Quick answers to what most callers ask first. Every case is different — if your situation isn't covered here, request a free consultation and we'll talk it through.
Fees vary widely based on the charge, county, and complexity of the case. Misdemeanor representation in Southern Oregon typically runs from a few thousand dollars for a flat fee; felony defense — especially Measure 11 — runs substantially higher because of the investigation, expert witnesses, and trial preparation required. We quote a flat or capped fee at the consultation so there are no surprises.
Stay calm, do not resist, and do not answer questions about the alleged offense. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney — invoke both clearly and out loud. Politely say you want a lawyer present before any questioning, then stop talking. Call us as soon as you have access to a phone.
Yes. A DUII conviction in Oregon carries mandatory minimum jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. There are also separate DMV implied-consent proceedings on a tight 10-day deadline. A lawyer can challenge the stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood evidence, and pursue diversion if you qualify.
Misdemeanors usually resolve in three to six months. Felonies typically take six months to over a year, and Measure 11 cases often take a year or longer because of grand jury indictment, discovery, and pretrial motions. Cases set for jury trial can take longer depending on the court's calendar.
Misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in county jail (and graded A, B, or C); felonies are punishable by more than one year in state prison (and graded A, B, C, or unclassified). Felony convictions also carry collateral consequences — loss of firearm rights, immigration impact, professional license issues — that misdemeanors generally do not.
Many Oregon convictions and arrests are eligible for expungement (technically called a "set-aside") under ORS 137.225, with waiting periods that depend on the offense. Some serious felonies, sex offenses, and traffic-related crimes are categorically ineligible. We evaluate eligibility for free and handle the petition, hearing, and order entry.
Measure 11 is an Oregon ballot measure passed in 1994 that imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain serious person felonies — including Murder, Manslaughter, Assault I and II, Robbery I and II, Kidnapping, Rape, and several others. Sentences range from 70 months to life, and judges cannot reduce them. Measure 11 cases require immediate, aggressive defense.
Almost never, and never without a lawyer present. Police interviews are recorded and used to build cases; even truthful, well-meaning statements can be edited, misremembered, or used against you. If officers want to talk to you about something you may be involved in, politely decline and call us first.
Yes. We regularly appear in Jackson County Circuit Court (Medford), Josephine County Circuit Court (Grants Pass), Klamath County Circuit Court (Klamath Falls), and the municipal courts in Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Grants Pass, and surrounding cities.
At arraignment the judge formally reads the charges, advises you of your rights, sets release conditions or bail, and schedules the next hearing. You do not enter a plea on a felony at arraignment in Oregon — that comes later. If you've retained counsel by then, your lawyer appears with you and argues for the best possible release conditions.
If you qualify financially, the court will appoint a public defender at no cost — this is a constitutional right. Oregon's public defenders are skilled lawyers but are often heavily caseloaded. Private counsel can typically devote more time, investigation resources, and expert work to a single case; we are happy to discuss the tradeoff at consultation.
Yes. Communications during a consultation are protected by the attorney-client privilege under Oregon Evidence Code Rule 503, even if you do not ultimately hire us. We will tell you up front if there is a conflict of interest that prevents us from representing you; in that case the privilege still applies to what you've already told us.