You don't have to be an attorney to understand that drunk-driving offenses can result in serious penalties. But seeking out a lawyer is crucial if you're accused of such an offense because there are so many variables in any given case. Not only are there various levels of drunk-driving charges, but you could be hit with additional charges that make your case more complicated and result in higher fines, more jail time and long-term restrictions against you.
Oregon Measure 11 suspect out on bail faces work restrictions
You don't have to be an attorney to know that in Oregon and everywhere else in the nation, criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. But that doesn't mean that if you're charged with a crime, you won't face certain restrictions before you go to trial. You also may face premature conviction in the court of public opinion, which doesn't always play by the same rules.
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.
Southern Oregon man's murder trial delayed for 5 months
The trial of a Medford, Oregon, man accused of killing his girlfriend has been delayed for five months at the request of prosecutors. Under the state's Measure 11 law, the 51-year-old man faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison if he's found guilty of murder.
Oregon boy faces adult charges after police chase, fatal crash
Teenagers are notorious for making poor decisions. By neurological design, we don't start seriously considering the consequences of our decisions until sometime in our early to mid-20s. Unfortunately, sometimes these poor choices have tragic outcomes.
Oregon teenager accused of rape to be charged as adult
A 16-year-old Oregon boy is being charged as an adult in a rape case. The 19 counts against him include rape in the first degree, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration, first- and second-degree sexual abuse and other felonies. The district attorney said the teen is being charged as an adult because six of the alleged crimes fall under Ballot Measure 11, Oregon's mandatory sentencing law.
