Trusted Measure 11 Crime Lawyer

Attorney Rhett Bernstein serves clients charged with Measure 11 offenses in Oregon

Ballot Measure 11, approved in November of 1994, applies mandatory minimum prison sentences to certain crimes. These crimes, governed by ORS 137.700, include the following crimes:

• Murder
• Attempted Murder
• Attempted Aggravated Murder
• Manslaughter 1 and 2
• Assault 1 and 2
• Kidnapping 1 and 2
• Sodomy 1 and 2
• Sexual Penetration 1 and 2
• Rape 1 and 2
• Sexual Abuse 1
• Robbery 1 and 2
• Robbery 2
• Compelling Prostitution
• Use of Child in Display of Sex Act
• Arson 1

Measure 11 Mandatory Minimum Sentences

If convicted, the Court is legally obligated to impose the associated minimum sentence dictated by Ballot Measure 11. For Assault 1, for example, the Court will impose a sentence of 90 months in prison.

Quite frankly, we understand that a Measure 11 charge is amongst the most serious of threats you can face in your lifetime. Just being charged with certain Ballot Measure 11 charges, such as Sex Abuse 1, carries an enormous impact on a person’s reputation and livelihood. Ballot Measure 11 requires the Court to impose an extremely high bail amount before a trial is ever scheduled. It is therefore imperative that you surround yourself with the very best possible legal-defense team from the very beginning of the criminal investigation.

Jessica's Law Defense

House Bill 3511, known as Jessica's Law, increased the mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex crimes against a child under the age of 12. Anyone convicted of these crimes now faces at least 25 years in prison, the same mandatory minimum prison sentence for Murder. These crimes, also governed by ORS 137.700, include the following crimes:

• Rape 1
• Sodomy 1
• Unlawful Sexual Penetration 1

Measure 11 & Jessica's Law Defense Lawyer

The Law Office of Rhett L. Bernstein has defended against each charge listed under Ballot Measure 11 and Jessica’s Law, and understands the serious nature of the accusations. We retain former law-enforcement professionals to investigate, and forensic psychologists who specialize in the psychology associated with these crimes.

We understand the need to tackle the investigation prior to the submission of the case to the associated District Attorney’s Office. We understand the need to coordinate the client’s release from custody to allow the client to maintain employment and family obligations. We understand the role that social media plays in these cases and the importance of the accuser’s history of prior accusations. We understand the fear and stress associated with facing Ballot Measure 11 and Jessica’s Law charges. We understand the need for strong legal representation and clear advice throughout the process. We understand how to approach these cases from beginning to end, no matter the jurisdiction.

The list of attorneys who have faced these charges successfully is small. Our place on that list is earned through years of experience, and only that experience can forge the level of competence we bring to the table. The risks are simply too extremely dire to not surround yourself with the best possible defense. We offer you no less than what you need.