Criminal Defense Attorney Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney
Lake Oswego DUI and Criminal Defense lawyer Rhett Bernstein works with former Lake Oswego prosecutors, police officers, and forensic experts offering clients in the city of Lake Oswego with the best possible criminal and DUI defense. Criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein works in Lake Oswego and throughout the state of Oregon; including Multnomah County, Washington County, all Portland-area municipal courts, and in the following cities in Clackamas County:
Lake Oswego DUI Defense Attorney Rhett Bernstein
Lake Oswego DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyer Rhett Bernstein has over a decade of Criminal and DUI defense experience for both Felony and Misdemeanor crimes. Defense and DUI attorney Rhett Bernstein represents clients at the Lake Oswego Municipal Court located at:
Lake Oswego Municipal Court
380 A Avenue, 1st Floor
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Driving Directions
Criminal Defense and DUI Attorney Rhett Bernstein is your first choice in the best possible outcome for criminal matters in the city of Lake Oswego, including:
- Burglary
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Crimes
- DUI
- Driving While Suspended
- Felony and Misdemeanor
- Measure 11 Crimes
- Probation Violation
- Sex Crimes
- Theft
- Prostitution
If you or a loved one are being investigated by the Lake Oswego police for a DUI, has been charged with a crime in the city of Lake Oswego, or is currently incarcerated in the Clackamas County Jail it is very important that you speak with experienced Lake Oswego DUI & criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein right away. Representation begins with planning a trial strategy and putting together mitigating information to steer the prosecution towards a lesser offense.
Everything you need to know about your criminal charge in Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego Criminal Defense Attorney
Sentencing and Penalties
Felony
Where the city of Lake Oswego falls within the boundaries of Clackamas County, a Felony crime is categorized as either Class A, Class B, or Class C. The city of Lake Oswego also allows for unclassified felonies which do not fall into one of the other three classes. Unclassified felonies are typically the most serious types of crimes, while Class C felonies are considered the least serious. The court can impose a maximum prison sentence for each class of felony.
| Felony | Crime | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | First Degree Rape | $375,000 fine and/or 20 years in prison |
| Class B | Second Degree Assault | $250,000 fine and/or 10 years in prison |
| Class C | First Degree Theft | $125,000 fine and/or 5 year in prison |
| Unclassified | Aggravated Murder | Death or Life in Prison |
Misdemeanor
The city of Lake Oswego organizes Misdemeanor crimes into four different categories: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Unclassified. Class A Misdemeanors are the most serious and Class C Misdemeanors are the least.
| Misdemeanor | Crime | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Reckless Driving | $6,250 fine and/or 1 year in jail |
| Class B | Harassment | $2,500 fine and/or 6 months in prison |
| Class C | Third Degree Theft | $1,250 fine and/or 30 days in prison |
| Unclassified | Penalties as specified in the particular statute |
Lake Oswego Treatment and Diversion Programs
Within Clackamas County, the city of Lake Oswego offers an alternative to the typical criminal court process through intensive treatment programs. Each program involves strict guidelines with supervision and monitoring, which include drug and alcohol testing, outpatient addiction and mental health services, and harsh penalties for failure to follow through. These programs give those who choose to participate the opportunity to make the necessary life changes needed to become sober, emotionally and mentally healthy, contributing members of their Lake Oswego communities and within society as a whole. Contact criminal and DUI defense attorney Rhett Bernstein to find out if you qualify for the following treatment and diversion programs:
Lake Oswego Adult Drug Court
Designed to help participants become sober and make major life changes, the Clackamas County Adult Drug Court involves strict monitoring, treatment plans, support services, and incentives for getting clean. There are strict guidelines for a person to be eligible to participate in this program and the process is complicated. The assistance of an experienced criminal lawyer is highly recommended for those wishing to participate.
Driving Under the Influence Diversion Program
If you have not ever been convicted of a DUI, or if you have but it has been more than 10 years, you may be eligible for this program. You must file a formal written application for diversion within 30 days of arraignment on the charge. If accepted into the program you will be required to pay a fee to the Court, complete an evaluation, and attend and pay a fee at a Victim Impact Panel program. You are allowed to have and should consider having an experienced DUI lawyer represent you in these proceedings.
Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing Program
The Clackamas County Domestic Violence Deferred Sentencing program is a criminal court program designed for individuals who have been charged with a Domestic Violence offense. In order to enter into the program, you must plead guilty to one or more of the charges that have been filed against you. The Court will require you to sign a Conditional Release Agreement and Deferred Sentencing Agreement which places you in the program. The Court will order a series of conditions and will release you from custody pending completion of the Court-ordered conditions for a period of eighteen months. If you successfully complete all of the conditions the court will dismiss the charges.
Family Dependency Drug Court
To qualify for enrollment into this program you must be facing a drug or alcohol related charge and be at risk of having one or more of your children removed from your home and placed with Child Welfare or in foster care. These cases are incredibly difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced and skilled defense attorney. Rhett Bernstein knows what is needed to get you entered into an individualized treatment plan to help you with your addiction recovery and maintain your parental rights.
Mental Health Court
Clackamas County Mental Health Court is a program that was developed specifically for anyone facing charges related to or who have been charged with a nonviolent misdemeanor and has been diagnosed with a serious mental health issue, such as Schizophrenia. Qualifying for participation in this program requires the help of a skilled and experienced defense attorney.
Statute of Limitations
In the city of Lake Oswego, within the boundaries of Clackamas County, there is a set limit on the amount of time a prosecutor has to file criminal charges. The most serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter, have no statute of limitations associated with them. With all other felony crimes, prosecutors are limited to either three, six, or 12 years to file charges, depending on the crime.
If you are being investigated by law enforcement for a potential felony, you should contact Lake Oswego’s criminal defense attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately. Having an experienced attorney during the investigation can go a long way. Having the right criminal defense attorney during this critical time is one of the best decisions a person can make.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Lake Oswego
If you were recently arrested for a crime in the city of Lake Oswego, contact Rhett Bernstein for a free initial case analysis. Our expert team will listen to everything that happened leading up to, during and after the arrest. We will give you our candid opinion as to the likelihood of prevailing in court.
Legal Disclaimer: Nothing on this site shall be taken as legal advice. For advice on a legal matter, contact attorney Rhett Bernstein immediately for a free, confidential, no obligation consultation.
Criminal Defense attorney Rhett Bernstein is available to practice criminal law anywhere throughout the state of Oregon, including: Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties; as well as most municipal courts throughout the Portland Metro area.
