You find yourself facing serious criminal charges, and you are worried that being convicted in a jury trial would lead to a substantial sentence. But you are then offered a plea deal, giving you a chance for a reduced sentence. You decide to plead guilty. You...
One reason why you may be interested in post-conviction relief is if you believe you have been falsely convicted. You firmly believe you did nothing wrong, but you have been convicted anyway. You may want to look into your right to appeal that decision and take other...
Just because someone is convicted and sentenced for a crime, that doesn’t mean the legal fight ends there. A defendant can pursue post-conviction relief (PCR) to challenge their conviction or sentence. While post-conviction relief can offer a second chance, many...
There are moments when the justice system fails, not because of bad intentions, but because something vital was missed. For example, a piece of evidence may not have been collected, a witness overlooked or a test that could have told a different story. For the person...
When you can’t fully understand what’s said in court, you can’t defend yourself fairly. For many people in Oregon whose first language isn’t English, confusion or poor interpretation often leads to serious mistakes, even wrongful convictions. Here’s what happens when...
Laws can change with relative frequency. New laws are passed or older laws are repealed. While there are certainly many long-term laws that remain in place, there can also be changes within the legal system over the years. But what happens when these laws change and...
People unfairly convicted of crimes in Oregon can ask the courts to review their situation. Post-conviction relief might lead to a new trial or the suspension of a sentence. The circumstances determine what solution is available and whether the courts rule in favor of...
When a loved one is convicted, the impact is beyond the courtroom. Families carry the weight of stress, sadness and uncertainty about the future. It is a difficult period, and emotions can shift daily. Unfortunately, healing does not come overnight. Supporting one...
A criminal conviction can feel like the end of the road, but it does not always have to define the rest of your life. Through post-conviction relief, individuals have the chance to challenge errors in their case, present new evidence, or seek reduced penalties. These...
When a person (known as a petitioner) seeks post-conviction relief based on new evidence, a change in the law or sentencing guidelines or other reason allowed in Oregon, victims of the offense for which the petitioner was convicted have the right to be notified by the...
