Strategic Criminal Defenses for Clients in Salem, Oregon

As Oregon’s capital and a major government, education, and healthcare hub, Salem is a city where legal trouble can have far-reaching consequences—personally, professionally, and financially. Whether you’re employed by the State of Oregon, working in Salem Health, attending Willamette University, or part of the local agricultural or food processing industries, a criminal charge can jeopardize everything you’ve built.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we provide high-level criminal defense for individuals in Salem and across Marion and Polk Counties. From DUI and drug-related arrests to serious felony charges, federal investigations, and Measure 11 crimes, we move fast to protect your rights and your reputation. We know how high the stakes are in a city so closely tied to public trust and professional accountability—and we respond with clarity, precision, and purpose.

With deep courtroom experience and a results-driven approach, our legal team delivers more than just legal knowledge—we bring strategy, insight, and relentless advocacy to every case. If you’ve been charged or are under investigation in Salem, don’t wait for the legal system to take the lead. Contact the Law Office of Mike Arnold today and let us start building your defense.

Salem, Oregon Criminal Defense That’s Built on Strategy, Not Promises

When facing criminal charges in Salem, your future depends on more than a basic legal response—you need a defense team that takes immediate, deliberate action to protect what matters most. We don’t rely on guesswork or shortcuts at the Law Office of Mike Arnold. Our attorneys dig deep into the details of every case, uncovering key facts, identifying procedural errors, and building a defense tailored to your unique situation.

We represent individuals across Salem—public employees and healthcare workers, students, and business owners—navigating serious criminal allegations. Our firm, led by attorney Mike Arnold, brings a results-oriented mindset and a deep understanding of how prosecutors build their cases. We don’t wait to react—we anticipate, prepare, and fight to put you in the strongest possible position from day one.

Our Salem criminal defense attorneys handle a broad spectrum of cases, including:

• Domestic Violence Allegations.
• Drug Crimes Defense.
• DUII Defense.
• Expungements and Record Sealing.
• False Accusation Defense Strategies.
• Federal Criminal Charges.
• Felony Reductions.
• Gun and Weapons Charges.
• Major Felony Charges.
• Measure 11 Offenses.
• Restraining & Stalking Protective Order Defenses.
• Sentencing Mitigation.
• Sex Crimes Defense.
• Theft and Property Crimes.

When your future is on the line, hesitation isn’t an option. The Law Office of Mike Arnold offers immediate legal support tailored to your situation, starting with a free intake call or a detailed paid consultation. Whether you’re confronting a serious felony or a high-stakes investigation, our Salem criminal defense attorneys are ready to take swift, strategic action on your behalf. Call 541-359-4585 or contact us online to get the legal protection you need—without delay.

I Work for the State of Oregon—How Can a Criminal Charge Affect My Employment?

If you’re a state employee in Salem, facing criminal charges can have profound implications beyond the courtroom. Because state agencies are held to high standards of accountability and public trust, involvement in the criminal justice system, regardless of whether you’re ultimately convicted, can put your job, benefits, and career trajectory at risk.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we regularly represent public sector workers under investigation, arrested, or charged with crimes in Salem and Marion County. Our team understands how criminal allegations can affect employment with agencies like the Department of Corrections, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Human Services, or the Oregon Department of Justice.

Examples of Charges That Can Threaten State Employment

Even relatively minor charges can trigger internal consequences.

Some of the most common offenses that affect state employees include:

• DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants)
  A DUII charge—even if it’s your first—can affect employees who drive state vehicles, hold security clearances, or are required to self-report any criminal activity.
• Domestic Violence Allegations
  These charges can lead to protective orders or firearms restrictions, which may conflict with job requirements for corrections officers, investigators, or other public safety roles.
• Theft or Misuse of State Resources
  Allegations involving fraud, misappropriation of funds, or unauthorized use of public property can result in criminal prosecution and disciplinary action, including termination.
• Drug Charges
  Possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances—especially if tied to the workplace—can be career-ending, even if classified as a misdemeanor.
• Assault, Harassment, or Sex Crimes
  These serious charges can trigger immediate administrative leave or mandatory reporting under state policy, particularly for employees working with vulnerable populations or in regulatory roles.
• Federal Investigations or White Collar Allegations
  State workers in public contracting, finance, or regulatory enforcement may face intense scrutiny for bribery-related allegations, falsifying records, or conflicts of interest.

Employment & Licensing Consequences

• Administrative Leave or Suspension: Many agencies place employees on leave pending investigation, sometimes without pay.
• Mandatory Reporting: Some positions require self-reporting of criminal charges within a set timeframe.
• Loss of Security Clearance or Access: A pending charge may restrict access to state facilities or systems.
• Internal Investigations: Criminal charges often trigger parallel HR or ethics investigations that can lead to termination, even before a case is resolved.
• Professional Licenses or Certifications: Many roles within state government require licenses that may be suspended or revoked if you’re convicted.

At the Law Office of Mike Arnold, we don’t just fight the criminal charges—we also take proactive steps to help you protect your career. We understand how to manage cases discreetly, work to prevent charges from being filed when possible, and coordinate with employment law counsel when necessary to defend your job and your reputation.

If you’re a public employee facing criminal charges or under investigation in Salem, don’t wait for HR or the legal system to take the next step. Contact the Law Office of Mike Arnold for experienced, strategic representation focused on protecting both your freedom and your livelihood.

Contact Our Accomplished Criminal Defense Lawyers in Salem, Oregon

When your freedom is on the line, timing matters. The Law Office of Mike Arnold offers fast, focused legal support—whether you need a quick intake call or a full case strategy session. Our Salem attorneys are available evenings, weekends, and whenever urgency strikes. Call 541-359-4585 or reach out online to take the first step in your defense.