limit your options.
• Avoid talking about your case on social media or with friends and coworkers, because casual comments can be misunderstood or later repeated.
• Contact our firm promptly so our attorneys can review your documents, explain the timelines that apply, and begin guiding you through court and DMV steps.

These actions cannot erase what already happened, but they can make a real difference in how your case is handled. When you reach out to us, we help you prioritize what needs attention first so that important dates and choices are not missed.

Why Choose Our Corvallis Defense Team

When you look for an OWI lawyer in Corvallis, you have choices. We believe clients choose Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C. because of the way we combine experience, preparation, and respect for the people we represent. Our attorneys bring over four decades of combined legal work in criminal and related matters, which gives us a solid understanding of how impaired driving cases move through Oregon courts.

Our approach is centered on you. We do not assume every client has the same priorities. Instead, we ask what outcomes are most important to you and then explain which legal paths may be consistent with those goals. This client-driven process helps keep your concerns at the forefront of every major decision, from pretrial discussions through possible hearings.

We also pride ourselves on being trial-ready. That does not mean every case goes to trial, but it does mean we are prepared to question evidence and present your case in court when that is the right step. Our history of favorable outcomes reflects the time and focused attention we bring to each matter we accept.

Finally, we are based here in Corvallis and regularly appear in Benton County Circuit Court and Corvallis Municipal Court. This local presence supports our ability to navigate scheduling, typical practices, and the practical details that matter in real cases. Clients trust us to guide them with professionalism and respect at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I go to jail for an OWI in Oregon?

Some OWI convictions in Oregon can involve mandatory jail time, especially with prior offenses. The length of any sentence depends on your history, the facts of the case, and how the court applies the law. Our attorneys can review your situation and explain what ranges may apply.

How will an OWI affect my driver’s license?

An OWI arrest can trigger a proposed DMV suspension and a separate court-ordered suspension if you are convicted. The length often depends on prior history, test results, or refusal. We can help you understand hearing options with the DMV and how the criminal case may affect your ability to drive.

What will you do at our first meeting?

At an initial meeting, we typically focus on listening to your account, reviewing your paperwork, and identifying your main concerns. We then outline the general process for the court and DMV and discuss possible next steps. Our goal is to give you clear information and answer your immediate questions.

Do I really need a lawyer for a first OWI?

Even a first OWI can carry lasting consequences, including a criminal record and license issues. Having an attorney can help you understand your options, avoid missed deadlines, and make informed decisions. Our firm works to protect your rights and guide you through each stage of the case.

How familiar are you with Corvallis courts?

Our firm is based in Corvallis, and our attorneys regularly appear in Benton County Circuit Court and Corvallis Municipal Court. This experience helps us understand how OWI cases are typically scheduled and handled here. We use that knowledge to better prepare clients for hearings and next steps.

Talk With Our Team Today

If you are facing OWI charges in Corvallis, you do not have to navigate Oregon law and local court rules alone. Our attorneys provide guidance every step of the way, helping you understand your options and the potential consequences of each decision.

We focus on protecting your record, your license, and your future while providing clear explanations and strategic support tailored to your situation. By reviewing your paperwork and carefully assessing the circumstances, we ensure you have the information needed to make informed choices.

Speak with a Corvallis OWI lawyer today to discuss your case. Call (541) 243-0678 or schedule a consultation online to protect your record and plan your next steps.