Portland Criminal Law Blog

When you face charges for a crime you did not commit, you trust that the criminal justice system will uncover the truth and restore your freedom. However, due to a number of factors, wrongful convictions can occur.

According to the Innocence Project, mistaken identification or eyewitness identification is the leading contributor to wrongful convictions across Oregon and the rest of the country. In fact, this contributed to 71% of more than 360 wrongful convictions. Many have long debated the accuracy of the identification process, arguing that it places too much of an emphasis on human memory.

For many convicted criminals in Oregon, facing a lifetime of guilt for the mistakes they made that landed them in trouble, is not the only consequence of their actions that they face. Once released after having served all of the legal consequences recommended by the courts, criminals face a unique set of challenges as they work to rebuild their reputation and create a successful life for themselves outside of prison walls. 

One of the difficulties they may encounter is juggling their criminal history with their efforts to get a job that will enable them to live comfortably without relying on other people. While many employers will hire previously convicted criminals with a few contingencies, Monster.com reports that nearly 46 percent of surveyed employers said that their interviews include some type of question related to an applicant's criminal past. Additionally, 73 percent acknowledged that they conduct a criminal background check on applicants looking for a job at their organization. 

A failed appeal may not be the end of your defense in Oregon. The law allows people who have a variety of circumstances to get a chance to file for something called post-conviction relief. It would take a specific analysis to determine whether you could be eligible for this option.

Generally speaking, however, anyone who failed an appeal could potentially benefit from this option. Your imprisonment could even end depending on the outcome of your efforts. Here are some more details along with some common situations that form the basis of these actions.

People may get behind the wheel while intoxicated for a number of reasons. In some instances, a driver may struggle with an alcohol addiction, resulting in DUI charges because of their drinking habits. Or, a driver may rarely consume alcohol and get behind the wheel after drinking at a friend’s party. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious consequences that alter the entire course of their life. There are many different stressors that people may experience, such as the loss of a job or the end of a long-term relationship, and these can also play a role in drunk driving.

High levels of stress can increase the likelihood of driving drunk for many reasons. Some people may drink more alcohol while they are under a lot of pressure, and others may be so stressed out that they become detached and behave in ways that are abnormal. For example, a stressed-out driver may have less concern for the consequences associated with driving under the influence. When certain major life crises arise, such as the loss of a loved one or a spouse filing for divorce, many people have a hard time moving forward.