Finding the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gresham, Oregon
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in Gresham, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. With so many options to choose from, how do you find the best lawyer for your specific case? In this article, we’ll go over some of Gresham’s top-rated criminal defense attorneys and law firms to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When researching criminal lawyers in Gresham, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Experience – You’ll want to find an attorney with extensive experience handling criminal cases similar to yours. Look for lawyers who focus specifically on criminal defense rather than general practice attorneys.
- Track Record – Check out the lawyer’s case results. Do they have a proven history of achieving successful outcomes for clients facing criminal charges? This could include getting charges reduced or dismissed, avoiding jail time, or mitigating sentences.
- Reputation – Read online reviews and talk to people in the Gresham legal community. A lawyer with a solid reputation for ethical practices and dedication to clients is critical.
- Compatibility – Make sure you choose a criminal defense attorney you feel comfortable working with. You’ll be sharing sensitive information and collaborating closely, so it’s essential to establish a relationship of trust.
- Affordability – Legal fees can add up quickly. Be upfront about your budget constraints and ask about payment plans or alternative fee arrangements.
Top Criminal Defense Firms in Gresham
Here are some of the most highly-regarded criminal defense law firms in Gresham and the surrounding area:
Barnett & Sherlag
With over 50 years of combined experience, Barnett & Sherlag have established themselves as go-to criminal defense attorneys in Gresham. Founding partners Russell S. Barnett III and Steven J. Sherlag are both included in Super Lawyers’ list of top lawyers. They handle a wide array of criminal charges including DUIs, drug crimes, sex offenses, domestic violence, and juvenile cases. Previous clients praise their compassionate approach and legal expertise.
Todd & Dials
The law office of Todd & Dials provides aggressive criminal defense representation in Gresham and throughout Multnomah County. Partners Richard W. Todd and William D. Dials have over four decades of combined criminal law experience. They handle everything from misdemeanors to serious violent felony charges. Flexible fee arrangements are available.
McBreen & Associates
Led by Richard L. McBreen III, McBreen & Associates focus exclusively on criminal defense in state and federal courts. Their team has successfully defended clients against a wide range of charges including sex crimes, drug offenses, white collar crimes, and homicide. Clients applaud the firm’s responsiveness and compassion.
O’Connor Weber LLC
Ryan O’Connor is a former prosecutor who opened his own criminal defense firm in Gresham. He has extensive trial experience and a strong track record of achieving not guilty verdicts for clients. O’Connor handles everything from DUI and traffic violations to serious violent felonies. He is known for his meticulous case preparation and courtroom skills.
Mark C. Cogan, P.C.
As a former Multnomah County prosecutor, Mark C. Cogan brings a unique perspective to criminal defense cases. He represents clients facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to Measure 11 offenses. Cogan is praised for his communication skills and for treating clients with respect throughout the legal process. His firm offers flat fee arrangements for certain criminal charges.
Key Factors in Criminal Cases
The strategy your criminal defense lawyer employs will depend heavily on the details of your specific charges. Here are some of the most important factors they will evaluate:
- Alleged Crime – More serious felonies like murder, rape, robbery, and assault generally call for an aggressive defense focused on creating reasonable doubt regarding guilt. Less serious charges may warrant negotiating a plea deal or alternative sentencing programs.
- Evidence – The evidence against you will impact how your lawyer approaches your defense. If the case hinges on witness testimony, your attorney may focus on credibility. If there is DNA, video, or forensic evidence, they may try to suppress or discredit it.
- Prior Record – First time offenders often have more options, like deferred sentencing. Prior convictions can lead to harsher punishments but can sometimes be excluded from evidence.
- Sentencing Exposure – Your attorney will analyze the potential penalties you face if convicted, from probation to decades in prison. This will inform plea bargaining strategy.
Common Criminal Charges in Gresham
Here are some of the most common criminal offenses handled by defense attorneys in Gresham and the defenses they may use:
- DUI – DUI lawyers can challenge breathalyzer validity, argue improper police procedure, or enroll clients in diversion programs.
- Drug Possession – Possession charges may be attacked by contesting illegal searches, questioning lab results, or seeking treatment alternatives.
- Domestic Violence – Common defenses against domestic violence include arguing self-defense, showing no physical injury occurred, or proving misidentification.
- Sex Crimes – Sex crime charges often rely heavily on witness testimony, which defense lawyers will try to undermine. They may also argue consent.
- Assault – Lawyers commonly defend assault charges by arguing self-defense, lack of intent, misidentification, or false accusations.
- Theft – Theft charges can be defended by asserting lack of evidence, showing no intent, or arguing unauthorized use not theft.
Questions a Criminal Lawyer May Ask You
Honesty and transparency upfront are crucial when meeting with criminal defense attorneys. Here are some of the questions they may ask when evaluating your case:
- What exactly are the charges against you?
- Do you understand all the charges that have been filed?
- Can you walk me through your version of events?
- Where were you when the alleged crime occurred?
- Did you make any statements to the police?
- Is there any evidence against you?
- Any prior convictions for similar offenses?
- What outcome are you hoping to achieve?
- What is your current financial situation?
- Do you have strong community ties to the Gresham area?
Takeaways
Facing criminal prosecution can be an overwhelming and frightening experience. Having an experienced Gresham criminal defense lawyer in your corner can help even the odds. When researching attorneys, look for those with proven track records of success in cases like yours. Be upfront about your charges, goals, and finances so they can build an effective defense. With the right legal guidance, you can emerge from this difficult situation with your freedom intact.