Experienced Gun Crimes Defense Attorneys in Eugene, Oregon

Gun-related charges in Oregon carry serious legal consequences, from felony firearm possession to self-defense shootings and brandishing allegations. Whether you are facing criminal charges, dealing with a self-defense investigation, or fighting to protect your Second Amendment rights, having an experienced Eugene gun crimes defense attorney is essential.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we bring a deep understanding of Oregon gun laws, self-defense rights, and firearms litigation to every case we handle.

Founding attorney Mike Arnold is an accomplished trial lawyer and a strong advocate for responsible firearm ownership. He has personally trained Oregonians on gun laws and concealed handgun licensing (CHL) requirements. His legal background includes defending some of Oregon’s most notorious self-defense cases, including a high-profile trial involving a retired UFC fighter and Marine accused of murder after a road rage shooting. He has also provided continuing legal education (CLE) training to other attorneys on Oregon firearm laws.

If you are facing criminal prosecution for a gun-related offense, the prosecution is already building a case against you. You need a defense team with the knowledge, skill, and courtroom experience to fight back. Contact the Lane County Law Office of Mike Arnold today for a free intake call or a paid consultation to discuss your case and start building a powerful defense strategy. ”

[T]he right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.”

Oregon Gun Laws as of 2025: An Overview

As of 2025, Oregon maintains a comprehensive framework governing firearm ownership, possession, and use. Understanding these regulations is crucial for current and prospective gun owners to ensure compliance and safeguard their rights.

Below is an overview of key aspects of Oregon’s gun laws:

• Firearm Registration and Waiting Periods: Oregon does not require firearm registration, and firearm purchases have no mandated waiting periods.
• Permit-to-Purchase Requirement: In 2022, Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 114, introducing a permit-to-purchase system for firearms. However, due to ongoing legal challenges, the implementation of this measure has been delayed, and as of 2025, it is not in effect.
• Concealed Carry: Oregon operates as a “shall-issue” state for concealed handgun licenses (CHLs). Residents aged 21 and over can obtain a CHL after meeting specific criteria, including completing a firearms safety course and passing a background check.
• Open Carry: Open carry of firearms is legal statewide without a permit. However, certain cities and counties, such as Portland and Multnomah County, have ordinances prohibiting the open carrying of loaded firearms in public places for individuals without a CHL.
• Assault Weapons: Oregon does not have specific laws defining or restricting “assault weapons.”
• Machine Guns and NFA Items: Possession of fully automatic firearms, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and suppressors is legal in Oregon, provided the owner complies with federal regulations under the National Firearms Act (NFA), including obtaining the appropriate tax stamps.
• State Preemption: Oregon law preempts local governments from enacting firearm regulations, ensuring uniformity across the state. However, as noted above, local jurisdictions can regulate the open carry of loaded firearms.
• Universal Background Checks: Oregon requires background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions, to prevent prohibited individuals from acquiring firearms.
• Magazine Capacity Restrictions: Ballot Measure 114 also included provisions to ban magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds. Similar to the permit-to-purchase requirement, this measure aspect is currently on hold due to legal proceedings.
• Red Flag Laws: Oregon has implemented extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), allowing law enforcement or family members to petition the court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
• Firearm Storage Requirements: While Oregon does not mandate specific firearm storage laws, owners are encouraged to store firearms safely to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by minors.
• Liability for Negligence: Firearm owners in Oregon can be held civilly liable if their negligence leads to injury or death caused by their firearm.
• Minimum Age for Firearm Possession: Individuals under 18 are generally prohibited from possessing firearms, except for activities such as hunting or target practice under adult supervision.
• Hunting Regulations: The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife sets specific regulations regarding the types of firearms permissible for hunting various game species.

Navigating Oregon’s firearm laws can be complex, especially with ongoing legal challenges and evolving regulations. If you have questions about compliance, are facing firearm-related charges, or need assistance with any firearm legal matters, our experienced team is here to help. We offer comprehensive legal services tailored to your needs, ensuring your rights are protected.

Contact our Eugene gun crimes defense attorneys for personalized legal guidance and representation to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to providing you with the support and expertise necessary to navigate Oregon’s firearm laws effectively.

Understanding the Oregon Self-Defense/Castle Doctrine

Oregon law recognizes individuals’ rights to defend themselves, others, and property under certain circumstances. The self-defense and Castle Doctrine principles provide legal protections for those who use force when faced with imminent threats of harm.

While Oregon does not have a stand-your-ground law, the state’s self-defense statutes outline when and how individuals can lawfully respond to threats inside and outside their homes.

That includes:

• Self-Defense

A person can use physical force on another person to defend himself or another from what he reasonably believes to be a use or imminent use of unlawful physical force. You can only use the degree of force you reasonably believe necessary. UCrJI No. 1107.

• Deadly Force

In Oregon a person cannot use deadly physical force (i.e., with a firearm) unless he or she reasonably believes that the other person was (1) committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; (2) committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; or (3) using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against defendant or another person. UCrJI No. 1108.

It is important to note that one felony involving the “use of physical force” is Assault in the Third Degree. Assault III is the act of being assaulted by more than one person, which makes a normal intentional or knowing misdemeanor assault a felony. ORS 163.165(e).

Read Mike Arnold’s book about a crucial case he handled involving firearms rights and self-defense in Oregon.

• How Much Force?

In general, a person can only use the degree of force they reasonably believe necessary. UCrJI No. 1227.

• Provocation

You can’t use physical force on another person if you provoked the use of unlawful physical force by that person with intent of causing them bodily injury or death. UCrJI No. 1109. You wouldn’t usually respond with force if you were the initial aggressor. However, you can use physical force if you withdraw from the encounter and effectively communicate to the other person an intent to withdraw from the encounter. Still, they nevertheless continue or threaten to use unlawful physical force. UCrJI No. 1110.

• Burglars/Trespassers

You may use a reasonable degree of physical force in defense of premises to terminate the trespass and only the force you reasonably believe necessary. UCrJI No. 1112.

You cannot use deadly physical force unless you reasonably believe that (1) the other person is committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; (2) they are committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling; (3) they are about to use deadly force; or (4) as necessary to prevent an arson or another felony by force and violence by the trespasser. UCrJI No. 1113.

Mike wrote a book about a self-defense murder case he handled.

Read Mike Arnold’s book about firearms rights and self-defense in Oregon.

Understanding these laws is crucial, as not all uses of force are legally justified, and wrongful assumptions about self-defense can lead to criminal charges. Factors such as the threat level, the proportionality of force used, and the location of the incident play a significant role in determining whether self-defense claims will hold up in court. Given the complexities of Oregon’s laws, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference when defending against assault, homicide, or firearm-related charges stemming from a self-defense situation. We can help.

Gun crime charges in Oregon can carry severe legal consequences, threatening your freedom, firearm rights, and future. Whether you are facing allegations of unlawful possession, brandishing, self-defense-related charges, or other firearm offenses, you need a skilled, aggressive defense team that understands Oregon’s complex gun laws and how to dismantle the prosecution’s case against

Contact Our Dedicated Gun Crimes Defense Attorneys in Eugene, Oregon For Help Today

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we provide strategic, results-driven legal representation backed by years of experience handling high-profile and high-stakes firearm cases. As a former Eugene city prosecutor, Mike Arnold knows how the government builds cases-and how to take them apart. Our work has been featured in news articles and true-crime television shows, a testament to our ability to deliver actual results for our clients.

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference. If you are ready to fight back against gun-related charges, call 541-359-4585 to schedule a free intake call or a paid consultation. Our team is available after hours, on weekends, and for urgent defense