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...
Criminal Law
When is an Oregon theft offense treated as a felony?
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...
How does the Third Party Doctrine affect evidence?
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...
Do you have to answer questions during a traffic stop?
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...
What is the age of consent in Oregon?
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...
Probation violations are serious legal matters
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...
Probation violations have special concerns
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...
First-time theft charges in Oregon: What to know
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...
What are the conditions to expunge a record in Oregon?
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...
How does a probation violation hearing work in Oregon courts?
If you face a probation violation in Oregon, the court process may feel confusing. You may wonder what happens at the hearing and what the judge expects from you. Understanding the steps can help you prepare and reduce stress. Why probation violation hearings happen A...
