News & Resources
Heroin found on Oregon Man leads to More Criminal Charges
Police recently seized several weapons from a Portland home after allegedly finding heroin on one of the residents. The search and seizure resulted in the arrest of two individuals on multiple drug and weapons charges. Police report finding “arsenal” of weapons in man’s Portland area home Police began investigating two individuals approximately a month… Read More »
Oregon reconsiders mandatory minimum sentences for criminal charges
Aggressive Criminal Defense in Oregon Many people are overwhelmed after being charged with a criminal offense. They trust the advice of their friends and family who say “you want an aggressive lawyer.” You want someone who will keep you out of jail, help you avoid fines and keep your record clean. If you or… Read More »
“You do have the right to remain silent:” Requirements of a Miranda warning
Anyone who has watched a crime drama on television is familiar with the ubiquitous Miranda warning, however, many may not fully understand the history or importance of the rights advisory. The Miranda decision provided a clear rule prohibiting coercion during interrogations (for example, questioning related to a theft or property crime). The warning set… Read More »
Defense attorney Mark Cogan gets his day in court and beats a speeding ticket
Mark Cogan is a well-known defense attorney and savvy enough to know that a defendant needs a good lawyer. And it paid off Friday morning, when a Clackamas County judge dismissed a year-old speeding ticket. Cogan was cited by a photo-radar unit on Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard near downtown Milwaukie in July 2012. That stretch… Read More »
Underage sex crimes like statutory rape carry heavy penalties In Oregon
Getting convicted of a sex crime can have serious consequences that last for many long years. For someone who is younger, these repercussions can be particularly harmful as they try to launch a career, get into an institution of higher education or apply for a professional license. Everyone makes some youthful mistakes, but only… Read More »
Ignition Interlock’s Role in Oregon’s DUII Law
During the holidays, many law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon participated in sobriety campaigns geared toward cracking down on drunk drivers. According to the Oregon State Police, there were 29 DUII arrests that occurred during the New Year’s enforcement period, which represents a slight decrease over last year’s numbers. Oregon takes a very aggressive stance… Read More »
Repeat DUII offense reduction goal of IIDs
Oregon drivers that are convicted of driving under the influence face some harsh consequences. Some, but not all, first-time offenders may be eligible for the state’s DUII diversion program but anyone with a prior conviction will not qualify for this option. Throughout the nation, the use of ignition interlock devices are part of the… Read More »
Innocent Woman Jailed for 17 years
It is the duty of the police and prosecution to prove without a reasonable doubt that a defendant is guilty. Unfortunately for some very unlucky Americans, a disturbingly popular trend has become a major problem with the US legal system. For decades, People all over the nation have been arrested, convicted, and punished for… Read More »
Criminal Prosecution of Military Veterans
Nearly one-fourth of all Oregon prison inmates are military veterans. At Mark C. Cogan, P.C., we take great pride in representing those who have served our country. That number is growing all the time, but we have found ways to be part of the solution. Whether a veteran has served in combat overseas or… Read More »
Marijuana Convictions Eligible for Expungement (Record Clearance)
For many years, certain marijuana convictions did not qualify for expungement. For example, we have received calls from many people frustrated that they could not expunge convictions for growing marijuana, which is classified as Manufacture of a Controlled Substance (MCS). Those days are over. Manufacture of a Controlled Substance (marijuana) now generally qualifies for… Read More »