Eugene Robbery Defense Lawyers
Oregon law is tough on violent crimes. Oregon has a complex system of mandatory minimum sentencing for many such crimes. Crimes of violence are punished severely, but often times conduct that one would not think was so serious can result in devastating circumstances. For example, two high school children could approach another high schooler and demand to see what is in their pockets. Under Oregon law those two kids might be charged with Robbery in the Second Degree, a Measure 11 crime carrying a 70 month prison sentence if convicted! Similarly, a person can be charged with kidnapping very easily, for doing something as simple as moving another person from one place to another against their will, even if that other place is just into another room or into a car. Kidnapping charges often accompany other assault charges. One might think that only a minor assault had occurred, but if there was movement, the client may now be facing serious kidnapping charges as well.
At Raivio, Kohlmetz & Steen, P.C., our attorneys have spent decades providing tough, aggressive and experienced defense against violent crimes, such as:
- Simple assault
- Assault with a deadly weapon and assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with attempt to commit theft
- Attempted murder
- Kidnapping
- Robbery and armed robbery
Measure 11 Crimes Are Serious Crimes
One factor these violent crimes have in common is that they are all considered Measure 11 crimes. For more than a decade, Measure 11 has been part of Oregon's criminal justice system, requiring mandatory minimum sentences upon conviction.
The lowest mandatory minimum sentence for one of these crimes is 70 months imprisonment. That is more than five years, and that is the lowest. Needless to say, these are matters that need to be taken seriously, especially since the highest is 25 years to life. Although prisoners may ordinarily be granted a sentence reduction for good behavior, that is not the case in Measure 11 offenses. There is no possibility of sentence reduction.
But Measure 11 offenses aren't just a problem if the client is convicted. Oregon law makes it incredibly difficult for persons charged with serious felonies to be released from jail in the months or even years leading up to trial. Bail amounts are routinely set at $250,000.00 or even higher in such cases even for someone who has never before been arrested. Children as young as 15 can be swept up and prosecuted like an adult in these types of cases.
Like every rule, there are exceptions in Measure 11 cases. They are rare, but we know what they are. When clients have our decades of experience and knowledge on their side, they can be confident that no opportunity will be overlooked in our quest to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Raivio, Kohlmetz & Steen for a Free and Confidential Initial Consultation
Our law firm is committed to providing the highest-quality legal representation for reasonable rates. We are also committed to discretion and protecting our clients' privacy to the greatest extent possible as they move through the criminal justice system.
If you are looking for an experienced Portland assault defense lawyer, call toll-free to 1-888-311-2016, or send us an e-mail.
