Medford Murder Lawyer

Defending Against Murder Charges in Jackson County

Violent crimes that involve homicide are among the most severely prosecuted crimes in the state of Oregon. Murder is classified as a Measure 11 crime, and individuals found guilty of murder could face severe legal penalties. Frequently, however, it is social and personal repercussions that many individuals accused of murder have the most challenging time accepting. Society places accused criminals on society's outskirts and often views people who have murdered heinous criminals who are unworthy of forgiveness or empathy.

This general view is largely due to a legal system that places people accused of murdering the fringes of society. As a result, society only accepts people who have murdered degenerate individuals who are unworthy of a fair trial. This is especially discouraging for individuals who are innocent of the crime and were accused of a crime due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As a Medford criminal defense lawyer, I have appeared in court and at trial for countless cases, defending my clients' rights, who were at the most vulnerable points in their lives. I know there are two sides to every story, and you can depend on me to present your story to the court accurately. For individuals arrested for murder in Medford, I can be your strongest voice!

Are you facing murder charges in Oregon? Call The Law Office of Justin Rosas today at (541) 933-5972 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our murder attorney in Medford! 

What are the Categories of Murder in Oregon?

There are different categories of murder. According to Oregon Revised Statute 163.005(1), a person commits criminal homicide when he or she knowingly or intentionally "causes the death of another human being." Criminal homicide can include murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, or aggravated vehicular homicide.

Aggravated murder, as defined by Oregon Statute 163.105, includes circumstances such as:

• You solicited another person to commit a murder by paying the person
• You committed murder after being convicted of murder previously
• There was more than one victim murdered
• The murder occurred as a result of intentional maiming or torture
• The murder was committed in an effort to conceal another crime
• The murder occurred after escaping from jail, prison or correctional facility
• The victim was under 14 years old
• You committed murder following an agreement that you would receive money or something of value in exchange of the murder
• The victim was a police or judicial official who was related to the outcome of the victim's sentencing in the justice system

What are the Penalties for Murder in Oregon?

In Oregon, the penalties for murder vary depending on the circumstances of the offense. Generally speaking, murder is defined as the intentional killing of another person and is one of the most serious criminal offenses under Oregon law. The potential penalties for murder in Oregon include the following:

• Aggravated Murder: This is the most serious form of murder in Oregon, and it is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Aggravated murder is typically defined as a murder committed with one or more aggravating factors, such as the murder of a police officer, a judge, or a child under the age of 14 or the murder of two or more people.
• Murder in the First Degree: This offense is punishable by life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 30 years. First-degree murder is typically defined as a premeditated and deliberate killing or a killing committed while committing certain other crimes, such as arson, robbery, or kidnapping.
• Murder in the Second Degree: This offense is punishable by a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 25 years. Second-degree murder is typically defined as a killing that is intentional but not premeditated or resulting from reckless conduct.
• Manslaughter in the First Degree: This offense is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Manslaughter, in the first degree, is typically defined as a killing committed in the heat of passion or as a result of a sudden provocation.
• Manslaughter in the Second Degree: This offense is punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years. Manslaughter, in the second degree, is typically defined as a killing that is committed recklessly or as a result of criminal negligence.

It is important to note that these penalties are subject to change based on the circumstances of the case, and the court may consider other factors, such as the defendant's criminal history, in determining an appropriate sentence.

Defenses Against Murder Charges

The greatest defense in a murder case is fast action combined with early intervention. The faster that you can connect with an experienced Medford criminal defense attorney, the faster that your defense strategy can be created. I can begin compiling evidence that can challenge and dismantle a prosecution's case. The Law Office of Justin Rosas excels in challenging Measure 11 crimes and am known for hard-hitting advocacy.

Key defense strategies may include:

• Extreme emotional disturbance
• Measure 11 exception clause
• You were not the only participant in the crime
• Challenging the prosecution with burden of proving that you committed the crime
• There is no reasonable ground to believe that there was any intent to engage in an act that would result in the death of the victim

In all criminal defense matters, it is important to remember that a prosecution has the burden of proving that you committed the murder beyond a reasonable doubt. I can pull together evidence in your favor by utilizing my team of professional witnesses, investigators, and polygraph technicians. Your life and freedom is my highest priority. You can rest assured that my firm will pull out all stops and utilize any resources necessary to defend your case throughout every step of the process.

Contact Our Medford Murder Attorney Today

Murder is one of the most severe criminal offenses in Oregon, and a conviction can have devastating consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence or even the death penalty. Our skilled Medford murder lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, build a strong defense strategy, and work tirelessly to protect your interests throughout the criminal justice process. With the right legal representation, you can protect your rights and work towards a positive outcome in your case. If you have been charged with murder in Medford, do not hesitate to The Law Office of Justin Rosas today!

Contact The Law Office of Justin Rosas today to schedule a FREE consultation with our murder lawyer in Medford!