When a criminal case is discussed in the media, people can form opinions about the accused. This can lead to that person having a difficult time getting fair criminal proceedings. If people become even loosely associated with criminal activity, it can ruin their reputation within their communities and jeopardize future employment opportunities. Furthermore, accusations of criminal activity by others can lead to criminal investigations by local or federal authorities.
Measure 11 felony defendant's release from jail long overdue
If you're accused of a crime and required to answer to the charges against you in court, a clause of the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives you the right to a speedy trial. In other words, you can't be held in custody indefinitely simply because prosecutors aren't prepared or your case is delayed for other reasons. Oregon and many other states also have statutes stating this right. Sometimes, however, it takes a push from a criminal defense attorney to exercise it.
Under the DUII limit may not mean off the hook in Oregon
When police pull over someone they suspect has been driving drunk, they use a range of tests to determine his or her level of intoxication. Even if you don't have any firsthand experience, you've probably heard or read stories about the signs that officers look for: bloodshot eyes, the smell of alcohol on the driver's breath, and a litany of other sobriety tests, such as having the driver walk a straight line or recite the alphabet backwards.
