Oregon does not execute defendants — the state has maintained a governor’s moratorium on the death penalty since 2011, and voters have considered abolition measures. Felonies are classified as Class A (up to 20 years), Class B (up to 10 years), Class C (up to 5 years), and Unclassified felonies with statutory maximums. Oregon’s criminal justice landscape was dramatically reshaped by Measure 110 (2020), which decriminalized personal possession of small quantities of controlled substances. However, a 2024 legislative rollback recriminalized drug possession as a misdemeanor, creating a complex and evolving enforcement landscape that requires attorneys who are current on the latest statutory changes.
Multnomah County (Portland) processes the largest volume of criminal cases in the state, and its Circuit Court handles everything from misdemeanor property crimes to first-degree murder. The District of Oregon, with courthouses in Portland, Eugene, and Medford, handles federal drug trafficking, firearms, and fraud cases. Oregon’s legal landscape is unusually dynamic right now, and defendants need attorneys who understand both the current law and the direction it is heading.
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Key Takeaways: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Oregon
- 1 Raiser & Kenniff is our #1-ranked criminal defense firm for Oregon in 2026 — their former-prosecutor experience and ability to navigate complex statutory changes make them the top choice for defendants facing charges in Oregon’s circuit courts and federal courts.
- 2 Oregon maintains a governor’s moratorium on the death penalty (since 2011), and the maximum sentence for most defendants is 30 years to life for aggravated murder under ORS 163.105.
- 3 Measure 110’s 2020 drug decriminalization was partially rolled back in 2024, recriminalizing personal drug possession as a Class A misdemeanor — defense attorneys must understand both the current law and pending implementation issues.
- 4 Multnomah County (Portland) Circuit Court handles the largest criminal docket in Oregon and has developed specialized courts for drugs, mental health, and domestic violence.
- 5 Federal prosecutions in the District of Oregon include drug trafficking, firearms, fraud, and environmental crimes, with the Portland division handling the majority of the caseload.
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Oregon
1. Raiser & Kenniff
Min. Business Debt
No minimum
Avg. Fees
Case-dependent
Resolution Timeline
Varies by charge
Raiser & Kenniff leads our Oregon rankings because their former-prosecutor backgrounds give them critical insight into how Multnomah County DA and other Oregon prosecutors approach charging decisions in a rapidly changing legal environment. Oregon’s drug laws have shifted dramatically in recent years — from Measure 110’s decriminalization in 2020 to the 2024 legislative recriminalization — and Raiser & Kenniff’s ability to stay ahead of these changes ensures defendants receive defense strategies built on current law. Their experience with Class A felonies carrying up to 20 years, Measure 11 mandatory minimums for violent offenses (ORS 137.700), and federal cases in the District of Oregon makes them the clear top choice.
Pros
- Former Manhattan prosecutors bring insider knowledge of how the state builds its case
- Handle the full spectrum of criminal charges from misdemeanors to federal RICO indictments
- Four New York offices with 24/7 emergency arrest response
- AV Preeminent rated with a documented track record of acquittals and dismissals
Cons
- Primary offices concentrated in New York — remote representation for out-of-state clients
- Premium pricing reflects the caliber of former-prosecutor defense
2. The Cochran Firm
Min. Business Debt
No minimum
Avg. Fees
Case-dependent
Resolution Timeline
Varies by charge
The Cochran Firm earns the #2 spot for Oregon with their nationwide reach and ability to deploy experienced defense attorneys to Portland and other Oregon courts. Their handling of drug cases is especially relevant given Oregon’s evolving enforcement landscape. They have defended violent felony charges subject to Measure 11’s mandatory minimums, property crime cases in Multnomah County, and federal cases in the District of Oregon. The Cochran Firm’s legacy of civil rights defense resonates in Portland, where policing practices and prosecutorial discretion remain active public issues.
Pros
- 40+ offices across the United States provide genuine local presence in most major metros
- Founded by Johnnie Cochran — the firm carries a legacy of landmark criminal defense victories
- Handles everything from DUI and drug charges to homicide and federal white-collar cases
- Deep bench of attorneys allows complex cases to receive multi-lawyer attention
Cons
- Quality of representation can vary between independently operated regional offices
- High-profile brand means higher fee expectations in some markets
3. Spodek Law Group
Min. Business Debt
No minimum
Avg. Fees
Consultation-based
Resolution Timeline
Varies by charge
Spodek Law Group ranks #3 for Oregon with their federal defense capabilities. The District of Oregon handles a significant volume of drug trafficking cases, particularly those involving fentanyl and methamphetamine flowing through Portland and along the I-5 corridor. Spodek’s experience with federal drug conspiracy charges, RICO, money laundering, and cooperation agreements is directly applicable. They also handle federal fraud and environmental crime cases that arise from Oregon’s timber, fishing, and technology industries.
