Investigations for felony charges can result in a variety of difficult consequences for the accused. People can be subject to unwanted media attention, face problems at work, spend time in jail and have restrictions placed on their daily lives as soon as charges are brought. These initial punishments can place a burden on a person's life. However, they do not mean that a person is guilty of a crime or that the person will eventually be found guilty. One area that often creates serious immediate consequences is with sex crimes. Aggressive prosecution can lead to immediate problems for the accused, especially if people do not take affirmative steps to protect their rights from the beginning of a case.
Eye-witness testimony questioned in Oregon case
Following a shooting in Oregon in 2007, two women were questioned by police. According to reports, the women had seen the shooting through a car window in heavy rain. Following the shooting, they took off in a car and police had to track them down. Reports claim that the women claimed that they hadn't seem much during the incident because of their own emotions, the rain and darkness.
Oregon man faces robbery and other felony charges
People can sometimes act out of desperation. The need for something is so great, that they perform a criminal act that they otherwise would have avoided. In these cases, people can still face serious criminal charges -- including felony charges -- despite not wanting anyone to get hurt in the process.
Oregon constitution protects against traffic citations
Cars and trucks are obviously a frequent mode of transportation for many Oregonians. However, in Oregon many laws dictate the conduct that people must abide by as they are driving. These laws tell people where they can drive, how fast they can drive and whether they are allowed to drive in the first place. By violating these rules, Oregon residents can be charged with a traffic citation. These citations can result in fines and other penalties, and more serious traffic offenses may result in misdemeanor charges.
After fleeing police, 2 face felony charges
Any interaction with Oregon police officers can lead to criminal charges. However, a host of additional charges -- or upgraded charges -- can be included if people do not cooperate with police during a traffic stop or other police investigation. While people are under no obligation to tell police about illegal activity, they do need to comply with certain requests -- including the request to pull over.
Saint Patrick's Day leads to DUII charges across Oregon
Every March, people across the state of Oregon come out to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. Like many holidays, the celebrations often include alcohol. In particular, this holiday is known for its rowdy parties and green beer. Ahead of the holiday Oregon State Police urged drivers from across the state to avoid drinking and driving during the Saint Patrick's Day celebrations.
Fight results in assault charges for Oregon man
In the full range of emotions that people can feel, anger can be dangerous. When people are angry they sometimes act out in a way that they normally would avoid. While peoples' anger does not excuse their behavior it can sometimes be an explanation for why people did something they did. Even when a person's emotions get the best of them, people should understand that criminal consequences can follow in certain circumstances.
Police chase ends in crash and DUI charges
An Oregon man has been arrested for driving under the influence following a police chase. DUI charges are serious in Oregon and can result in prison sentences, large fines, loss of driving privileges, community service or alcohol education classes. In some cases, the penalties can be more severe because of a person's criminal record or because of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Mix-up for Portland residents results in extra charges
In an effort to clean up the streets of Portland, reports say that police officers have been wrongfully charging some citizens with crimes. Under a new initiative -- called the Chronic Offender Pilot Program -- people were subject to Class A misdemeanor charges if they were caught littering, drinking from an open container or urinating in public. Under the program, officers would give written warnings for the first offense, then place someone under arrest for interfering with an officer for a second offense.
11 months after shooting, Portland man faces murder charge
People's criminal history can follow them for years to come after the criminal proceedings are done. A permanent criminal record can lead to problems finding employment and housing. It can also increase penalties in subsequent criminal proceedings. Furthermore, a criminal history can create suspicion by police officers and the general public should an issue arise in the future.
