Portland's criminal justice system has been in a state of upheaval. Oregon's Measure 110, passed in 2020, decriminalized personal possession of all drugs — the first state to do so. The experiment was controversial from inception and was effectively reversed by House Bill 4002 in 2024, which recriminalized drug possession as a misdemeanor. The whiplash between decriminalization and recriminalization has created a uniquely complex legal environment in Multnomah County Circuit Court, where judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys are still working through the practical implications. Add the waves of protest-related prosecutions from 2020–2022, an ongoing homelessness and public safety crisis, and active federal enforcement through the District of Oregon, and Portland's criminal defense landscape is unlike any other city's.
Whether you are facing a drug charge under Oregon's newly recriminalized framework, a protest-related prosecution, a DUI, a weapons offense, or a federal indictment in the District of Oregon, the firms below have the experience and strategic understanding to defend your rights in Multnomah County's rapidly shifting courts.
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Key Takeaways: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Portland
- 1 Raiser & Kenniff is our #1-ranked criminal defense firm for Portland in 2026 — their former-prosecutor backgrounds and adaptability make them effective in Multnomah County Circuit Court's rapidly evolving legal landscape.
- 2 Oregon's drug law landscape has shifted dramatically: Measure 110 (2020) decriminalized personal drug possession, then House Bill 4002 (2024) recriminalized it as a misdemeanor — creating transitional legal questions that experienced defense counsel must navigate.
- 3 Protest-related prosecutions from 2020–2022 produced hundreds of cases in Multnomah County, many involving First Amendment defense arguments that require specialized constitutional law expertise.
- 4 The District of Oregon handles federal drug trafficking, firearms, and fraud cases, with the U.S. Attorney's office maintaining active task force operations with DEA, FBI, and ATF.
- 5 Oregon's sentencing guidelines use a grid system based on crime seriousness level and criminal history score, with presumptive probation for many offenses and presumptive prison for the most serious — making defense advocacy at the sentencing stage critical.
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers & Firms in Portland
1. Raiser & Kenniff
Min. Business Debt
No minimum
Avg. Fees
Case-dependent
Resolution Timeline
Varies by charge
Raiser & Kenniff leads our Portland rankings because their former-prosecutor backgrounds give them insight into prosecution strategy in Multnomah County's uniquely dynamic legal environment. From drug cases navigating the post-Measure 110 recriminalization framework to federal charges in the District of Oregon, their team handles the full spectrum of criminal defense. Their AV Preeminent rating, documented record of acquittals and dismissals, and 24/7 emergency arrest response make them the top choice for Portland defendants facing an uncertain and evolving legal landscape.
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 #2 for Portland with their Pacific Northwest regional presence and deep attorney bench. Their team handles everything from misdemeanor drug and DUI cases in Multnomah County to federal conspiracy and firearms charges in the District of Oregon. The firm's experience defending clients in politically charged cases — a relevant capability in Portland's current environment — combined with their resource depth makes them a strong choice for complex defense matters.
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 Portland with their aggressive federal defense expertise. The District of Oregon handles drug trafficking, firearms, and fraud cases with increasing frequency. Spodek's experience defending complex federal matters, their rapid-response capability for emergency federal arraignments, and their familiarity with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines make them the specialist choice for Portland defendants facing federal indictments.
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 Portland top four with their trial-focused philosophy. Their 700+ jury trials and 1,600+ case dismissals demonstrate a commitment to courtroom defense over plea-mill processing. For Portland defendants who need attorneys willing to challenge the state's case through trial — whether on drug charges, protest-related offenses, or violent crime allegations — Varghese Summersett brings proven trial skill to Multnomah County Circuit Court.
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
Portland 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 Portland: Navigating the Post-Measure 110 Landscape
Portland's criminal defense landscape has been defined in recent years by three forces: the Measure 110 experiment and its reversal, the protest-related prosecutions of 2020–2022, and the ongoing public safety challenges that have reshaped both prosecution priorities and community expectations. Understanding how these forces interact with Oregon's sentencing framework is essential for effective defense.
Measure 110, HB 4002, and the Current Drug Law Framework
Oregon's Measure 110 (2020) was the most ambitious drug policy experiment in American history, decriminalizing personal possession of all controlled substances and replacing criminal penalties with a $100 citation and a referral to treatment. The measure was funded by marijuana tax revenue. By 2024, the experiment was widely viewed as unsuccessful — drug overdose deaths had increased, public drug use had become pervasive in Portland, and the treatment referral system was underutilized. The Oregon legislature passed House Bill 4002 in 2024, recriminalizing personal drug possession as a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by up to 364 days in jail). The law took effect September 1, 2024. For defense attorneys, this creates a transitional legal landscape. Cases arising during the decriminalization period (February 2021 to August 2024) are subject to Measure 110 provisions. Cases arising after September 1, 2024, are subject to HB 4002. Additionally, defendants with pending cases from the transition period may have unique defenses related to the changing legal framework. Oregon's sentencing guidelines use a grid that plots crime seriousness level against criminal history score, with presumptive dispositions ranging from probation to prison depending on where the case falls on the grid.
