News & Resources
U.S. Attorney General “Too many people go to too many prisons for far too long”
“Too many people go to too many prisons for far too long for no good law enforcement reason.… Statutes passed by legislatures that mandate sentences, irrespective of the unique facts of an individual case, too often bear no relation to the conduct at issue, breed disrespect for the system, and are ultimately counterproductive. It… Read More »
Federal Pardon Power Rarely Used
The United States Constitution grants the President the sole power to pardon a person convicted of a federal crime. Historically, the pardon power has been used to correct injustice and right wrongs. However, under the Obama administration, the pardon power is rarely used. President Obama has pardoned less than 25 people since he took… Read More »
Oregon Governor Pardon – Simple Process, Difficult Result
The Oregon Constitution gives the Governor the sole power to grant a pardon to a person convicted of a crime in Oregon. Oregon law details how a person can apply to the Governor for a pardon. It is a relatively simple process. However, granting a pardon is not the norm. To apply for a… Read More »
Restore Your Gun Rights
If you have been convicted of a felony, then it is illegal for you to possess a firearm. However, there is a process for getting your gun rights back. To be eligible to get your gun rights back, you must meet the following requirements: Your Oregon felony conviction must not have involved harm to… Read More »
$13.2 Million Awarded to Man Wrongly Convicted
The City of Cleveland, Ohio was ordered to pay $13.2 million to David Ayers, a man wrongly convicted of aggravated murder who spent 11 years in prison. Ayers brought a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Cleveland, claiming that law enforcement officers had framed him because he is gay. In 2000, Ayers was… Read More »
Protecting Attorney-Client Privileged Information
By Guest Attorney, Janet Hoffman The decision by Parrish Bennette’s attorneys not to reveal the location of Yashanee Vaughn’s body for more than four months has generated an enormous amount of public scorn. Some have even suggested passing legislation requiring disclosure of this type of information in the future. This reaction is understandable; whenever… Read More »
Portland Jumps into Facebook Privacy Fight
A Portland, Oregon murder trial could change the ability of Facebook and other social media companies to refuse to give out information about their users and the content they post. While Facebook claims that its content is protected under federal privacy laws, criminal defense lawyers say their client’s constitutional rights trump the federal statute…. Read More »
Oregon Medical Board Doctor Concerned Over Medical Marijuana Patients
Since 2005, over 30 Oregon doctors have been disciplined or had their medical licenses terminated because of medical marijuana. The Oregon Medical Board is a committee designed to oversee the practice of medicine in Oregon. It is a similar organization to the Oregon State Bar, which oversees lawyers’ professional duties. Doctors have met with… Read More »
Federal Government Invades Privacy
As Americans throughout the country were getting ready to celebrate the New Year, members of Congress were preparing to extend a bill that has had a very negative effect on our privacy. Congress gave final approval to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act which allows the government to intercept electronic communications of spy and… Read More »
Legislatures Trying to Protect Privacy
A recent issue for Congress and State legislatures to evaluate is whether police need a warrant before searching a cellphone. Efforts have been made by State legislatures to say, “yes,” the police need a warrant. However, efforts have been denied by the governors of certain states. A U.S. Senate committee is set to consider… Read More »
