Some people may think that felony charges only arise as the result of intentional conduct. They may think that those accused of felonies have created a thought out plan prior to a crime being committed. However, this is often not the case. Many times felonies -- like assault or weapons charges -- may be committed in the heat of the moment or completely by mistake. In any case, the penalties for committing a felony in Oregon are severe.
One 53-year-old woman has recently been arrested for felony hit-and-run as well as criminal mischief, eight counts of assault, reckless endangerment and reckless driving. According to investigators, the woman was involved in a road rage incident with another driver when she lost control over her vehicle. Once she lost control, her car apparently smashed into a minivan. Eight people were inside the minivan at the time of the accident, and investigators say that seven of them were injured and needed to be taken to a local hospital.
The 27-year-old driver of the other car involved in the incident was also injured in the accident. This driver has been charged with criminal mischief, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.
Even if a felony is not committed intentionally, the penalties can be very serious if a person is found guilty. These penalties can include large fines and more than a year in prison. To reduce these penalties, people can sometimes negotiate with prosecutors. If a plea deal can be reached, charges may be dropped and sentences can be reduced. However, a plea deal is just one of many defense options available to those facing felony charges.
Source: KGW, "2 arrests in 'road rage' crash that injured 8," David Krough, March 22, 2013
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