1. Mark C. Cogan, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense exclusively, DUI/DUII defense, drug crimes defense, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DUII, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, white collar crimes, federal offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, jury trials, pre-trial investigation, sentencing advocacy, charge reduction negotiations
Background: Mark C. Cogan founded the firm and is described as fearless, aggressive, and resourceful. The Portland criminal defense law firm consists of five attorneys and support staff. The firm works with private investigators, psychologists, polygraphers, expert medical professionals, accountants, forensic computer experts, and other specialists to handle specific case issues. The team approach allows the firm to provide high quality representation while remaining available for urgent matters. The firm represents professionals, union workers, salaried and hourly employees, students, retirees, and small business owners. The firm has successfully represented hundreds of clients throughout Oregon.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Contact: (503) 549-1077 | (503) 384-2420 | https://www.coganlawoffice.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. Levine & McHenry LLC
Practice Focus: Serious felony defense, federal criminal defense, appeals, post-conviction relief
Case Types Handled: Murder, sex offenses, assault, drug trafficking, federal crimes, white collar crimes, violent felonies, Measure 11 offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, federal court representation, appellate practice, post-conviction relief, pretrial proceedings, plea negotiations, jury trials, alternative sentencing advocacy
Background: Michael R. Levine served more than 20 years as a federal public defender before partnering with Matthew McHenry in private practice. The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Partners have been selected to Oregon Super Lawyers, Oregon Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America. The firm serves clients throughout the Willamette Valley and statewide Oregon. The legal team has obtained results at different stages of the criminal justice system including avoiding arrest, dismissal of charges, favorable plea agreements, jury acquittals, alternative penalties, and overturned convictions. The downtown Portland law firm provides representation in both state and federal courts.
Location: Portland, Oregon (downtown)
Contact: (503) 963-7916 | https://www.levinemchenry.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Gilroy Napoli Short
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, personal injury, gun rights restoration, DUI/DUII defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DUII, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, Measure 11 offenses, misdemeanors, felonies, violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, jury trials, motion practice, gun rights restoration, expungements, post-conviction relief
Background: The firm includes attorneys Jason Short, John Gilroy, and Dom Napoli among others. The attorneys are 5-Star Rated Oregon Super Lawyers. The firm has offices in Salem, Bend, Medford, Hillsboro, and Portland. John Gilroy provides proactive legal defense at every level of Oregon and federal court cases. Attorney Jenna Richards is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with experience handling cases from minor violations and misdemeanors to complex felonies and Measure 11 charges. The firm offers no-charge, no-obligation case evaluations. The firm can meet with clients at police stations or in jail upon request.
Location: Portland, Oregon (with additional offices in Salem, Bend, Medford, Hillsboro)
Contact: (503) 747-7198 | https://www.gilroynapolishort.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available; after-hours appointments available
4. Hoffman Law LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense for individuals and corporate clients, white collar defense, complex criminal matters
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, white collar crimes, fraud, federal crimes, corporate criminal matters, professional licensing defense
Legal Services: Pre-charge investigation, trial defense, plea negotiations, federal court representation, corporate representation, professional licensing defense, preventing charges from being filed
Background: Janet Hoffman founded the firm with more than 40 years of experience. The firm has welcomed shareholders Christopher Heywood and Justin Rusk. The firm was previously known as Janet Hoffman & Associates. The attorneys have a proven history of preventing charges from being filed, securing dismissals, and winning at trial. The firm brings decades of combined expertise and has earned a reputation for success in state and federal courts. The firm is known for intense preparation, creative strategies, and determination to obtain results for clients.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Contact: https://hoffmanlawpnw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Robert Crow Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUII defense, drug crimes defense, expungements, gun rights restoration
Case Types Handled: DUII, drug crimes, violent crimes, non-violent crimes, theft, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, probation violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, expungements, criminal history clearing, gun rights restoration
Background: Robert Crow is licensed to practice law in all State and Federal Courts in Oregon. The firm emphasizes honesty with clients and dedication to their cases. The attorney draws upon extensive Oregon courtroom experience. The firm prioritizes educating clients about their rights under both Oregon law and federal law. Flexible consultation options are available including nights and weekends. The attorney maintains communication throughout the case and goes the extra mile to keep clients informed.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Contact: (503) 741-2528 | https://www.robertcrowlaw.com
Consultation: Free 30-minute case review available; evening and weekend consultations available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Oregon
Oregon requires attorneys to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar and maintain active licensure. The Oregon State Bar provides continuing legal education requirements and maintains disciplinary oversight. Attorneys must complete 45 hours of continuing legal education every three years, including specific requirements for ethics, access to justice, and abuse reporting.
The Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA) is a professional organization for criminal defense lawyers and an advocacy group seeking criminal justice reforms in the Oregon Legislature.
The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) offers specialty certification in Criminal Trial Law that Oregon attorneys may obtain. The National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) offers board certification in DUI Defense Law.
The Office of Public Defense Services (OPDS) is a state agency that manages public defense contracts for trial-level and appellate representation in Oregon. The Appellate Division provides mandated representation in appellate courts. The mission is to offer competent representation for eligible individuals.
Oregon classifies crimes as felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are classified as Class A (up to 20 years), Class B (up to 10 years), and Class C (up to 5 years). Unclassified felonies have penalties specified by individual statutes. Misdemeanors are classified as Class A (up to 1 year), Class B (up to 6 months), and Class C (up to 30 days).
Oregon’s Measure 11 (passed in 1994) establishes mandatory minimum sentences for serious violent and sex offenses. Measure 11 crimes carry mandatory prison terms ranging from 5 years 10 months to 25 years with no possibility of early release or time off for good behavior.
Oregon expanded its expungement laws in 2022. Marijuana convictions may be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances. Class B felonies may be eligible for expungement 20 years after conviction. Class C felonies may be eligible after 10 years. Misdemeanors are generally eligible 3 years after conviction or 1 year after completion of sentence, whichever is later.
Oregon does not have the death penalty, having abolished it through Measure 44 in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an arrest in Multnomah County?
After an arrest in Multnomah County, defendants are typically taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center for booking. An arraignment hearing is held within 36 hours where charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. The court will address bail or release conditions at arraignment. For felonies, a preliminary hearing may be held within 10 days to determine probable cause if the case was not initiated by grand jury indictment. Oregon frequently uses grand jury indictments for felony cases, which bypass the preliminary hearing. Pretrial conferences are scheduled to address discovery, motions, and plea negotiations before trial.
How does Measure 11 affect criminal sentencing in Oregon?
Oregon Measure 11 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for specific serious crimes without possibility of early release, work release, or time off for good behavior. Measure 11 applies to crimes including murder, manslaughter, assault I and II, kidnapping, robbery I and II, sex offenses, and arson I. Minimum sentences range from 5 years 10 months to 25 years depending on the offense. Defendants convicted of Measure 11 offenses must serve the entire mandatory minimum before becoming eligible for release. Measure 11 applies to juveniles 15 and older charged with certain offenses. Defense attorneys often focus on negotiating charges to non-Measure 11 offenses or challenging the evidence to avoid mandatory sentencing.
What are the penalties for DUII in Oregon?
A first DUII offense in Oregon is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties including up to 1 year in jail, fines from $1,000 to $6,250, license suspension of 1 year, and installation of an ignition interlock device. A second offense within 10 years carries enhanced penalties including higher minimum fines and longer license suspension. A third offense within 10 years is a Class C felony with up to 5 years in prison. DUII Diversion is available for first-time offenders who plead guilty or no contest. The diversion program includes evaluation, treatment, victim impact panel attendance, and 1 year without new offenses. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Oregon?
Oregon allows expungement of many criminal records after waiting periods. Class C felonies are generally eligible 10 years after conviction. Class B felonies are eligible 20 years after conviction. Misdemeanors are generally eligible 3 years after conviction or 1 year after completion of sentence. Violations are generally eligible 1 year after conviction. Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement including most sex offenses, person felonies with prison sentences, and Class A felonies. A petition must be filed with the court where the conviction occurred. The filing fee is approximately $281. The district attorney may object to the petition. Marijuana convictions have expanded eligibility under recent legislation.
What alternative sentencing programs exist in Multnomah County?
Multnomah County offers several alternative sentencing and diversion programs. DUII Diversion allows first-time DUII offenders to complete treatment and avoid conviction. Drug Court (STOP Court) provides treatment-based supervision for defendants with substance abuse issues. Mental Health Court serves defendants with qualifying mental health conditions. Veterans Court is available for eligible military veterans. The District Attorney’s Office may offer plea agreements involving community service, treatment, or other alternatives to incarceration. SIP (Short-term Incarceration Program) allows defendants to serve shortened jail sentences. The Multnomah County Justice Reinvestment Program focuses on reducing recidivism through evidence-based practices.