If you are one of the many people who suddenly finds yourself faced with a criminal charge related to a suspected impaired driving offense, you will no doubt want to understand what options you have. In Oregon, you may have the ability to avoid a conviction on your record if you qualify to participate in a special program. This program is called the driving under the influence of intoxicants diversion program.
As explained by the Oregon Judicial Branch, not every person arrested for a DUII offense may be able to utilize the diversion program. There are specific eligibility requirements you must meet. One of these includes not having been convicted of any felony charges for impaired driving in any state ever before. Another criteria is not having been convicted of other misdemeanor impaired driving offense in Oregon within the prior 15 years. If you were driving a commercial vehicle at the time of your impaired driving arrest, you may not be eligible for the diversion program.
If you are approved to be part of the DUII diversion program, you will either need to enter a plea of no contest or guilty to the charges levied against you. Your diversion program will include participation in a substance abuse and treatment program, potential installation and use of an ignition interlock device and the attendance at a victim impact panel.
If you would like to learn more about your options to protect yourself after being arrested for a driving under the influence of intoxicants offense, please feel free to visit the DUII Diversion program page of our Oregon impaired driving and criminal defense website.