Misdemeanor crimes are one broad type of criminal charge -- the other type is felony crimes. Misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies but can still result in serious criminal punishments. Misdemeanor crimes include some theft charges, many driving offenses and traffic citations and low-level drug charges. Since punishments are not as severe as felonies, some people may think that misdemeanors do not require a significant criminal defense. However, if people ignore their defense, they can still end up with significant criminal punishments if found guilty of misdemeanors.
Man faces six misdemeanors after standoff with police
It is often understandable that police need to be able to carry out their work without fearing for their personal safety. Therefore, if police feel that their safety is in jeopardy, they can take extreme measures, including the use of force. Once the situation is under control, anyone threatening the police can face criminal charges.
Charges dropped against Oregon man
Oregon police are not perfect - neither are Oregon's prosecutors. Police and prosecutors are just human and make mistakes like everyone else. In some cases, they charge people with crimes when those people are innocent. In these situations, the Oregon criminal justice system gives people the chance to defend against the charges to show that they should not be found guilty. With the right defense strategy, prosecutors may even decide to drop charges.
People must understand marijuana laws in Oregon
Most Oregon residents know that Oregon has more lenient drug possession laws than other areas of the country. In fact, Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize marijuana possession. These facts may confuse some people and lead them to believe that it is alright to carry marijuana anywhere in Oregon. However, the truth is that people can still face serious consequences -- including low-level drug charges -- for possessing marijuana.
Oregon man arrested for nearly hitting police officers with car
People do not often think about traffic violations as crimes. Most of the time traffic citations are merely violations that result in a small fine or other minimal penalty. However, traffic violations can lead to misdemeanor charges in certain situations. When people are charged with a misdemeanor they can face much more serious penalties. In Oregon, misdemeanors can result in fines of up to $6,250 and up to a year in jail. These penalties can have a serious effect on a person's immediate and long-term futures.
Use of exploding target can lead to misdemeanor charge in Oregon
People don't always understand or keep up with all the changes in the state and federal laws in Oregon. Often, people aren't even aware that the laws are changing. Despite the fact that people do not know the laws have changed, they can be charged with and punished for breaking new laws.
Possible new source of evidence in Oregon misdemeanor cases
In any criminal case, the police and prosecutors must gather evidence against the accused to be used in court. This evidence is used to prove that people committed the crimes that they are accused of. This evidence can come from a variety of sources and in many different forms. For some misdemeanor charges, Oregon police and prosecutors now have a new source of evidence -- red light cameras.
Man with lengthy criminal record charged with misdemeanors
Misdemeanor charges can result in a jail sentence of up to one year and thousands of dollars in fines. While this is significantly less time than a felony charge, misdemeanors should still be taken very seriously in Oregon. These charges are still added to a person's criminal record. Therefore, over time, if more misdemeanor charges accrue, punishments can increase and mean serious time behind bars.
Former Oregon football player charged with misdemeanors
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.
Singer arrested in Portland over St. Patrick's Day weekend
Our Oregon readers probably know that when a celebrity gets arrested anywhere in the world, the news is going to pop up everywhere. This is true whether or not the arrest is for a serious offense or low-level misdemeanor. The latter occurred recently, involving Gossip singer Beth Ditto, and it just so happens that the arrest occurred right in Portland.
