Salem Criminal Defense Attorney
Facing charges of a criminal nature in Oregon can be an incredibly frightening position to find oneself. Whether this is your first criminal charge or you have had prior interactions with the criminal justice system, it is wise to be aware of the charges you are facing, the penalties potentially involved, and your rights as an Oregon resident, an American citizen and those who are not citizens. During these difficult times, a Salem criminal defense lawyer can be vital.
When facing criminal charges, knowing there is a chance for steep consequences should a conviction be successful can leave you uncertain and afraid about your future, rights, and freedoms. You need top-notch legal representation during this time, and the criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham is here to offer just that.
A conviction on a felony or misdemeanor charge can have lasting impacts, and you need someone willing to fight for the most favorable outcome possible in your case.
Common Areas of Criminal Defense
Being accused of a crime is one of the most frightening and stressful situations an individual may face. When you face criminal charges, your very future can be on the line, and the key to mitigating the potential negative impact of a successful criminal conviction is to have an attorney on your side who is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to fight for you.
The criminal justice system can be confusing, so it is wise to have someone who can fight against several types of criminal charges. At the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham, we have experience handling the following criminal cases:
- Rape. This charge can arise when an individual allegedly engages in non-consensual sexual penetration or intercourse with an unwilling or unconscious victim. This crime usually involves some force, coercion, or violence. The penalties for this charge can be severe if a conviction is successful. Our attorney can help you fight this charge.
- Sexual assault. This charge can occur if an individual has allegedly committed an act or behavior of a sexual nature without the consent of the victim. Sexual assault can include a wide range of conduct or behaviors, including unwanted groping, touching, and even rape.
- Arson. This charge can occur when an individual allegedly sets fire to a property or building with intent and knowing of what their actions will cause. Arson is a serious criminal property charge and can have severe penalties if successfully convicted. The criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham is here to help you fight these charges.
- DUI. A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can arise when an individual gets behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even some prescription or over-the-counter medications. You may be charged with a DUI if you are found behind the wheel of a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.
- Burglary. A burglary charge in Oregon occurs when someone allegedly enters a premises owned by another individual or entity unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime. These crimes are typically some version of assault or theft. Burglary is classified based on the kind of building that was entered and the exact intent behind that entry.
- Manslaughter. This charge can include voluntary and involuntary manslaughter. Charges of voluntary manslaughter arise when an individual allegedly causes the death of another due to provocation, while involuntary manslaughter typically involves an intentional death due to reckless behavior.
- Murder. Often the most severe of criminal charges, murder is the intentional killing of another person. In Oregon, this is considered a Measure 11 crime and can result in severe penalties, which can impact you for the rest of your life. Having an attorney on your side at this time is critical.
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Penalties for Criminal Acts in Salem, Oregon
The penalties for criminal acts in Salem, Oregon, can range in severity, and if you face a conviction, can include the following:
- Jail or prison time
- Fines
- Restitution payments made to victims
- Parole or probation
- The loss of certain civil rights, like the right to purchase or bear arms
- Difficulty finding employment or housing
- Difficulty obtaining certain loans
FAQs
In Oregon, each criminal defense attorney may charge different fees for their legal services. This is because there are several variables often involved in these cases that can impact the final cost analysis of your attorney fees, including the complexity and duration of your case and the experience of your attorney.
Defenses for criminal charges depend on the kind of crime with which the defendant is being charged. Common defenses used in criminal cases include acting in self-defense or the defense of others, acting under duress, being entrapped by law enforcement, the act was the result of an accident, an insanity plea, having an alibi, mistaken identity, and innocence.
There are several crimes that fall under Measure 11 in the state of Oregon, including prostitution, kidnapping II, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, unlawful sexual penetration II, aggravated vehicular homicide, rape I, sodomy I, arson and robbery I, and the pornographic exploitation of a child. Measure 11 crimes that are sentenced as Measure 11 mean the person has to do every day of the sentence with no reduction for good time or programming. The amount of time sentenced is determined by the legislature and the Judge cannot change that sentence. A good attorney can negotiate with the state and may be able to have the crime “taken out of Measure 11”.
Being contacted by a police officer can be a scary experience, even if you have done nothing wrong. If you are contacted by law enforcement in connection with a crime, you have the right to remain silent and contact your attorney. Do not discuss anything with the police until your attorney is present and can protect you during questioning. Always give your name and date of birth and ask for an attorney. Do not explain or think talking to police will help you. It will not.
Contact the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham Today
If you have been accused of a criminal act in Salem, Oregon, there is no time to waste. The prosecution assigned to these cases takes their jobs seriously, and you need an attorney who takes the protection of your rights and freedoms with just as much gravitas. Contact the Law Office of Amy L. Bingham today to schedule an initial consultation.