People can easily make mistakes. People can forget things, mistake peoples' identities and even mistake locations. When this happens, embarrassment might follow, but generally long-term consequences are kept to a minimum. However, when criminal conduct is included in a mistake, the outcome can be very different.
Oregon track star suspected of interfering with an officer
Oregon police are responsible for investigating and stopping all sorts of criminal behavior. While some of this work is done away from the public eye, much of the police's actions can be seen by those near the supposed crime scene. While police are carrying out their job, police expect that Oregon citizen will not interfere with their work. If an Oregon resident does interrupt a police investigation that person could face criminal charges -- even if the person was not involved in the original incident.
Oregon constitution protects against traffic citations
Cars and trucks are obviously a frequent mode of transportation for many Oregonians. However, in Oregon many laws dictate the conduct that people must abide by as they are driving. These laws tell people where they can drive, how fast they can drive and whether they are allowed to drive in the first place. By violating these rules, Oregon residents can be charged with a traffic citation. These citations can result in fines and other penalties, and more serious traffic offenses may result in misdemeanor charges.
Mix-up for Portland residents results in extra charges
In an effort to clean up the streets of Portland, reports say that police officers have been wrongfully charging some citizens with crimes. Under a new initiative -- called the Chronic Offender Pilot Program -- people were subject to Class A misdemeanor charges if they were caught littering, drinking from an open container or urinating in public. Under the program, officers would give written warnings for the first offense, then place someone under arrest for interfering with an officer for a second offense.
Misdemeanor charges for selling alcohol to minors may be lowered
Misdemeanor charges can have a significant impact on a person's ability to find employment in Oregon. Criminal charges are looked down upon by employers who may refuse to hire anyone with a criminal history. This is particularly true when the misdemeanor charge is for selling alcohol to minors.
New Oregon law creates traffic violation for smokers
A lot of people's conduct in Oregon is regulated by a series of laws created by the state legislature. While people are aware of major felonies, misdemeanor charges can be more obscure -- especially new laws. One area of people's lives that is particularly regulated is driving. There are traffic rules dictating, who can drive, how fast people can drive and what people can do while driving l in Oregon law books. If people break these rules -- either intentionally or unintentionally -- they can be hit with a traffic violation.
Oregon attorney faces misdemeanor charges
Many Oregon residents may not realize the serious consequences that any criminal charges can have on a person. In particular, people may think that misdemeanor charges do no really impact a person's life. However, a recent Oregon case shows the immediate effects that misdemeanor charges can have on people and their careers.
Oregon teenager faces misdemeanor charges after gunfight
There are certain situations where the Oregon criminal code has justified the use of violence. In some cases, the laws says it is ok, to use force -- even deadly force -- against another. Usually this force must be made in self-defense.
Oregon creates new misdemeanor for pet owners
Oregon residents may not realize it, but the criminal code effects many aspects of day-to-day life. Many people understand that violent crimes, drug charges and other major offenses are something that are punishable under the law. However, other activities may also be regulated without their knowledge. In fact, things as simple as, how long a dog can stay tied up outside can be punished under Oregon's criminal code.
In Oregon cigarette butts can lead to misdemeanor charges
In a large city like Portland, people are likely to see cigarette butts all the time on the sidewalks and roadways. Smokers may not think twice about disposing of their cigarettes outside. In fact, most people have probably seen other people thrown their cigarettes out of the window of a car. However, what people may not know is that doing this breaks Oregon state law.
