Facing Measure 11 charges or major felonies in Oregon is life-altering. Under Measure 11, individuals accused of certain violent crimes face mandatory minimum prison sentences without the possibility of parole, leaving judges with no discretion to reduce the sentence upon conviction. These cases carry some of the most severe penalties in Oregon law, making the early decisions you make in your defense absolutely critical.
At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we provide the aggressive, strategic, and trial-tested defense you need when your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. Our legal team has extensive experience navigating Oregon’s complex felony laws, preparing cases for trial and sentencing mitigation simultaneously. This means challenging suppression issues, thoroughly investigating evidence, interviewing witnesses, and developing a strong case theory while identifying key mitigating factors that could influence sentencing. We work with expert witnesses to build the most compelling defense possible when necessary.
Our firm is known for handling high-profile and high-stakes cases. Our founder, Mike Arnold, brings the experience of a former Eugene city prosecutor who knows exactly how the state builds its case—and how to tear it apart. Whether you are fighting for an acquittal, seeking a case dismissal, or working toward the best possible outcome in plea negotiations, our defense team is relentlessly protecting your rights.
If you or a loved one is facing serious felony charges or Measure 11 sentencing, you cannot afford to wait. Contact the Lane County Law Office of Mike Arnold today for a free intake call or a paid consultation and take the first step toward building a powerful defense.
What Are Oregon Measure 11 Crimes?
Measure 11 is an Oregon law enacted in 1994 that imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain serious crimes. These violent felonies come with fixed sentencing guidelines, meaning that if convicted, a defendant must serve the entire sentence without eligibility for parole, early release, or sentence reduction programs.
Judges have no discretion to lower these sentences, making Measure 11 charges among the most severe criminal accusations in the state.
List of Oregon Measure 11 Crimes & Their Mandatory Sentences
- Murder – 25 years to life.
- Attempted Murder – 10 years.
- Manslaughter in the First Degree – 10 years.
- Manslaughter in the Second Degree – 6 years, 3 months,
- Assault in the First Degree – 7 years, 6 months.
- Assault in the Second Degree – 5 years, 10 months.
- Kidnapping in the First Degree – 7 years, 6 months.
- Kidnapping in the Second Degree – 5 years, 10 months.
- Robbery in the First Degree – 7 years, 6 months.
- Robbery in the Second Degree – 5 years, 10 months.
- Rape in the First Degree – 8 years, 4 months.
- Rape in the Second Degree – 6 years, 3 months.
- Sodomy in the First Degree – 8 years, 4 months.
- Sodomy in the Second Degree – 6 years, 3 months.
- Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree – 8 years, 4 months.
- Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree – 6 years, 3 months.
- Sexual Abuse in the First Degree – 6 years, 3 months.
Measure 11 applies to adults and juveniles (15 years and older) charged with these offenses.
The Impact of Measure 11 on Oregon Defendants
A conviction can permanently alter your life because Measure 11 crimes carry severe, inflexible sentences. Unlike felony cases where a judge may consider mitigating factors, Measure 11 removes judicial discretion and requires the harshest penalties possible. Many defendants are forced to take their case to trial because there are limited plea options due to mandatory sentencing requirements. However, not all Measure 11 cases are open-and-shut convictions.
With an aggressive legal defense, it may be possible to:
- Challenge evidence and suppression issues.
- Fight for a dismissal or acquittal.
- Negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge that avoids Measure 11 sentencing.
- Present mitigating factors that could impact trial or alternative resolutions.
At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we understand the high stakes of Measure 11 cases and have extensive experience challenging the state’s case, cross-examining witnesses, and dismantling weak prosecution arguments. A former Eugene city prosecutor, Mike Arnold knows exactly how these cases are built—and how to fight back. If you or a loved one is facing Measure 11 charges, time is critical. Contact our major felony defense lawyers in Eugene today for a free intake call or a paid consultation and start building your defense before it’s too late.
