Short Law group, P.C.
Free Consultations - Se Habla Español
503-747-7198

Criminal case to be resolved in 16 days after plea agreement

Criminal proceedings can be long drawn out affairs. At best they can take months, at worst criminal proceedings can last years. From the initial charges all the way through the appeals, having the right criminal defense strategy can make all the difference. But criminal defense can include more than just defending against the charges, in some cases plea negotiation can be vital to a person's defense.

Not only can a plea agreement reduce the length of the defendant's sentence, but it can shorten the entire criminal process. Take, for example, a recent case in Portland. In this case, a 33-year-old man was charged with shooting a security worker at a nightclub in Portland on New Year's Eve. According to the police, a group of security workers were escorting a group of patrons out of the nightclub -- including the defendant. At some point, the man was supposedly pushed to the ground by a security guard. Police alleged that he then pulled out a gun and shot the security guard in the chest before fleeing the scene.

The security guard later died. The man was arrested by Portland police officers a few minutes after the incident. He was charged with murder and as a result was facing life in prison. However, instead of fighting this charge, the man has come to a plea agreement with the prosecutors. On Jan. 8, the man pleaded no-contest to first-degree manslaughter. Under the terms of the agreement, the man is expected to serve 11 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is on Jan. 16.

In this case, a little over two weeks passed between the crime and the sentencing. This resolves the case and allows the defendant to serve his time and move forward. Had this case gone to trial, it could have disrupted his life for years to come and resulted in a life-long sentence. With the plea agreement, he had a little more control over the outcome of the case.

However, plea agreements may not be best in every situation; people facing criminal convictions will need to investigate whether a plea deal is right in their case.

Source: The Oregonian, "Man accused of downtown Portland club New Year's killing reaches plea deal," Aimee Green, Jan. 08, 2013

No Comments

Leave a comment
Comment Information

Two Convenient Law Offices to Serve You

Contact us to learn how we can help you overcome the challenges you face. For a free consultation with Short Law Group, call our Portland or Salem offices today at 503-747-7198. If you need an evening appointment or an interview at a police station or jail following an arrest, just let us know. Se habla español.

Portland Office
12755 SW 69th Avenue
Suite 200
Portland, OR 97223

Phone: 503-747-7198
Fax: 503-747-2951
Portland Law Office Map

Salem Office
530 Center Street NE
Suite 722
Salem, OR 97301

Phone: 503-747-7198
Fax: 503-747-2951
Salem Law Office Map

Review Us