Your Right to Counsel
United States Constitution Sixth Amendment--"In all criminal prosecutions. the accused shall enjoy the right to...have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense."
We hope you never have occasion to need the services of a criminal defense attorney. However, if you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony crime in the State of Oregon, hiring an attorney is the most practical means of protecting your Constitutional rights.
Here are a few ways an attorney may assist with your case and a few questions your attorney will ask:
· Did the police abide by your constitutional rights when they stopped/frisked/ seized you or your property?
· Was your right to remain silent violated?
· Was your right to counsel violated?
· Is Diversion, Civil Compromise, or another alternative available to you?
· Can a more favorable plea agreement be negotiated with the District Attorney's office?
· Have you received all of the discovery for your case?
· What Rules of Evidence impact your case? What new case law impacts your case?
· How will a conviction or guilty plea affect other areas of your life? For example your employment, immigration consequences, liberty interest, potential impact on your right to keep and bear arms, etc.
· What monetary obligations will follow your conviction or guilty plea?
· What will parole and postprison supervision look like for you?
· Do you have a right to appeal? Is other post-conviction relief available for you?
In addition, we will guarantee a client-driven defense. If you are in the position of choosing between a plea offer or going to trial, we are adamant that you will be the ultimate decision-maker. We will never force you to take a plea offer or force you into a trial. We believe our job is to find options for you, detail those options, and implement our best defense based on your decision. If you desire a team that will be committed to your criminal defense, you have found the right people.