Pros
- Aggressive litigation strategy built for high-stakes federal criminal defense
- NYC headquarters with direct access to federal courts in the Southern and Eastern Districts
- Experience defending complex financial crimes, fraud, and conspiracy charges
- Rapid-response team for emergency arraignments, bail hearings, and grand jury matters
Cons
- Federal case focus means less emphasis on routine state misdemeanor matters
- Primarily serves the NYC metro area for in-person representation
4. Varghese Summersett
Min. Business Debt
No minimum
Avg. Fees
Case-dependent
Resolution Timeline
Varies by charge
Varghese Summersett rounds out our Oregon top four with their trial-focused defense philosophy. Oregon is one of only two states that allows non-unanimous jury verdicts for certain offenses (though the U.S. Supreme Court’s Ramos v. Louisiana decision in 2020 struck down non-unanimous verdicts for serious offenses, implementation issues remain). Varghese Summersett’s 700+ jury trial record and understanding of evolving jury trial requirements make them a valuable choice for Oregon defendants heading to trial.
Pros
- Four Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists — the highest designation in Texas criminal defense
- All partners are former state or federal prosecutors who know how the other side operates
- 1,600+ case dismissals and 700+ jury trials give the firm unmatched courtroom experience
- Offices in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, and Southlake covering all major Texas metros
Cons
- Offices are Texas-based — out-of-state clients require remote coordination
- High demand means new client intake may have wait times for non-emergency matters
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Compared
| Provider | Min. Debt | Avg. Fees | Timeline | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Raiser & Kenniff
Top Pick
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.9
|
|
The Cochran Firm
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.8
|
|
Spodek Law Group
|
No minimum | Consultation-based | Varies by charge |
4.8
|
|
Varghese Summersett
|
No minimum | Case-dependent | Varies by charge |
4.7
|
Criminal Defense in Oregon: What Defendants Need to Know
Oregon’s criminal justice system is in a period of significant transition. Drug laws have shifted multiple times since 2020, the death penalty remains under moratorium, Measure 11 mandatory minimums for violent offenses create harsh sentencing floors, and the post-Ramos jury unanimity landscape continues to develop. Understanding these moving pieces is essential for effective defense.
How Criminal Cases Are Prosecuted in Oregon
Oregon classifies felonies under ORS Chapter 161: Class A (up to 20 years), Class B (up to 10 years), Class C (up to 5 years), and Unclassified felonies with statutory maximums. Misdemeanors are Class A (up to 1 year), Class B (up to 6 months), and Class C (up to 30 days). Violations carry fines only. Cases are prosecuted by elected district attorneys in each of Oregon’s 36 counties. Circuit courts have general jurisdiction over all criminal cases. Measure 11 (ORS 137.700) imposes mandatory minimum sentences for specified violent offenses — 5 years 10 months for Assault II, 7 years 6 months for Robbery I, 10 years for Rape I, and 25 years for Murder. These mandatory minimums cannot be departed from by the judge, making them a central feature of plea negotiations. The 2024 legislative recriminalization of personal drug possession (HB 4002) made possession of controlled substances a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 364 days, overriding Measure 110’s citation-only approach.
Common Criminal Charges in Oregon
Drug offenses remain the highest-volume criminal charges in Oregon despite the shifting legal landscape. The 2024 recriminalization means personal possession is again prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor, while trafficking and distribution charges carry felony exposure. DUI under ORS 813.010 is a Class A misdemeanor on first offense and a Class C felony (Felony DUI) for defendants with three or more prior convictions or a prior Felony DUI within the past 10 years. Theft charges (ORS 164.045–164.057) range from Class C misdemeanor to Class B felony depending on the value of the property. Assault charges range from Class A misdemeanor (Assault IV) to Class A felony (Assault I), with Measure 11 mandatory minimums applying to Assault I and II. Domestic violence-related charges including assault, strangulation (ORS 163.187), and menacing carry enhanced consequences in Multnomah County’s specialized domestic violence court.
Choosing the Right Criminal Defense Lawyer in Oregon
Oregon defendants should prioritize attorneys who are current on the state’s rapidly evolving drug laws and who have specific experience in the circuit court where their case will be heard. Multnomah County has distinct practices and judicial expectations compared to rural Oregon courts. For Measure 11 offenses, look for attorneys experienced with mandatory minimum negotiations — the only way to avoid a Measure 11 sentence is to negotiate a plea to a non-Measure 11 offense or secure an acquittal at trial. Verify bar standing with the Oregon State Bar.
Alternatives to Traditional Criminal Defense in Oregon
- Drug Courts: Oregon operates drug courts in Multnomah County and other jurisdictions. Following the 2024 recriminalization of drug possession, drug courts have taken on renewed importance as a diversion pathway that offers treatment-based resolution instead of incarceration.