If You Have Been Charged with a Major Felony or Measure 11 Crime in Oregon…
Remain Silent: Talk to No One
If your loved one is in custody, immediately tell them that they are to talk to absolutely no one about anything that has happened, including you and their significant other. Assume that all telephone calls from the jail are recorded, because they are. Recordings of those phone calls will be “State’s Exhibit 1” at trial. Tell your loved one to tell any investigators that they want to speak to an Oregon attorney and to say nothing else to law enforcement. No exceptions.
If You Have Been Charged with a Major Felony or Measure 11 Crime in Oregon: Apply for Court-Appointed Counsel
Even if you are planning to retain an Oregon attorney with family funds, apply for court-appointed counsel. If you qualify, the state of Oregon will pay for investigative fees and expert witnesses, which saves money that can be applied to attorney fees. Although Mike Arnold does not take court-appointed criminal cases, we can use court-appointed funds for costs such as expert witnesses and polygraphs.
Understand the Pretrial Release Decision (Bail and Release Agreements)
Your attorney can move the court for pretrial release or to reduce bail. Most Oregon counties have true judicial scrutiny of bail amounts and release decisions. In years past, Lane County, in particular, has been under increased scrutiny for its failure to have an elected judge truly review the release decisions made by the unelected bureaucrats at Pretrial Services, an arm of the circuit court. More information about this process may be found here.
The State of Oregon’s Burden of Proof: Can They Prove Their Case?
Under our United States and Oregon constitutions, an accused person is innocent unless proven guilty–not innocent until proven guilty. The question for the jury is not whether or not you committed the crime. The question is whether or not the state has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.
Oregon attorney Mike Arnold researches the legal issues unique to your case and will challenge the state’s evidence through motions to suppress and exclude evidence and unlawful confessions. In addition to challenging the legal sufficiency of the evidence, we will challenge the factual sufficiency of the evidence by aggressively investigating your case and having an investigator speak to witnesses for the state and you. If there was a suggestive photo identification or other eyewitness problems, we challenge that evidence with a nationally known identification expert.
Mike Arnold’s Unique Approach
Mike is known for utilizing his skills from other practice areas to defend your case. He is not a one-dimensional lawyer. Your case is not “business as usual” for him. Because Mike has a broad range of criminal and civil litigation experience, he has many experiences and relationships with trial experts that you do not usually see in a criminal case. He will analyze your case’s unique fact issues and brainstorm what expert witnesses will assist the jury on a disputed fact. That might distinguish between a simple swearing contest between witnesses and reasonable doubt.
Oregon Major Felony Sentencing Factors
It is customary for Oregon prosecutors to overcharge defendants and to seek overly harsh sentences to force you into settlement. While preparing your case for trial, we will also explore mitigation issues to present to the judge or prosecutor to challenge any sentencing recommendation by the state. This includes having an investigator research mitigating factors and employing other experts to assist at sentencing, such as drug and alcohol treatment specialists, psychological evaluators, etc.
Choosing a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney in Eugene, Oregon
When facing serious criminal charges in Oregon, your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. Choosing the right criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a dismissed case, a favorable plea deal, or a devastating conviction. You need a lawyer who understands trial risks, the advantages of plea negotiations, and the most effective defense strategies to protect your rights.
At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we provide aggressive, results-driven representation for clients facing major felony and Measure 11 charges. Mike Arnold, a former Eugene city prosecutor, has extensive jury trial experience and knows precisely how the state builds its case—and how to dismantle it in court. Unlike attorneys who divide their time with court-appointed work, our firm exclusively takes retained cases, ensuring your defense gets the attention it deserves.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal prosecution in Eugene, western Oregon, or southern Oregon, don’t wait. Call 541-359-4585 to schedule a free intake call or a paid attorney consultation, or contact us online to get immediate, strategic legal guidance. Our team is available after hours, on weekends, and for urgent defense matters to ensure you receive the most vigorous defense possible.
