Evidence is the cornerstone of every trial, criminal or civil. This evidence can be documents, video evidence, photos, eye-witness testimony and other “direct” proof, and then there is forensic evidence based on the scientific examination of a crime. For years,...
While possession of drugs like cocaine or heroin is currently illegal in Oregon, this could change in November. The state is considering a ballot initiative that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs. Instead of prison time, offenders would...
You’ve been convicted of a crime in Oregon and you know you will be going to prison, paying heavy fines and facing other serious consequences. Of course, everyone in this situation is unhappy about it, but the problem is even more difficult if you know you would have...
Wrongful convictions have been a lasting problem in our criminal justice system. The situations vary from case to case and sometimes a person can be falsely convicted on purpose. It is important to know what the leading causes of this act are and how wrongful...
In Oregon, the verdict of a trial court is not the final say when a defendant is convicted of a crime. Instead, a defendant has the right to appeal their conviction if they believe that the trial court made an error. They may even have multiple courts that they can...
In Oregon and across the U.S., individuals have the right to "plead the Fifth" when in police custody or in court. When exercising this Fifth Amendment right, a person may choose not to answer questions related to his or her arrest. This right is granted under the...
Oregon criminal defendants have a constitutional right to a speedy trial. When it comes to being held after they are arrested, they must be released within a certain period of time if the court determines that they are able to post a bond. In a criminal case, this...
Groups advocating for drug decriminalization hope to be able to put a ballot measure before Oregon voters in November. If the measure reaches the ballot and is approved, Oregon would become the first state to eliminate criminal penalties for possessing illegal drugs....
On March 15, two religious missionaries parked their car in the Glenfair neighborhood on the 15800 block of Southeast Stark Street. A man approached them and demanded their vehicle. At first, the two refused, but the man implied that he possessed a weapon. They got...
By United States law, every citizen has the right to a free and fair trial. Yet you may have had your day in court and felt that your attorney made mistakes when defending you. Or you may have faced a judge who presided with partiality, determined to rule against you...
