OREGON DRUG ATTORNEY, PORTLAND

Mr. O’Rourke is an experienced drug charge criminal defense lawyer and
attorney in Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Oregon City and Saint
Helens Courts and Courts throughout the State of Oregon. Mr. O’Rourke began as a Portland Criminal Lawyer in 1978.

Criminal defense attorney O’Rourke will defend you against criminal prosecution for drug crime charges in the Portland metroplex area. In Multnomah County, felony and misdemeanor drug crime charges are prosecuted in Portland and
misdemeanor drug crimes are prosecuted in Gresham and Portland. In Washington
County, Oregon, felony and misdemeanor drug charges are heard in Hillsboro,
Oregon In Clackamas County, felony and misdemeanor drug charge prosecutions are
heard in Oregon City. In Columbia County felony and misdemeanor drug crime
charges are prosecuted in St. Helens, Oregon.

Mr. O’Rourke defends persons charged with Federal Criminal Drug Charges in
the United States District Court for Oregon in Portland, Oregon.

Mr. O’Rourke and his staff work as a team for you

We use the same three methods to fight the prosecution and win in drug charge
cases that we use in other criminal cases: Attack including investigation, legal
motions and trial, Negotiation before and after drug charges are filed and
Mitigation-Sentencing plans to achieve results which work for our clients.

We evaluate each case for its own defense potential. We set realistic goals with
our clients and make trial, negotiation and mitigation – sentencing plans to
achieve those goals.

First we evaluate the case for trial. We consider defenses and whether we can
exclude crucial evidence from the prosecution’s case through motions to suppress
and other methods.

We determine the client’s sentencing exposure under the Oregon Felony Sentencing
Guidelines and Measure 57 and make sentencing and mitigation plans to reduce the
consequences of a conviction.

We concentrate our efforts in the areas which will be most effective in
achieving the goals we set with our clients. We practice Smart Defense which is
focusing our efforts on using what works.

ATTACK

In drug cases, the primary ATTACK is aimed at keeping the drug evidence out of court. Without the drug evidence the State can not prove its case. We use Motions to Suppress and evidentiary objections to exclude evidence of drug
crimes from the trial. We investigate the government’s sources of information,
including informants and develop evidence not contained in the police reports to
undermine the government’s case. We use the best trial lawyer for each particular case.

The object of a drug prosecution is to link you to drugs and evidence of drug
manufacturing or distribution including money and weapons.

We use Motions to Suppress and Motions to Controvert to exclude from trial
evidence which the prosecution needs to prove a link between you and the
contraband. Most motions attack the legality of statements, confessions and searches with and without a search warrant. We also use evidentiary motions and objections to exclude connecting evidence which the prosecution intends to use in its effort to connect you to criminal activity or which can be used to
increase the potential sentence.

Most cases are decided based upon whether or not the prosecution can prove the
link between the defendant and the contraband. There are cases where there is a
link but it is not enough to support a conviction. For example in State v.
Embry, (I think) presence and knowledge cases

Each drug charge case has to be evaluated based upon its own particular facts.
Each case has its own particular defense potential.

NEGOTIATION

We NEGOTIATE with the prosecution before and after drug charges are filed. There
are a number of factors and possibilities to be considered in resolving a drug
case. We know what to seek through negotiation to obtain results which work for our clients.

The vast majority of criminal drug charge prosecutions are resolved by negotiations. “Plea deals” cover a wide range of subjects. First, to what charge will the defendant plead? What other state or federal drug or related charges will be dismissed or will or will not be brought? Can we agree to a diversion type resolution? What assets will be forfeited or not? Next, can we agree to a
sentence? Sentencing issues include whether or not and how much jail, prison and/or fines, and where and how jail or prison sentences will be served. There are ways of serving jail sentences without going to jail. We negotiate for
rehabilitative – diversion type sentences rather than punitive – incarceration sentences.

We develop negotiation and mitigation-sentencing hearing strategies for each client. We achieve excellent results for our clients through negotiation.

MITIGATION – SENTENCING

Our MITIGATION – SENTENCING plans are very successful in drug cases. No one can
change the facts which led to the criminal charges. We can create new facts and
evidence during the pendency of the case for the Court to consider at sentencing.

We use a technique we call Turning Negatives Into Positives to obtain rehabilitative rather than punitive sentences for many of our clients. This technique works well within the framework of the Felony Sentencing Guidelines
and in many cases which are covered by Measure 57.

