What is a Measure 11 crime?

In Oregon, a person may be charged with a crime based on how his conduct aligns with the statutorily established offenses recognized by the state government. For example, Oregon has on its books crimes related to drunk driving, the use and possession of certain drugs, violence, and many others. If a person is convicted of a crime, he will receive penalties that must be fulfilled before he may resume his regular life outside of the criminal justice system.

In Oregon, a person may be charged with a crime based on how his conduct aligns with the statutorily established offenses recognized by the state government. For example, Oregon has on its books crimes related to drunk driving, the use and possession of certain drugs, violence, and many others. If a person is convicted of a crime, he will receive penalties that must be fulfilled before he may resume his regular life outside of the criminal justice system.

Criminal penalties may include serving time in jail, paying a fine, and completing other obligations. In some cases a court may have some flexibility with regard to how severe of a sentence it may hand down in a criminal case. If the crime that the individual is convicted of is a Measure 11 crime, however, the court must at least impose an established minimum sentence on the individual, and may add to the minimum to impose more serious consequences.

The commission of certain felony crimes will result in the accused facing mandatory minimum sentences if they are convicted. Crimes such as murder, assault, rape, arson, kidnapping, and sexual assault are all Measure 11 crimes, and the list of crimes can change as the legislature considers amendments to it. Sentencing for convictions on these charges can result in individuals losing significant rights and freedoms, and even good behavior cannot help them reduce their punishments once they are assigned.

For this reason, people who are charged with Measure 11 crimes may choose to vigorously defend themselves when they are prosecuted. Though every individual is entitled to approach his criminal legal matters based on his own wants and needs, many people in this difficult situation choose to utilize the services of criminal defense attorneys. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help the accused person prepare clear defense strategies for their criminal charges.