Misdemeanor charges can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and thousands of dollars in fines. While this is significantly less time than a felony charge, misdemeanors should still be taken very seriously in Oregon. These charges are still added to a person's criminal record. Therefore, over time, if more misdemeanor charges accrue, punishments can increase and mean serious time behind bars.
In a recent Portland case, a man faces several misdemeanor charges following an incident of a city bus. According to police, the man performed a sex act on a Trimet bus that involved female passengers. At this time, there have been at least three victims but police say they are searching for more.
According to court records, the man has been arrested and charged with public indecency, disorderly conduct, sex abuse, interfering with public transportation and harassment. Each of these is a misdemeanor charge. He is being held at Multnomah County Jail.
Police claim that this is not the man's first run in with the law. In fact, records show that he has faced past misdemeanor charges for putting super glue into woman's hair and for cutting strangers hair while in public.
These past convictions could now affect his sentences for the new charges. If convicted on the new charges, the man could spend years in jail or prison.
In order to avoid a criminal record and a conviction on a misdemeanor charge, people should present an aggressive criminal defense. Often, people will have multiple defense options available. In some cases, people may be able to negotiate with a prosecutor. Through this negotiation, people can get the charges reduced or even dismissed.
Source: KATU, "Man accused of 'lewd act' on bus has long criminal history," Anna Canzano, May 15, 2013
No Comments
Leave a comment