Turning Negatives Into Positives

Most persons charged with drug crimes are addicted, dependent upon or abusing
drugs. They would not commit crimes it they were not using drugs. We use our
clients’ successful drug treatment efforts to get excellent results in Court,
which is the essence of Turning Negatives Into Positives approach.

Most of our drug abuse/dependence/addiction recovery clients who carefully
follow our instructions, receive extremely fair and lenient sentences from the
Courts. Click here for
more information about Turning Negatives Into Positives.

We Let Our Results Speak For Us

Our reputation and
success are based upon our results and upon the way we treat our clients.

Among the services we provide retained clients related to drug crime
investigations, charges and convictions are the following:

Pre charge representation

Assert Your rights and protect yourself. Do not
make any deals without a lawyer.

Arraignment

Bail reduction and
release hearings

Changing Release conditions

Motion to suppress – main weapon to
keep damaging evidence out of a drug case.

Trial

Plea bargains

Change of plea hearings

Sentencing hearings

Probation violations and hearings

Appeals

Expungement

We represent persons charged with drug crimes in State and Federal Court including:

STATE OF OREGON DRUG CHARGES

The most frequently charged drug crimes in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas
Counties are Unlawful Manufacture, Delivery and Possession Of A Controlled
Substance including Marijuana, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin and Ecstasy.
These drug charges actually include conduct that many people would not think of
as a part of the definition of these legal terms.

MANUFACTURING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, MCS includes not only the cultivation of a
plant or the creation of a drug from precursor substances, it also includes
“cutting,” and “breaking down” and “repackaging” drugs.

In order to convict you of the crime of Manufacturing a Controlled Substance,
the State must prove that (1) on or about a certain date (2) in a certain county
in Oregon (3) you (4) unlawfully (5) intentionally or knowingly (?) (6)
manufactured a specified controlled substance (7) listed in Schedules I,II,III
and IV of the
Federal Drug Schedules.

Manufacture of a controlled substance is a Class A Felony if it involves a
Schedule I drug like Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Heroin and Ecstasy and a Class
B Felony if it involves Cocaine. If the manufacturing occurs within 1,000 feet
of a school the degree of the crime is a Class A Felony.

Manufacture Of A Controlled Substance Convictions cannot be Expunged.

ORS 807.250 (2) Requires the court to suspend the drivers license of a person
convicted of manufacturing a controlled substance for 180 days unless the court
is persuaded that the suspension would create an undue hardship for the
defendant. In almost all cases we are able to avoid suspension of our client’s
drivers license.

Click here to see a list of Crimes
involving Manufacturing Of A Controlled Substance together with statutory
reference and crime classification.

DELIVERY OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DCS includes not only the actual transfer of
a controlled substance from one person to another but also any attempt to
transfer a drug from one person to another. Possession of an amount of a drug
which is found to be greater than the amount a person would possess for personal
consumption is such an attempt and is punishable as an actual, completed
delivery. This type of “constructive delivery” was recognized in State v. Boyd,
92 Or App 51, 756 P2d 1276, rev den 307 Or 77 (1988) and has since been called a
“Boyd delivery.”

The police executed a search warrant at Ms. Boyd’s home and found 23 bindles of
heroin on the premises. Ms. Boyd admitted that she had purchased 13 of the
bindles earlier in the day and that she had intended to sell the heroin. The
Court of Appeals held that the large quantity of individually packaged drugs,
along with her admission of her intent to sell the heroin, was sufficient to
establish that she had taken a “substantial step” toward a completed delivery
and thus she had attempted to deliver heroin. Under Oregon law, an attempt to
deliver is punished the same as a completed delivery.

In State v. Fulmer, 105 Or App 334, 804 P2d 515 (1991). A Defendant was walking
down the street and, as he was passed by a patrol car, he was seen throwing a
plastic bag from his coat pocket. The police seized the bag and found six
bindles of crack cocaine, $308 in cash and a razor blade. The Defendant couldn’t
identify the source of the money and denied using cocaine. The six individual
packets of cocaine and the money were found to be sufficient proof of an attempt
to deliver crack cocaine.

Thus, a person who possesses a substantial quantity of a drug can be convicted
of delivery even if there is no proof of an actual transfer.

Boyd delivery cases can be tried on the issue of whether or not the defendant
intended to use the drugs himself. With Measure 57 mandatory sentences in effect
for crimes committed after January 1, 2009, it is cost effective to take these
types of cases to trial.

