In drug crimes cases, it is easy for the media to imply guilt in their reporting. However, people reading those reports should be reminded that people who are arrested and charged with drug crimes remain innocent unless prosecutors can prove otherwise.
3-car crash leads to DUI charges for Oregon man
With the holiday season in midswing people are likely to be heading to parties and other festivities that may include drinking. People may not realize that they have had one too many drinks before getting out onto Oregon roadways. In these situations, people can easily end up with drunk driving charges if they are stopped by police.
Oregon man accused of bribing police faces felony charge
There are many different classifications of crimes. One of the main ways crimes are classified is the distinction between misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are more serious charges that typically mean a person can be sentenced to more than one year in prison if found guilty, whereas misdemeanors carry penalties of under one year in jail. Many people may think only violent crimes or those involving lots of money fall into the felony category, but this is not true. In Oregon, felonies are varied and can include lesser criminal activity.
Portland man admits to hit-and-run, charged with misdemeanor
When an accident occurs, sometimes a person's initial reaction might be to run or drive away from the scene. However, leaving the scene of an accident can lead to misdemeanor charges. Instead of running from the scene, it is best for a person to stay and face a traffic violation, if one has been committed.
Some drug charges to be dropped following Initiative 502
The landscape of drug offenses could soon be changing in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 6, Washington state voted on Initiative 502, which asked whether Washington should legalize marijuana use. Initiative 502 passed with 55 percent of the vote. Under the Initiative it becomes legal for people 21 years old and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Furthermore, marijuana will become regulated by the state of Washington. Previously, possession of marijuana in any amount would lead to drug charges. Oregon voters narrowly defeated a similar proposal, known as Measure 80, which would have legalized and regulated marijuana in Oregon.
Oregon couple's drug case involves state and federal courts
Both the state and federal governments have criminal courts. Each court handles different types of crimes and has rules and procedures that need to be followed. Drug charges typically are prosecuted in Oregon courts as a state crime. Drug offenses have a wide range of punishments depending on the specific charges, the amount of drugs the person is accused of having or dealing, the person's criminal record and the type of drug involved. However, some drug charges can be prosecuted in federal court. These charges are typically more severe and have heavier consequences.
2011 crime rate statistics for Oregon released
A criminal conviction, or in some cases even just a criminal charge, can change the course of a person's life. There are serious long-term consequences associated with being accused and found guilty of a crime. People can be sent to jail or prison, fined, lose their jobs, lose their professional licenses or worse. While an aggressive criminal defense can help to mitigate the damage caused by a criminal charge, it is obviously best to avoid criminal activity in the first place.
Woman charged with DUII after allegedly hitting 2 pedestrians
When someone is caught driving after they have been drinking, a criminal case will likely follow if the person's blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit of .08. When a person is arrested in Oregon for drunk driving, or driving under the influence of intoxicants, two separate actions follow. One is strictly on the criminal prosecution side. In this action, prosecutors will try to prove that the person was guilty of a DUII and the person could be sentenced to jail time, probation and fines, depending on the circumstances in the case.
Oregon man sentenced on felony bigamy charges
How a person chooses to respond to criminal charges can make a very big difference in the outcome of a case. When the criminal charges are felonies, the repercussions are extremely serious. In pleading not guilty, people must be prepared to mount an aggressive defense. They need to have effective counsel and a solid strategy to fight the charges in court.
Oregon Supreme Court forces Boy Scouts to release list of names
When a criminal case is discussed in the media, people can form opinions about the accused. This can lead to that person having a difficult time getting fair criminal proceedings. If people become even loosely associated with criminal activity, it can ruin their reputation within their communities and jeopardize future employment opportunities. Furthermore, accusations of criminal activity by others can lead to criminal investigations by local or federal authorities.
