An Oregon man that is already facing federal drug charges has recently been accused of other state crimes. According to police, the 38-year-old man was involved in a gang-related stabbing that took place last year at a club on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Portland.
Following these allegations, the man was arrested on charges of second-degree assault and attempted murder at his home recently. He was taken to Multnomah County Detention Center. The man will have to deal with these felony charges in addition to the drug charges he faces in federal court for allegedly conspiring to distribute cocaine in Oregon.
Felony charges are very serious, whether they are brought in state or federal court. Charges for murder, in particular, can have extremely long prison sentences and effect the rest of a person's life. In addition to prison, those facing felony charges may also be sentenced to large fines, probation or other penalties. If people are convicted, then they can lose their right to vote or own a firearm. Convicted felons may also have a difficult time finding stable employment or housing upon their release from prison.
In order to avoid these potential penalties, those facing felony charges in Oregon must understand their legal rights. As can be seen in this recent case, police often have a long time to put together a case against a person. Therefore, people must immediately start their defense once the charges are brought. Not only can people show that the basic elements of the crime were not present, but they can also question police conduct in an effort to reduce the charges.
Source: The Oregonian, "Portland man accused of attempted murder in gang-related stabbing," Maxine Bernstein, Jan. 15, 2014
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