In order to convict you of the crime of Delivery Of A Controlled Substance, the
State must prove that (1) on or about a certain date (2) in a certain county in
Oregon (3) you (4) unlawfully (5) intentionally or knowingly (?) (6) delivered
(7) a specified controlled substance (8) listed in
Schedules I, II, III or IV of the Federal Drug Schedules.

The level of the delivery charge is determined by the nature of the drug and in
what level it is placed in the federal drug schedules.

Delivery of the most popular “street drugs.”

Delivery of the Schedule I Controlled Substances Heroin, Methamphetamine, and
Ecstasy are Class A Felonies. Delivery of Cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled
Substance, is a Class B Felony.

Delivery Of One Ounce Or More Of Marijuana is a Class A Felony. Even though
Marijuana is a Schedule I Controlled Substance, not all Marijuana Deliveries are
Class A Felonies. See the list of delivery
offenses.

Some of the most popular Prescription Drugs include hydrocodone, vicodin,
percocet, oxycontin, dilaudid (hydromorphone), Fentanyl, morphine, methadone,
percodan, and oxycodone.

Delivery of a Controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school is a Class A
Felony. Delivery of a controlled substance to a minor is a Class A Felony unless
the person making the delivery is less than 3 years older than the person to
whom the delivery is made. In that case, the classification is the level
associated with the placement of the drug in the Federal Drug Schedule.

ORS 807.250 (2) Requires the court to suspend a the drivers license of a person
convicted for delivery of a controlled substance for 180 days unless the court
is persuaded that the suspension would create an undue hardship for the
defendant. In almost all cases we are able to avoid suspension of our client’s
drivers license. (May want to put this under the sentencing part to avoid
repetition and for economy of space)

Delivery convictions are cannot be expunged, except for delivery of Marijuana
(in some cases).

Click here to see a list of Crimes
involving Manufacturing Of A Controlled Substance together with statutory
reference and crime classification.

POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, PCS includes not only the physical
possession of a substance upon one’s person, it also includes “constructive
possession” which is the possession of a substance by having it in an area under
your immediate control, most often your home or your vehicle. More than one
person can possess the same controlled substance. So, two people residing in the
same household can both be charged with possession of the same drug as long as
they were aware of the presence of the drug and had control over the area in the
home where the drug was found.

For example, in State v. Sosa-Vasquez, 158 Or App 445, 974 P2d 701 (1999) the
Defendant was found in a garage with four other people standing next to a table
upon which there was a quantity of packaged cocaine. He was arrested for
Unlawful Possession Of Cocaine. The State argued that Defendant’s presence in
the company of others standing next to cocaine packaged for individual sale was
sufficient to convict him of possession of the cocaine. The Defense argued that
there was no evidence that Defendant owned or controlled the premises and that
his presence alone was not enough to prove constructive possession of the drugs.
The Court of Appeals held that mere proximity to the drugs was not enough to
prove constructive possession, where there was no evidence that the Defendant
exercised control over the area where the drugs were found.

Of course, persons can lawfully possess prescription drugs prescribed to them by
a doctor and marijuana under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act.

In order to convict you of Possession Of A Controlled Substance, the State must
prove that (1) on or about a certain date (2) in a certain county in Oregon (3)
you (4) unlawfully (5) intentionally and knowingly (?) (6) possessed (7) a
specified controlled substance (8) listed in Schedules I, II, III or IV of the
Federal Drug Schedules.

The level of the possession charge is determined by the nature of the drug and
in what level it is placed in the
Federal Drug Schedules.

Possession of the most popular “street drugs”

Possession of the Schedule I Controlled Substances Heroin, Methamphetamine, and
Ecstasy are Class B Felonies. Possession of Cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled
Substance, is a Class C Felony.

Possession Of One Ounce Or More Of Marijuana is a Class B Felony. Even though
Marijuana is a Schedule I Controlled Substance, not all Marijuana Possessions
are Class B Felonies. See the list of
possession offenses.
For example, Possession Of Less Than One Ounce Of
Marijuana is a Violation. Possession of Less Than An Ounce of Marijuana within
1,000 feet of a school is a Class C Misdemeanor.

Possession of some of the most popular Prescription Drugs, hydrocodone, vicodin,
percocet, oxycontin, dilaudid (hydromorphone), fentanyl, morphine, methadone,
percodan, and oxycodone is a Class C Felony.

ORS 807.250 (2) Requires the court to suspend the drivers license of a person
convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance for 180 days unless
the court is persuaded that the suspension would create an undue hardship for
the defendant. In almost all cases we are able to avoid suspension of our
client’s drivers license.

