No two people will ever view the same event in the exact same way. Even when two people see the same thing, their accounts about what happened can be very different. In the context of criminal charges, this can often lead to debates about the "truth." Prosecutors will have their story and those accused of criminal behavior will have theirs.
No matter the crime, a criminal defense is important
On many different occasions, this blog has discussed the nuances of different types of crimes. For example, as many Oregon residents likely understand, there are two main types of crimes, felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are typically more serious and include harsher penalties. Felony charges can be for violent or non-violent crimes. Being convicted of felony charges often results in more than one year in prison, serious fines and more.
What are non-violent crimes?
When Oregon residents think about a crime, they may think about things such as robbery, murder or kidnapping. In other cases, sexual assault or battery may come to mind. While these are crimes, these acts fall into the category of violent crimes. However, not all crime is violent in nature.
Oregon felony and misdemeanor traffic offenses
For many people in Oregon, driving is an everyday task. It is how people get to work, school and social events. However, a person's car can also be the source of legal trouble. While simple infractions can lead to traffic violations -- such as speeding tickets -- driving can also lead to much more serious criminal charges. Oregon residents should be aware of the possibility of more serious charges when getting behind the wheel. Generally, criminal charges fall into two categories -- misdemeanors and felonies. Just like with other non-traffic related crimes, traffic offenses also fall into these categories.
What are common Oregon criminal defense strategies?
When Oregonians are facing criminal charges, it can be difficult for them to know what to do. Oregon residents may be scared about their future or angry about the charges. Those charged need to their criminal defense options as they are entitled to present a defense to tell their side of the story.
Oregon eyewitnesses and suspect identification
When Oregon police are investigating a crime, they will look to a variety of sources to try and determine what happened. In some cases, photographic evidence may exist. In others, physical evidence may be found at the scene. But, in many situations, police must rely on the statements of eyewitnesses. These are people who may have seen or heard the alleged criminal activity taking place.
Fighting for juvenile rights
The criminal justice system can be difficult for anyone to navigate. It has complex rules that have to be followed exactly in order for people to have their rights protected. Deviating from these rules can have a negative outcome on a person's case.
Juvenile expungement in Oregon
Children make mistakes. There are times when these mistakes lead to criminal charges. Like adults that are charged with a crime, these charges can follow the child for years to come. If convicted of criminal charges as a juvenile, the charges go on a person's criminal record. This record can prevent the person from certain educational benefits, job opportunities and more in the future. Therefore, many people want to avoid a criminal record altogether.
What is the Oregon Youth Authority?
Young people are still learning. Much of that learning is done in an educational environment, but some is done through social experimentation. Teens, for example, may push the boundaries for their relationship with their parents or friends. They may experiment with new hairstyles, clothing or music. While much of this is normal and healthy, mistakes can be made along the way.
Don't try to negotiate a plea agreement alone
In a recent blog post, this blog explained that Oregon prosecutors have the right to negotiate a plea agreement with people in certain situations. When prosecutors believe that justice will be affectively served, they have the ability to agree to a plea. A plea agreement generally allows a person to agree to plead guilty or plead no contest to a criminal charge. In exchange for this agreement, the prosecutor can lower the charges the person faces or the potential punishments.
