Many cases of sexual abuse or sexual assault involve a discrepancy in power. Some cases involve perpetrators physically overpowering victims or using threats, such as the act of brandishing a weapon, to force them into a traumatizing situation. Other times, they may...
To many people, the word assault is synonymous with a physical fight or an attack on another person. They envision someone acting with the intent to harm someone else or an incident that causes injuries severe enough to necessitate immediate medical attention. Many...
People accused of shoplifting or taking property that belongs to other people could face theft charges. Especially if the person accused of theft has no prior experience with the criminal justice system, they might expect to receive lenient treatment. People may...
The Third Party Doctrine can affect how the police gather evidence from a person's cellphone or mobile device. Even if officers cannot get the evidence from that device itself, they may be able to obtain it from another entity that has been voluntarily given control...
Police officers often ask questions during a traffic stop. They should be related to the stop itself, and they are often relatively simple. The officer may ask the driver where they are going and if they have had anything to drink that day. They could ask if the...
Many people think of acts of violence when they think of sex crimes. However, offenses that are sexual in nature are sometimes technical violations rather than aggressive and violent criminal acts. For example, the state can bring statutory rape charges against an...
People who are facing criminal charges might be sentenced through probation through a plea deal or after a criminal trial. While this sentence allows them to them to remain in the community instead of going to prison, it’s a program that comes with very specific...
Being sentenced to probation in a criminal case means that the individual is able to remain in the community while they serve out their sentence. During their term on probation, they must ensure they comply with specific conditions. Failing to follow those conditions...
If you face a first-time theft charge in Oregon, you need to know where your case falls and what may follow. That detail can affect your next steps and what you may deal with in court. It can feel overwhelming when everything moves fast, and the terms do not make...
A past arrest or conviction can follow you long after the case ends. In Salem, Oregon, the law allows certain people to clear their records through expungement. However, the law sets strict conditions and a single missed detail can delay or stop the process before it...