C Felony and Misdemeanor possession convictions may be expunged in many
circumstances.

Click here to see a list of Crimes
involving Unlawful Possession Of A Controlled Substance together with statutory
references and crime classifications.

SENTENCES FOR DRUG CRIME CONVICTIONS:

A person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor drug crime is placed on probation
and is subject to a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $6,250 and
suspension of his or her driving privileges for up to 180 days. The conditions
of probation are usually the same as those for felony convictions.

A person convicted of a felony drug crime is either sent to prison or placed on
probation, which may include a period of county jail time.

PROBATIONARY SENTENCES FOR FELONY DRUG CHARGE CONVICTIONS

Probationary sentences almost always involve Supervised Probation.

The convicted person is ordered to comply with general and/or special conditions
of probation. Each county has packages of general and special conditions of
probation for persons convicted of drug crimes.

We advise that out clients carefully review all of the general conditions of
probation and the package of probation conditions for the county in which they
may be convicted of a drug crime so that we may ask the court to delete or
change conditions which will cause undue hardship to the client.

All counties in Oregon have packages of general and special conditions of
probation for persons convicted of drug crimes.

PRESUMPTIVE AND MANDATORY PRISON SENTENCES FOR FELONY DRUG CRIME CONVICTIONS

Sentences for Felony Drug Convictions are determined by application of the
Oregon Felony Sentencing Guidelines and repeat offender laws.

The felony sentencing guidelines determine a presumptive sentence based upon the
nature and seriousness of the present crime and the person’s criminal record.

In drug cases, the seriousness of the present crime is determined largely by,
the nature of the charge, the type and weight or number of doses of the drug,
whether or not the crime was “for consideration” (i.e. involved the actual or
attempted sale of drugs for money) and whether the crime involved minors or was
committed within 1,000 feet of a school. Delivery and Manufacture charges
generally receive greater sentences than possession or other drug crime charges.

Other factors which can determine the seriousness of the drug crime are set out
in ORS 475.996 including provisions for increases in crime seriousness for cases
where the elements of Commercial Drug Offense and/or Substantial Quantity can be
proven by the State.

For example, The state can increase the seriousness of a Manufacture or Delivery
Of A Controlled Substance charge to the highest level provided for drug
offenses, if the prosecution alleges (states in the accusatory instrument –
indictment) and proves that three or more of the following commercial drug
offense factors were connected with the charged crime:

That you were in possession of (A) $300 cash (B) packaging materials (C) drug
records or customer lists (D) stolen property (E) manufacturing paraphernalia
(F) 3 grams of heroin, 8 grams of cocaine, methamphetamine or hash, 110 grams of
marijuana, 20 units of LSD or 10 grams of psilocybin/psilocin (G)or that you
possessed or used or were an ex-con in possession of a weapon (H) modified a
structure to facilitate a controlled substance offense (built a grow room) (I)
used fortifications or dangerous security with the potential of injuring persons
(J) use of public lands for Unlawful Manufacture Of A Controlled Substance. (K)
delivery for consideration. ORS 475.996 (1) (b)

The sentence is also enhanced if the drug crime involves a Substantial quantity
of certain controlled substances.

In addition, delivery of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA has enhanced
consequences if the delivery is for consideration.

The person’s criminal record is the other main factor used to determine a
presumed sentence. The greater the criminal record the greater the sentence.

Repeat meth offender. ORS 137.721 reduces the trial court’s discretion to reduce
sentences for some repeat meth offenders and requires 19 month mandatory prison
sentences for other repeat meth offenders.

The rules for sentencing drug charge convictions are complex. Each case has its
own facts and circumstances and its own defense potential. We determine and in
most cases achieve that highest defense potential.

Oregon Penalties for “Super Quantities”

Under ORS 475.925 (Measure 57) there are enhanced penalties for manufacture of delivery of “super quantities” of certain controlled substances.  This sentencing law targets heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA for enhanced penalties if a person manufactures or delivers “super quantities” of these drugs.  Marijuana is excluded from these enhanced penalties.  Amounts in excess of 50 or 100 grams of heroin or MDMA draw enhanced penalties.  For cocaine and methamphetamine the thresholds are 100 and 500 grams.  A person who manufactures or delivers amounts in excess of these thresholds is subject to a prison term that is determined by elevated crime seriousness standards.  Also, a Court is not allowed to impose a lesser sentence than is dictated by the sentencing guidelines and cannot impose a sentence of probation.

Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Under ORS 475.930 (Measure 57) there are enhanced penalties for persons who have a previous conviction for manufacture or delivery of heroin, MDMA, cocaine, methamphetamine, manufacture or delivery within 1000 feet of a school, delivery of a controlled substance to a minor or possession of methamphetamine precursor substances.  Persons with previous convictions of these crimes who are charged with a new manufacture or delivery of these substances are not allowed a probationary sentence and must serve a prison term under the sentencing guidelines.

THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, THE JUVENILE COURT AND DRUG CHARGES

Simply having a child under 18 present where any drug crime is being committed
constitutes misdemeanor Endangering The Welfare Of A Minor. Allowing a child
under 16 to remain on premises, or in a vehicle, where drugs are being
manufactured or sold can be charged as felony Child Neglect In The First Degree
in Oregon As a result, when a parent is arrested for a felony manufacture or
delivery crime, often the parent is also charged with felony child neglect and
the children are taken into protective custody.

When the police or the Department of Human Services (DHS) take a child into
protective custody they are required to immediately notify the Juvenile Court
and a shelter hearing must be scheduled with 24 hours (excluding weekends and
holidays). At that hearing, the Juvenile Court determines whether or not “the
child’s condition or surroundings reasonably appear to be such as to jeopardize
the child’s welfare.”

If the Court determines that the child’s welfare is jeopardized, the child is
deemed to be “within the jurisdiction” of the Juvenile Court and the Court
effectively takes custody of the child. The Juvenile Court then has a variety of
options available. The Court first determines whether or not DHS can provide
services to the parent that will abate the danger and allow the child to return
home. The Juvenile Court will try to return the child to the family home if at
all possible. The Court can appoint a guardian for the child and make a
placement outside of the family home. Preference is given for placement with
relatives. In extreme cases, the Court can take action to terminate a parents
rights and have the child permanently placed out of the home and/or adopted over
the parent’s objection.

DHS is required to provide services to reunite the family if the Court takes
jurisdiction over the child. Commonly, DHS will offer drug treatment services
and require a parent to submit to U/A’s as a condition of returning the child to
the family home. Often, parents are subject to supervised visits until they can
begin the program required by DHS.

The police will often threaten to bring children into this Juvenile Court
process as a means of coercing confessions and/or providing information about
other people involved in drug activity.

We at James F. O’Rourke, Jr and Associates are successful at defending person
with drug charges and reuniting families, even in cases where there are
convictions for drug crimes.

Professional Licenses

Criminal charges and convictions can affect professional licenses. Drug charges
and convictions can lead to the suspension and or revocation of licenses granted
by professional boards and the State Of Oregon.

We have extensive experience representing persons licensed to practice law,
medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and other professions. Drug addiction is
common in all professions and drug charges are not necessarily the end of a
career. None of our professional clients, who have followed our advice, have
permanently lost their licenses to practice, law, dentistry, medicine. Pharmacy
or nursing. Many have not lost their licenses at all.

We know what the Professional Boards want from the client and how to help the
client fulfill those requirements.

The earlier we get involved the more useful we can be in protecting a
professional license.

Oregon Medical Marijuana Act

The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act authorizes a person who suffers from a
“debilitating condition” to use and possess marijuana if a physician certifies
that marijuana will help mitigate the effects of their medical condition.

A person with a physician’s certification is approved as a medical marijuana
patient, issued a patient identification card and their name is entered in a
registry maintained by the Department of Human Services. Access to that registry
is strictly regulated. A medical marijuana patient designates a person as their
primary caregiver, and that caregiver is allowed to deliver marijuana to the
patient lawfully. A primary caregiver may make arrangements with a person
authorized to grow marijuana to maintain a supply of marijuana for the
caregiver’s patients. A grower must follow the rules set out for the Department
of Human Services. A grower may be reimbursed for the actual costs associated
with the production of the marijuana.

A medical marijuana patient is authorized to possess certain maximum amounts of
marijuana and have a certain maximum number of mature marijuana plants. A
medical marijuana cardholder and is not authorized to drive while impaired by
marijuana or use marijuana in a public place. A primary caregiver may also
possess certain amounts of marijuana and mature plants for the benefit of a
patient. A person licensed as a grower may possess certain amounts of marijuana
and mature plants per patient he or she supplies, up to a maximum of four
patients.

Medical marijuana cards, whether for a patient, a caregiver or a grower, are
revoked when the cardholder unlawfully grows, delivers or possesses marijuana
and is convicted of a crime.

