Those crimes that carry lighter penalties are usually classified as misdemeanors. There are many different types of misdemeanors, including certain types of theft. In Portland, Oregon, if someone breaks into the car of another and steals property from within that car, that person has committed a misdemeanor.
Mayoral candidate must answer for 20-year-old criminal charges
Allegations of criminal charges start a flurry of activity. As police investigate the allegations, witnesses are questioned, warrants are obtained and evidence is collected. Then, prosecutors start preparing a case against the accused. They determine and apply legal theories to the evidence gathered. Even with misdemeanor crimes, the case against the person accused is taken seriously.
Oregon man sentenced after pleading guilty to sex crime
Some crimes, due to their shocking nature, get extra attention from the media. The media sometimes take these cases and sensationalize them for their own gain. In these types of cases, it can be hard for those accused of a crime to get fair criminal proceedings. Because people see the news version of the story and form their own opinions, even if the person is innocent, he or she can be unfairly judged.
Court changes charges to felonies for man accused of stabbing
Criminal proceedings can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the Oregon court system. Courts are set up with complex rules of evidence and procedure that often are not explained, either in movies and television or in real life. People must be sure that they have help to guide them through the proceedings so they can ensure their rights are protected and they receive a fair shake.
After car accident, 14-year-old charged with DUI in Portland
A criminal conviction can follow a person for years after the incident. Some convictions can affect where people can live, limit future job opportunities and include jail or prison sentences. Some convictions, like drunk driving convictions, can result in the loss of a person's driver's license and a negative impact on his or her reputation.
Search for phone leads to drug charges in Oregon case
Seemingly minor interactions with police can sometimes lead to more serious criminal charges. Police may pull someone over for a traffic violation, search a vehicle and find drugs. Or police can search a home looking for drugs, but also find weapons. In both of these situations, or similar scenarios, police have to have some reason to conduct a search. Search and seizure rules require police to have probable cause to conduct a search. In most situations, police need a warrant to conduct the search.
Oregon officer receives probation after assault of inmate
A criminal conviction can have a big impact on a person's future. Even misdemeanors, which are typically less serious criminal convictions, can alter the direction of a person's life. One former jail deputy for Multnomah County was sentenced on Sept. 25 on a misdemeanor charge.
Oregon defendants have right to jury trial for violations
Every single person accused of a crime in Oregon has protections granted by the United States Constitution. Many of these constitutional rights protect against police misconduct during searches and seizures of people's personal property. However, some of these rights deal with the subsequent criminal proceedings. They define how people need to be treated during the proceedings. One constitutional right is the right to a jury trial.
Oregon driver hits school bus; police suspect driver was impaired
People make mistakes while driving all the time. Drivers get distracted and may cause an accident. However, this does not automatically mean that they have committed a crime. Sometimes, police and other law enforcement officials might be quick to assume alcohol or drugs were involved in the accident. These assumptions could lead to drunk driving charges. Despite what law enforcement officers may think at the time of the accident, they need proof of drug or alcohol use in order for a DUI charge to stick in Oregon.