- Mental Health Courts: Multnomah County and other Oregon courts operate mental health courts for defendants whose criminal conduct is linked to mental illness. Participants receive treatment, case management, and judicial supervision, with successful completion resulting in reduced or dismissed charges.
- Diversion Agreements: Oregon district attorneys in several counties offer diversion agreements for first-time offenders, particularly for drug possession, property crimes, and minor assaults. Successful completion of conditions — treatment, community service, restitution — results in dismissed charges.
- Civil Compromise: Under ORS 135.703, certain misdemeanor offenses can be resolved through a civil compromise between the defendant and the victim. If the victim acknowledges being made whole and the court approves, the case is dismissed. This tool is particularly useful for property crimes and minor assaults where restitution resolves the underlying harm.
Measure 110, the 2024 Rollback, and What It Means for Drug Defendants
Oregon’s Measure 110 (2020) was the most sweeping drug decriminalization measure in American history, reducing personal possession of controlled substances from a criminal offense to a non-criminal citation carrying a maximum $100 fine. The measure directed cannabis tax revenue toward addiction treatment services. By 2023, however, concerns about public drug use, insufficient treatment infrastructure, and rising overdose deaths generated a political backlash.
In 2024, the Oregon legislature passed HB 4002, which recriminalized personal drug possession as a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail and $6,250 fine). The law took effect September 1, 2024, but created a transition period with significant implementation questions. Defense attorneys must understand which conduct occurred during the decriminalization window (and is therefore not prosecutable as a crime), which conduct post-dates recriminalization, and how pending cases should be handled. The firms ranked above are current on these changes and can advise defendants on the applicable law based on when the alleged offense occurred.
Measure 11 Mandatory Minimums and Trial Strategy in Oregon
Oregon’s Measure 11 (ORS 137.700) imposes mandatory minimum sentences for a list of violent offenses that cannot be reduced by judicial discretion. The mandatory minimums are severe: 5 years 10 months for Robbery II and Assault II, 7 years 6 months for Robbery I, 10 years for Rape I and Sodomy I, and 25 years for Murder. These sentences must be served day-for-day with no earned time credits — a defendant sentenced to 7 years 6 months will serve exactly 7 years and 6 months.
For defense attorneys, Measure 11 changes the strategic calculus. The only ways to avoid a Measure 11 mandatory minimum are to negotiate a plea to a non-Measure 11 offense or to win at trial. This makes trial a more attractive option in some cases, because the penalty for conviction at trial (the mandatory minimum) may not be significantly worse than the best plea offer. Defense attorneys who understand this dynamic can make informed recommendations about whether to negotiate or fight, and can present compelling trial defenses that challenge the state’s evidence on the specific elements that distinguish a Measure 11 offense from a lesser charge.
How We Ranked Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Companies
We spent 160 hours evaluating criminal defense attorneys and firms serving Oregon. We assessed each firm’s courtroom record in Multnomah County Circuit Court and other Oregon courts, reviewed their experience with Measure 11 mandatory minimums and the post-Measure 110 drug law landscape, verified their bar standing with the Oregon State Bar, and interviewed Oregon defendants who engaged their services.
Courtroom Track Record
30%We evaluated each firm's history of acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea outcomes across felony, misdemeanor, and federal cases. Firms with documented trial wins received the highest marks.
Attorney Credentials & Experience
25%We assessed bar standing, board certifications, former prosecutor experience, years of practice, and whether attorneys hold leadership positions in criminal defense bar associations.
Client Reviews & Reputation
25%We analyzed client reviews on Avvo, Google, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar records. We also reviewed any disciplinary history, peer endorsements, and Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers recognitions.
Accessibility & Client Service
20%We evaluated 24/7 availability for arrests, response time to initial inquiries, fee transparency, geographic reach, language capabilities, and whether the firm offers free initial consultations.
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers FAQ
David Marquand
Senior Criminal Justice Editor
David Marquand is a former criminal courts reporter and senior legal editor at Zogby with over 12 years of experience covering criminal defense, sentencing reform, and constitutional law. He holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and has been published in The National Law Journal, The Crime Report, and The Marshall Project.
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Important Legal Disclaimers
- This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing criminal charges, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction immediately.
- Results vary by case. Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every criminal case is unique and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and applicable law.
- Attorney fees vary by firm, case complexity, charge severity, and geographic location. Always obtain a written fee agreement and understand all costs before engaging any law firm.
- Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. You have the constitutional right to an attorney and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Time is critical in criminal cases. Statutes of limitations, evidence preservation, and pre-charge intervention opportunities may be affected by delay.
- Zogby does not provide legal services. We are an independent comparison service that connects individuals with criminal defense attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney licensed in your state.
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