From time to time everyone suffers from a lapse in judgment. When these mistakes lead to criminal charges, they can have a long lasting effect on people's lives. For example, in Oregon even with misdemeanor charges people can be sentenced to over $6,000 in fines and spend up to a year in jail. With serious consequences like these, people should understand what they have been charged with and how to defend against the charges.
Certain circumstances can escalate misdemeanor charges
While misdemeanors typically include less serious crimes like traffic citations and low-level drug charges, simple assault charges are also classified as misdemeanors in Oregon. Misdemeanors can carry serious penalties including up to one year in jail and leave a person with a criminal record.
Local police agencies work together to hand out traffic citations
Police and prosecutors often work to take dangerous criminals off the streets in Oregon in an effort to keep people safe. However, these same police also spend a great deal of time charging people with misdemeanors and giving out traffic citations. While misdemeanors are not as serious as felony charges, they can still have serious repercussions including jail time.
Oregon man faces probation after pleading to misdemeanor charge
An Oregon man was recently sentenced to 18 months probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge. The man was originally charged with second-degree disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor, and initiating a false report, a Class C misdemeanor. The charges stem from a traffic stop with police.
Oregon women charged with misdemeanors
When people are stopped by police or are involved in an accident, they may not know exactly how to respond. These can be intimidating situations that can lead to misdemeanors or other, more serious charges. However, it is important to remember that your conduct during a traffic stop or arrest can affect your criminal record even if you don't think you've done anything wrong. Depending on how you respond, you may face additional charges.
Portland man admits to hit-and-run, charged with misdemeanor
When an accident occurs, sometimes a person's initial reaction might be to run or drive away from the scene. However, leaving the scene of an accident can lead to misdemeanor charges. Instead of running from the scene, it is best for a person to stay and face a traffic violation, if one has been committed.
Group seeks to change Portland misdemeanor charge into felony
Those crimes that carry lighter penalties are usually classified as misdemeanors. There are many different types of misdemeanors, including certain types of theft. In Portland, Oregon, if someone breaks into the car of another and steals property from within that car, that person has committed a misdemeanor.
Mayoral candidate must answer for 20-year-old criminal charges
Allegations of criminal charges start a flurry of activity. As police investigate the allegations, witnesses are questioned, warrants are obtained and evidence is collected. Then, prosecutors start preparing a case against the accused. They determine and apply legal theories to the evidence gathered. Even with misdemeanor crimes, the case against the person accused is taken seriously.
Oregon officer receives probation after assault of inmate
A criminal conviction can have a big impact on a person's future. Even misdemeanors, which are typically less serious criminal convictions, can alter the direction of a person's life. One former jail deputy for Multnomah County was sentenced on Sept. 25 on a misdemeanor charge.
Social media may endanger rights of shoplifting defendants
From time to time, people might suffer from a lack of proper judgment or make a mistake. Oftentimes, misdemeanor crimes, such as theft or shoplifting, are just that -- mistakes. However, even these less serious crimes can make a big impact on a person's life.