Protest Prosecutions and First Amendment Defense
The protests and civil unrest of 2020–2022 generated hundreds of criminal cases in Multnomah County and the District of Oregon. Charges ranged from disorderly conduct and criminal mischief to assault on a police officer, arson, and federal charges for attacking a federal building (the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse). Many cases involved First Amendment defense arguments — the line between protected protest activity and criminal conduct. The Multnomah County DA's office dismissed many protest-related cases, but others proceeded to trial or plea resolution. Federal protest-related cases were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, often carrying more severe penalties. For defendants with still-pending protest-related charges, or those seeking expungement of resolved cases, experienced defense counsel familiar with Portland's protest prosecution history and First Amendment case law is essential.
Your Rights as a Defendant in Multnomah County
Oregon law provides important protections for criminal defendants. Oregon is one of the few states where possession of small amounts of marijuana is not a criminal offense (recreational use was legalized in 2014 under Measure 91). The right to a preliminary hearing is available for felony cases. Oregon's diversion statutes allow eligible defendants to enter diversion programs for certain offenses, including drug charges, domestic violence (under specific conditions), and driving offenses. Multnomah County operates specialty courts including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Community Court (which handles low-level quality-of-life offenses). Oregon's expungement statutes (ORS 137.225) allow for setting aside convictions after a waiting period, provided the defendant has no subsequent convictions. An experienced Portland defense attorney understands the full range of options available under both state law and Multnomah County's local programs.
Alternatives to Incarceration in Portland
- Multnomah County Drug Court: Drug Court provides intensive supervision and substance abuse treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Successful completion can result in reduced charges or dismissal for eligible defendants.
- Community Court: Multnomah County's Community Court handles low-level offenses (trespass, disorderly conduct, certain theft charges) through community service, treatment referrals, and social services rather than traditional prosecution.
- Diversion Programs: Oregon's diversion statutes allow eligible defendants to enter treatment or educational programs in exchange for charge dismissal. Diversion is available for certain drug, driving, and domestic violence offenses.
- Mental Health Court: Multnomah County's Mental Health Court provides treatment-focused supervision for defendants with diagnosed mental health conditions as an alternative to incarceration.
Drug Defense After Recriminalization
The recriminalization of drug possession through HB 4002 has created a new category of criminal cases in Multnomah County. Defendants arrested for personal drug possession after September 1, 2024, face a Class A misdemeanor carrying up to 364 days in jail and a $6,250 fine. The law includes a “deflection” pathway — defendants who agree to undergo a substance abuse assessment and engage in treatment can have charges dismissed after completion.
Defense strategy for post-recriminalization drug cases in Portland involves several layers. First, challenging the stop and search — was there probable cause or reasonable suspicion for the encounter that led to the discovery of drugs? Second, evaluating whether the quantity and circumstances support a simple possession charge versus a more serious distribution charge. Third, pursuing the deflection pathway if appropriate. Fourth, challenging the constitutionality of the prosecution itself in cases where transitional issues arise. Portland's legal community is still working through the practical implementation of HB 4002, and defense attorneys who stay current on the evolving case law and prosecution practices have a significant advantage.
Federal Cases in the District of Oregon
The District of Oregon, headquartered at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in downtown Portland, handles a diverse federal docket. Drug trafficking (methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin from Mexican cartels moving through the I-5 corridor), firearms violations, fraud, immigration cases, and the remaining protest-related federal prosecutions make up the criminal caseload. The U.S. Attorney's office coordinates with DEA, FBI, ATF, and HSI on investigations and task forces.
Federal defense in the District of Oregon requires familiarity with the specific judges, AUSAs, and procedural expectations of the court. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines provide the sentencing framework, with mandatory minimums for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The safety valve provision (18 U.S.C. §3553(f)) and cooperation motions (Section 5K1.1) provide potential pathways below mandatory minimums for qualifying defendants. There is no parole in the federal system. For Portland defendants facing federal charges, the defense attorney's experience in the District of Oregon — not just federal court generally — is a critical factor in the quality of representation.
How We Ranked Portland Criminal Defense Lawyers Companies
We spent 130 hours evaluating criminal defense attorneys and firms serving the Portland metro area. We assessed each firm's trial record in Multnomah County Circuit Court and the District of Oregon, reviewed their experience with drug defense (including Measure 110/HB 4002 transition issues), protest-related cases, DUI, and violent crime, verified bar standing with the Oregon State Bar, and interviewed Portland clients who used 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.
Portland 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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