Attorneys

Motor Vehicle Hearing: To preserve your right to drive in Oregon, you must request a hearing within 10 days after your license has been taken from you by an officer or within the time set by Motor Vehicle in a revocation letter. A hearing must be initially scheduled within 30 days. If you had a valid license when stopped, you are qualified for a temporary license to drive until the hearing. This temporary license is good for only 30 days. If you lose your case at the hearing, your license will be suspended when the temporary license expires. It is our opinion you should request the officer's presence at the hearing. Crucial defenses can be developed at the hearing, and if you want to substantially increase your odds of winning your case, or need to know whether your case is winnable, you will need to request a DMV hearing. Arraignment: This is the date on your ticket, about 30 days after your arrest. If you have an attorney and are not on bond, you will probably not have to appear. It is primarily for advisement of rights. If you have an attorney, he will advise you. Pre­trial Conference: Your attorney will discuss your case with the District Attorney and negotiate the best possible plea bargain. It will happen about 6 weeks after arraignment. This is usually after the Motor Vehicle Hearing. The date is set by the Court and your attorney on his calendar. Suppression Hearing: The Court may suppress some or all of the evidence against you if your constitutional rights have been violated. Your attorney will file motions to suppress. It occurs anywhere 6 weeks to 3 months after the pre­trial conference. Trial: Almost always a trial to a jury of six. Sentencing: The Court imposes a sentence after a conviction at trial or after a plea bargain is accepted and a plea entered. Sentences may include jail time, in home detention, public service, probation, alcohol classes, fines, and license suspensions.