What Is A DUII?

The State of Oregon uses a slightly different acronym to refer to driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence — some states use DWI (Driving While Impaired), or DUI (Driving Under the Influence). DUII stands for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. Intoxicants include both alcohol or drugs and are measured in various ways. Breath tests are the most common, but urine and blood tests may be used to obtain more conclusive results. Refusing a chemical test can lead to enhanced DMV suspensions, and usually leads to law enforcement seeking a warrant for a blood draw.

Being convicted of a DUII has serious consequences. A first time offense is classified as a misdemeanor, but penalties and fines will increase with repeat offenses. One of the most troubling aspects of a DUII is the license suspension. Not being able to transport yourself to work, for family trips, errands, or out to dinner with friends is frustrating. If you are an Oregon resident, you may be eligible for a DMV hardship permit which permits limited hours driving for work, medical appointments, grocery trips. Out-of-state drivers or enhanced suspensions may not be eligible for hardship permit. If convicted of a third DUII, Oregon law calls for Lifetime License Revocation.

How can Portland Oregon DUII Defense Attorney Rich Oberdorfer Help You?

Rich Oberdorfer has spent decades representing people in trouble with the law all across Oregon. He started his legal career in 1997 at the downtown Portland law firm of Rieke & Savage PC, where the primary focus was Measure 11 and murder defense. He worked there while attending Lewis & Clark Law School, graduated cum laude in 2001. By 2002 he was in private practice for himself, specializing in Oregon DUII law. He is a member and has testified on behalf of the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA) and frequently presents on DUII topics from drug and alcohol pharmacology, cross-examination of expert witnesses, jury selection, and meeting clients where they are in formulating the right defense for the case. He is licensed to practice before all Oregon courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Rich has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America in the field of DUI/DWI defense. In 2023 he was selected to Oregon Super Lawyers, having previously been a Rising Star in DUII defense 2008-2012, and afterward as a top-rated DUI/DWI attorney. In Portland Business Journal’s 2026 Best Lawyers in Portland issue, Rich was featured in the DUI / DWI Defense category.

Rich enjoyed three years of public service as the municipal judge for the City of Gaston starting in 2021. St. Helens, Oregon City, and Bend later appointed him as a pro tem judge. Serving as a judge was an honor, and it gave Rich better perspective of the view from the bench. Some advocacy falls flat, and some works.

Being charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants is a serious thing, and those who get professional help quickly frequently get better results. As a Portland Oregon DUII attorney, my primary goal is help to minimize the consequences so that there’s less impact on your life. Convictions sometimes cost people their jobs, home, possessions and even relationships due to the financial strain of fees, loss of income due to jail time or mandatory community service, and the general stress of the situation. You don’t deserve to have your whole life turned upside down; let Oberdorfer Law Firm help you though this challenging time by working tirelessly and aggressively to fight for you in the courtroom and in pre-trial negotiations. If the case is ripe for trial, Rich is not afraid to litigate.

Let Oberdorfer Law Firm Assist You

Oberdorfer Law Firm believes in letting experience and track record speak for itself. Attorney Rich Oberdorfer has worked with hundreds of clients who happily refer others to the firm. With an experienced DUII attorney using their knowledge and resources, you can rest assured knowing that he’ll fight aggressively for you and get you the best possible outcome. Rich loves his cases and his clients, and is passionate about helping people in trouble. Give a call today to set up an initial consultation to discuss your DUII case.