Practice Areas
Thuemmel & Uhle - Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers

Bob Thuemmel and Bill Uhle, together with their associate Ben Eder, practice exclusively in the areas of DUII defense, Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault defense, general criminal defense, and civil cases related to the above areas.

DUII Defense

For the past 30 years, Thuemmel and Uhle have specialized in DUII defense. Coordinating a defense with the Motor Vehicles Division, the Courts, and with issues of possible jail, license suspension, and job consequences has been what they do on a daily basis for a variety of clients with a variety of different needs. Oregon’s “no plea bargaining” law tying the hands of prosecutors in DUII cases is a good fit for the style of Thuemmel and Uhle, where experience has taught us over and over again that jury trials often lead to more successful outcomes than the most carefully-crafted guilty plea.

Alcohol and Driving

Thuemmel and Uhle handle a variety of cases involving the use of alcohol/controlled substances mixed with the operation of vehicles. A solid grounding in DUII defense mechanics has let them branch out into other areas, from vehicular homicide cases to cases involving snowmobiles, boats, and off-road sand vehicles. Like all other states, Oregon’s laws provide tough penalties for the reckless operation of vehicles resulting in injury, serious injury or death to third parties. These are cases that are at the center of this firm.

In almost every situation, an attorney should be consulted just as soon as possible following an accident of any kind, whether or not alcohol or a controlled substance is involved, but especially if one is involved. Time can be of the essence, and the early involvement of a criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in the investigation and charges that can follow a motor vehicle accident.

Criminal Defense

All of the beliefs that Bob Thuemmel and Bill Uhle share in the area of DUII defense apply as well to criminal cases not involving alcohol. From a minor misdemeanor all the way up to the most serious felony charge, the key to a successful outcome is preparation of the defense for an eventual jury trial. That kind of careful work can often lead to a successfully negotiated result or dismissal, but it can also lead to a trial for which the client is fully prepared. Their trial skills are well-suited for all types of criminal cases, and their experience and results speak for themselves across the board.

Oregon Measure 11 Crimes

Oregon's voters have "get tough on crime" laws known as "Measure 11 crimes." This category of crimes calls for automatic, mandatory, serve-every-day-of-it sentences ranging from 70 months to 125 months in prison. Next to a very few other charges (murder or certain repeat sex offender laws), these represent the most serious penalties that Oregon law has to offer.

Oftentimes these cases hit at the heart of the life of a good citizen and a good person who may have made a split-second mistake. Now facing a Measure 11 charge, that person is looking at having his or her entire life and family turned upside down by the possibility of a long prison term and financial ruin.

Because of that, Thuemmel and Uhle take these cases very seriously. They handle a variety of Measure 11 cases - accident as well as non-accident cases - and believe that the consequences of a conviction on one of these charges requires that they, as defense lawyers, use all of their best efforts to defend these cases. By preparing the case for trial from the first moment they are on it, Thuemmel and Uhle have found that they are in the best position later to take a look at the case for any possible settlement, but are also ready to try the case to a jury in the courtroom.

Civil Litigation

Thuemmel and Uhle also do a small amount of civil litigation. They have expertise in all areas involving alcohol and use of cars, and have found that their experience in the area of criminal defense has made them well suited to work on these issues in civil cases as well, both involving wrongful death and serious personal injury. Thuemmel and Uhle can be available to evaluate your case in any of these areas, and will do so upon your request.