Murder Lawyer in Medford

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Violent crimes that involve homicide are among the most severely prosecuted crimes in the state of Oregon. Murder is classified as a Measure 11 crime, and individuals who are found guilty of committing murder could face serious legal penalties. Oftentimes, however, it is social and personal repercussions that many individuals accused of murder have the hardest time accepting. Society places accused criminals on the outskirts of society and oftentimes views people who have committed murder as heinous criminals who are unworthy of forgiveness or empathy.

This general view is due in large part to a legal system that places people who have been accused of committing murder on the fringes of society. As a result, society only accepts people who have committed murder as degenerate individuals who are unworthy of a fair trial. This is especially discouraging for individuals who are innocent of the crime and were accused of a crime due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As a Medford criminal defense lawyer, I have appeared in court and at trial for countless cases, defending the rights of my clients who were at their most vulnerable points in their lives. I know that there are two sides to every story, and you can depend on me to accurately present your story to the court. For individuals who have been arrested for murder in Medford, I can be your strongest voice!

Categories of Murder

There are different categories of murder. According to Oregon Revised Statute 163.005(1), a person commits criminal homicide when he or she knowingly or intentionally "causes the death of another human being." Criminal homicide can include instances of murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide or aggravated vehicular homicide.

According to Oregon Statute 163.105, a person can also be charged for committing an aggravated murder. You could be found guilty of committing an aggravated murder if you are found to have acted in any of the following ways:

• You solicited another person to commit a murder by paying the person
• You committed murder after being convicted of murder previously
• There was more than one victim murdered
• The murder occurred as a result of intentional maiming or torture
• The murder was committed in an effort to conceal another crime
• The murder occurred after escaping from jail, prison or correctional facility
• The victim was under 14 years old
• You committed murder following an agreement that you would receive money or something of value in exchange of the murder
• The victim was a police or judicial official who was related to the outcome of the victim's sentencing in the justice system

Penalties for Murder & Aggravated Murder

The penalties for murder, aggravated murder, or other violent crimes are severe in the state of Oregon. If you are found guilty and are convicted of a violent crime, you could be facing a mandatory minimum sentences defined by Measure 11. As established by Measure 11 minimum sentencing, if you are found to have committed a murder intentionally, a life sentence without the possibility of release or parole will be issued as a minimum term. Due to Measure 11, your sentence will never be reduced, released, suspended, or deferred.

Defenses from a Medford Criminal Defense Lawyer

The greatest defense in a murder case is fast action combined with early intervention. The faster that you can connect with an experienced Medford criminal defense attorney, the faster that your defense strategy can be created. I can begin compiling evidence that can challenge and dismantle a prosecution's case. The Law Office of Justin Rosas excels in challenging Measure 11 crimes and am known for hard-hitting advocacy.

Disproving the prosecution is the bread and butter of a solid defense, and I can be trusted to question witnesses, challenge prosecutors, and provide fierce closing arguments. Some possible defenses include:

• Extreme emotional disturbance
• Measure 11 exception clause
• You were not the only participant in the crime
• Challenging the prosecution with burden of proving that you committed the crime
• There is no reasonable ground to believe that there was any intent to engage in an act that would result in the death of the victim

In all criminal defense matters, it is important to remember that a prosecution has the burden of proving that you committed the murder beyond a reasonable doubt. I can pull together evidence in your favor by utilizing my team of professional witnesses, investigators, and polygraph technicians. Your life and freedom is my highest priority. You can rest assured that my firm will pull out all stops and utilize any resources necessary to defend your case throughout every step of the process.