From time to time, people can have too much to drink and do something they regret. In some situations, this means getting behind the wheel of a car, but other times, more serious criminal behavior can occur.
Recently, a 25-year-old Oregon man was arrested by police after threatening his roommate. According to police, the man was intoxicated and had threatened one of his roommates with a machete. Police responded to the incident but learned that the man fled on foot before their arrival. Police say the man's roommate was treated at a local hospital for injuries to his hand and then released.
The day after the incident, police claim that the man turned himself into police. He was charged with a Class A misdemeanor for menacing, unlawful use of a weapon -- a Class C felony -- and with a Class B felony -- second-degree assault.
The second-degree assault charge may be the most serious as it could qualify for Measure 11 treatment. Under Measure 11, Oregon has imposed strict minimum sentencing guidelines for certain crimes. These crimes have no chance of reduced sentences for good behavior or other mitigating circumstances.
Felony charges, of any kind, are very serious. They can result in years in prison, large fines, probation, a permanent criminal record and a variety of other punishments. However, those charges subject to Measure 11 are even more severe.
People facing these serious charges should take care that they are not falsely subject to these harsh punishments by presenting an aggressive criminal defense. Everyone is capable of making mistakes, however, without the right defense strategy a mistake leading to felony charges can lead to life-long consequences.
Source: News-Register, "Newberg man charged in machete incident," Dec. 7, 2013
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