Not sure what the drug and alcohol laws are in Oregon?
You should know the local laws in any place you visit, whether you’re moving to Oregon or visiting for a few days. Not knowing the local laws about substance use can get you into trouble.
Some laws you should know include:
- Workplace drug testing laws
- DUI laws
- Zero Tolerance laws
- Cannabis laws
- Possession, manufacturing, and distribution laws
Here’s what you need to know about each one:
Penalties for Drug or Alcohol Laws in Oregon
The penalties for breaking substance use laws in Oregon include:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Mandatory assessment, treatment, and education
- Losing your license
- Losing your vehicle
You may be required to install an ignition interlock device that checks your BAC before starting the car.
The lengths of penalties (and fine amounts) depend on the offense. If you’re a re-offender, you could face steeper penalties.
Workplace Drug Testing Laws in Oregon
Some states have laws that say when an employer can (or can’t) require drug testing. Oregon does not have any workplace drug testing laws.
The only exception is alcohol testing in Oregon. Your employer can only test you for alcohol in Oregon if you:
- Consent to the test
- Have caused reasonable suspicion that you’re using alcohol at work
DUI Laws in Oregon
DUI laws are actually called DUII laws in Oregon. That stands for “driving under the influence of intoxicants”. It makes it clear that driving under the influence of any intoxicating substance is not allowed.
If you drive a car with a blood alcohol limit (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUII.
There’s a second level of DUII called super DUII. You can be charged with a super DUII if you drive with a BAC over 0.15%. Super DUIIs come with higher penalties.
The penalties include fines, jail time, and the possible loss of your vehicle. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device, which requires you to check your BAC before starting the car. With this device, it’s not possible to drive while under the influence.
Other common penalties include license suspension and mandatory alcohol education and treatment. These penalties are in place for public safety and help reduce re-offenses.
Zero Tolerance Laws for Oregon
Like many states, Oregon has strict Zero Tolerance laws. These laws are meant to prevent young people from abusing alcohol on the road.
If your BAC is above 0.00% while driving and you are under 21 years old, then you could be charged with a DUI. You don’t have to feel drunk to be breaking Zero Tolerance law. Any amount of alcohol is too much.
The penalties for breaking Zero Tolerance are similar to other DUII laws in Oregon.
Is Marijuana Legal in Oregon?
Cannabis is legal in Oregon. It’s legal for both medical and recreational use. It was one of the first states to allow medical cannabis use. There are no penalties associated with possessing cannabis for personal use.
You can be charged with distribution or other charges if there’s evidence that you intend to sell cannabis to other people. You can only keep cannabis on hand for your own use.
In order to to avoid cannabis penalties in Oregon, you:
- Must possess less than 1 ounce in public
- Can possess up to 8 ounces in your home if you grow it yourself
- Are allowed to grow up to 4 plants in your home
- Can gift someone up to 1 ounce of homegrown cannabis only if you receive no payment for it
These are not the only rules that you must follow when using cannabis in Oregon. Educate yourself on cannabis law in Oregon before buying or using cannabis there.
Breaking cannabis possession and cultivation laws can lead to penalties such as:
- Up to $375,000 in fines
- Up to 20 years in prison or jail
- Misdemeanor or felony charges
Drug and Alcohol-Related Crimes
The most common drug-related crimes in Oregon are manufacturing and delivering controlled substances.
Those include any substance that is Schedule I through Schedule V.
The penalties for these crimes vary significantly. They depend on the drug’s schedule, the amounts in question, whether children were involved, and other factors.
Talk to an attorney if you’re concerned about drug-related charges and penalties in Oregon.
Get Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Today
Now is the best time to get treatment for substance use disorder. It’s time to stop worrying about whether your actions can lead to legal consequences in Oregon. You can be free from substance use!
All it takes is contacting your local treatment center. They can set you up with a treatment plan that’s tailored to your personal needs. Your new life in recovery begins today!
This content does not constitute legal advice! Please consult an attorney before making decisions that can lead to drug charges.
Sources:
- Oregon DUI laws. (n.d.)
- Underage DUI: Zero Tolerance Laws. (n.d.)
- Workplace drug testing in Oregon. (2012, September 29)