The rules of the medical marijuana program are strictly enforced and caution is
advised in following these rules. It is easy to get into trouble. Recently, the
Oregon Supreme Court found that a person who merely helped a medical marijuana
patient move his plants to a new home was guilty of unlawful possession of
marijuana.

We at James F. O’Rourke, Jr. and Associates are familiar the Oregon Medical
Marijuana Act and the related rules. We represent Oregon Medical Marijuana
cardholders in felony prosecutions.

Immigration

Depending upon a person’s status in the country, convictions for some drug
crimes will automatically cause deportation while other drug crime convictions
will leave a person in a position where they can request to stay in the United
States.

For those who are going to be deported, it is important to reduce the jail or
prison sentence as much as possible, because that time will be served prior to
deportation.

We work closely with immigration lawyers in all of our drug cases where our
clients are not citizens of the United States and wish to stay in this country.

We do everything we can in the defense of the drug crime charges to help our
clients with immigration matters.

Drug Courts

Community based treatment including drug court programs are a better solution
for addicts than prison sentences because community based treatment is more
effective than treatment during incarceration in achieving long term sobriety
and preventing the defendant from re-offending.

Many counties have drug courts. Others are in the process of developing drug
courts.

Each county sets its own criteria for entry into drug court. The rules and
procedures vary from county to county.

Generally, the programs involve judicial supervision of treatment. A person is
required to participate in a treatment program and is held accountable for
attendance and participation in the program and compliance with drug court
rules. Success is measured by abstinence documented by clean UA’s, progress in
life and treatment and remaining crime free. Polygraph examinations may also
used to verify success. There are a variety of consequences, including short
terms in jail for non compliance with program rules.

The Drug Court Judges we have worked with are truly interested in helping
program participants change their lives. They are firm, not to be trifled with,
fair and supportive. The representatives of the District Attorneys offices are
supportive and firm.

In some counties, the charges are dismissed upon successful completion of Drug
Court. In other counties, the person is convicted but there is no further
sentence.

If a person fails in drug court, the person is terminated from the program,
sentenced, which usually includes jail and then placed on probation and required
to successfully complete treatment anyway.

We represent persons throughout the drug court process. All of the persons we
have represented through drug court have successfully completed the program.

We have been successful in negotiating resolutions of cases which allow persons
a chance at drug court even though their original charges disqualified them from
the program.

DRUG CRIMES ARE SERIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENSES WITH SERIOUS POTENTIAL
CONSEQUENCES.

Get advice from an experienced lawyer before you make any decisions or say
anything to anyone. Do not try to talk your way out of anything. You can only
talk your way into trouble. Do not make any deals with the police. Only the
District Attorney has the authority to make deals which should be in writing.

APPOINTMENTS

While our principle offices are In Portland, Gresham and Oregon City we see clients by
appointment in offices in Beaverton, Hillsboro and Lake Oswego.
Besides being a Portland criminal lawyer, Mr. O’Rourke frequently practices
in Courts throughout the State of Oregon and southwest Washington. He is
licensed in Washington and Oregon.

CONTACT US

To talk to a Criminal Defense Lawyer, call 503-221-1425. We take emergency
calls 24 hours a day.

Click here to tell us about your case.

Disclaimer

We Are Forever Thankful for All That Jim is Doing for Us.

We originally met and hired Jim of James O'Rourke & Associates to defend our son about ten years ago. At that time, our son received an MIP when he had been out with friends who were apparently drinking. We had never been faced with legal issues like this before and found the legal system to be quite daunting.

(Read More Testimonials...)
– S & T
They Cared About Me and My Future.

I was charged with a number of drug related crimes in Multnomah County. My first lawyer negotiated with the District Attorney's office and they came back with an offer that would have had me agree to go to away for a long prison term. I was shocked.

(Read More Testimonials...)
– S. S.
Thank You Mr. O'Rourke For All You Did.
Mr. O'Rourke, Without your representation and well executed plan my son would likely have been sentenced to time in jail and not had the opportunity to experience the long-term in-house treatment program you arranged for and subsequently recommended to the judge. (Read More Testimonials...)
– Lorraine B.
He Has Given Us Hope and Encouragement.
James O'Rourke is the most skillful and compassionate attorney we have ever encountered in the legal system. Our son developed multiple serious medical conditions beginning in 2005. The frequent hospitalizations, seizures etc. rendered him unable to work. (Read More Testimonials...)
– Mother and Father