Thank you for visiting my website. Let me give you some information about myself and my practice so you can see if I can be of any help to you. I have been practicing law in Oregon for 30 years. My great-grandfather and grandfather were also lawyers, as is my oldest son. Helping people with legal problems seems to run in the family. My main office is in Multnomah County (downtown Portland), but I also have offices available for consultation in Clackamas County (Lake Oswego, near Kruse Way) and Washington County (Tigard, near Washington Square).

 

While I have defended many different types of criminal accusations, I have handled a particularly large number of the following:

• Sexual Offenses (Rape, Sodomy, Child Sexual Abuse)
• Assaults (including Domestic Violence, Vehicular Assault, and situations involving self-defense)
• Thefts (Embezzlement, Shoplifting)
• Weapons Offenses (Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing)
• Drugs (Manufacturing Marijuana or Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Delivery of a Controlled Substance)
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Expungements of Arrests and Convictions
• Relief from Sex Offender Registration Requirements

My practice is limited to criminal defense. In addition to representing individuals who have been formally charged with a criminal offense, I also represent many individuals who have not been arrested or charged, but are concerned that they may be in the future. In those cases, my efforts are focused on heading off criminal charges. Those efforts always include in-depth discussions with the client, and often involve interviewing potential witnesses and gathering and preserving evidence. If it is advisable to bring in a private investigator, a forensic scientist, a forensic psychologist or other expert assistance, I can draw from an extensive network of experienced professionals I have worked with over the years. Towards the goal of avoiding formal criminal charges, it is often necessary to engage in discussions with the detectives and prosecutors who may be interested in your case. Having handled criminal cases in many, if not most, of the counties of Oregon, I've had the opportunity to become acquainted with many law enforcement agencies and district attorneys’ offices. I believe it is generally understood by those on the other side that unless their case against my client is solid, they had best not bring it.

If you have been charged with a crime in Oregon, I am prepared to help you. I have defended a great number of individuals who have found themselves accused of crime. The decision to go to trial or to negotiate a manageable resolution is the decision you, the client, must make. My job is to provide you with the best possible list of options to choose from and the advice you need to make a wise decision. That requires me to work hard, work smart and work with you. If a trial is called for, then I will “go to the mat” for you without hesitation. I have taken to trial everything from Capital Murder to Shoplifting. Every trial is serious business that calls for thorough preparation, a sound strategy and a seasoned trial lawyer. If you believe a negotiated settlement is best, then that too requires thorough preparation, a sound strategy and a seasoned trial lawyer. Prosecutors tend to make better offers to defendants who are represented by a lawyer who has a history of outstanding results and has demonstrated a willingness to test the government’s case rather than recommend acceptance of an unreasonable offer. Time and time again, I have had the privilege of seeing the relief and joy of clients when they hear the judge or jury announce their verdict of 'not guilty.

In addition to defending clients accused of crime, I have served as a youth mentor, coached a high school Mock Trial team that went to State Finals, served on the Executive Board of the Criminal Law Section of the Oregon State Bar Association, served on the Uniform Criminal Jury Instruction Committee, served as Disciplinary Counsel (trial counsel) for the Oregon State Bar, and presented at a number of legal education conferences on subjects such as Cross-Examination, Defense Motions, and Victim’s Rights.

If you think I could help you or a loved one, give me a call at 866-435-2774, or complete the contact form provided on this site. The first half hour of consultation is free of charge.