Violent Felonies and Homicide Cases

Murder is the most consequential form of homicide in the state of Oregon. Many states have first and second-degree murder laws, but in Oregon, it is considered only murder and aggravated murder.

Homicide can lead to a variety of charges, most typically differentiated by mental state.

What consequences am I facing if convicted of Murder or Aggravated Murder?

Below are the crimes and penalties that fall under Murder and Aggravated Murder:

Murder

Murder is causing the death of another person. Felony murder can be charged if, while committing, attempting to commit, acting in furtherance, or fleeing from any of the following crimes, a homicide results:

Arson in the first degree
Criminal mischief in the first degree by means of an explosive device
Burglary in the first degree
Escape in the first degree
Kidnapping
Felony sexual offense in the first degree
Compelling prostitution
Abuse and the person recklessly, in a way that shows extreme indifference to the value of human life, causes the death of a child under 14 years of age or a dependent person and has a prior history of assault or torture of the victim, another child under 14 years of age, or another dependent person
Abuse and the person recklessly, in a way that shows extreme indifference to the value of human life, causes the death of a child under 14 years of age or dependent person through neglect or maltreatment

Penalties for Murder

If a person is convicted of murder, they can face up to life imprisonment. The minimum term is twenty-five years for murder, at which time the prisoner can then petition for rehabilitation and a favorable finding can lead to early release from the Oregon Department of Corrections by order of the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

Aggravated Murder

Aggravated Murder consists of murder, in addition to one of seventeen other circumstances, some of which include:

Committing or soliciting another person to commit murder in exchange for money or another thing of value
A prior conviction of murder or first-degree manslaughter (or other conviction with the same criminal elements)
The murder occurred during or as a result of intentional maiming or torture
The victim was under 14 years of age
The victim was a police, correctional, parole, probation, or judicial officer, juror or witness, court employee or officer, state board of parole or post-prison supervision member, or liquor enforcement inspector acting in the course of their duties
The murder occurred while the defendant was in prison or custody
The murder was committed by using an explosive device while committing theft in the first degree
The murder was committed to conceal a crime or a perpetrator's identity
The murder was personally and intentionally committed while committing, attempting to commit, acting in the furtherance, or fleeing from any of the crimes listed under murder (see above)
More than one person in the same episode was murdered
Abuse and the person recklessly, in a way that shows extreme indifference to the value of human life, causes the death of a child under 14 years of age or dependent person through neglect or maltreatment
The murder was committed after escaping from and before being returned to the custody of a penal or correctional facility

Penalties for Aggravated Murder

Aggravated murder and murder of a pregnant victim with knowledge of the pregnancy can be punishable by death, life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment. The minimum term for life imprisonment is 30 years, at which time the prisoner can petition for a hearing on the likelihood of rehabilitation within a reasonable amount of time, again to the Oregon Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

What can Thompson Law do for me?

Jason Thompson routinely handles violent felonies and homicide cases. These types of cases require extensive investigation into all areas of inquiry. Mr. Thompson has obtained outright dismissals of multiple homicide cases. Thompson Law offers confidential initial consultations. Please contact the best Salem criminal defense lawyer for more details immediately.

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Violent Felonies and Homicide Cases

What consequences am I facing if convicted of Murder or Aggravated Murder?

What can Thompson Law do for me?

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