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Yamhill Plaza Building
Suite 500,
815 SW Second Ave.,
Portland, OR 97204

Ph: (503) 827-8092
Fax: (503) 223-1516

Map & Directions

* No previously obtained outcome guarantees the same results in any new case.

JDE Investigations
Portland, OR:

I have worked as a criminal defense investigator since 1999, and I have never worked with an attorney as bright, hard-working, intuitive and caring as Mark Cogan...

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...He takes every client's life and predicament very seriously, and works tirelessly and aggressively to cover every base to ensure the best outcome possible for his clients. He is fair, honest, extremely knowledgeable, efficient and a great communicator and negotiator. It is a pure pleasure to work with him and the Cogan Law Office Team. If I had a family member facing criminal charges, he would be at the very top of the list!

JM
Portland, OR:

Mark, I wanted to thank you for the excellent help and guidance you provided me in my recent troubles...

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...With less than one week before my sentencing you reviewed my case and told me things that my other lawyer had not advised me of. Where my other lawyer was accepting defeat you encouraged me to continue to push for leniency from the court, without you I would have been in for a very long sentence that would have had significant long term consequences, instead I will be out in 6 months which is less than anyone thought possible. Thanks again.

CR
Portland, OR:

Dear Mark Cogan, Working with you over these past years has meant a great deal to me and my family...

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...When I first consulted with you, I had quite a few serious charges against me. I honestly think that had I gone to a different attorney, they would have accepted defeat and taken the plea bargains that were being offered. Through your dedication to my case and your skill, we achieved a plea agreement that met every one of my requirements including not having to spend a single day in jail. Again, when I was being bullied by the probation office into extending my probation by another year, you stood up for me in court and their demands were dropped. I am now a free man. I feel good knowing there are good attorneys like you out there keeping the police and courts in check and defending our rights. In fact, my wife was recently a juror on a case that you were on. Oh man, she was amazed at how good you are! Thank you from me and my family.

JB
Portland, OR:

Dear Mr. Cogan, I can't express enough my appreciation for your support and assistance this year...

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...I am very happy and relieved with the outcome of my case, all of which I attribute to you. You can be certain that you will be highly recommended should anyone I know require assistance in the future.

Trevor
Lake Oswego, OR:

Dear Mark, Thank you for the magnificent job that you did (not to mention the great work by Jean) in getting the criminal charges against me dismissed!...<

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...This was my first real encounter with law enforcement and the D.A.'s office. I was very shocked to rapidly learn that they certainly were not interested in a "search for justice or the truth", they merely wanted convictions and notches on their guns - at any cost! I am so glad that you were referred to me. Your clarity of thinking, refusal to bow to tawdry tactics by the D.A.'s office and your absolutely sterling defense of me was not only very comforting, but very satisfying. To have you finally defeat them in front of a judge, and with absolute clarity and logic, was truly impressive. It was just an extraordinary thing to observe.

My spirits soared when on hearing your presentation of the facts, the judge stated "there is an inference of bad faith dealing by the State here" and promptly dismissed the original, unfounded charge and the additional two trumped-up charges, designed to have me capitulate to the first charge to avoid the second two. The D.A.'s office did not realize that you were to be my counsel. They were, I believe, taken back by your request of "nothing less than an acquittal and a public apology".

Mark, it truly was justice delivered and I thank you sincerely for your work. I really don't anticipate that many in my circle of friends may someday require a criminal lawyer, but if they ever do, rest assured you will be the person I recommend they call.

With warmest personal regards,
Trevor
Lake Oswego, OR
P.S. Mark, while winning and obtaining justice was enough, seeing you spank them in court made me feel truly vindicated!

DE
Portland, OR:

Hi Mark, Just wanted to say THANK YOU again for helping me w/my traffic ticket...

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...It was AWESOME the way everything worked out (including being FIRST on the list in a packed evening docket!). Obviously, I took the driving class - and it was interesting. I have also passed all the tests, and panel interviews, and background investigation and will start my new position as a 911 dispatcher on Monday.

JG
Portland, OR:

Mark: It was a horrible experience but you saved my life. I learned a lot from you...

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...There were times I truly gave up but your sternness kept me going. You made me feel like you believed in me and that meant a lot. Having my freedom back really hit me today. Thank you! You are a true professional. I will make good of the rest of my life. I will choose friends wisely. A lot of hurt, but knowing you was a blessing. Thank you so very much!

JS
Clark County, OR:

Mr. Cogan, You, in one short meeting, changed the course of my life with my daughter and I certainly would be remiss if I did not take the time to tell you how much I appreciate you...

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...Mr. Cogan, from the bottom of my heart...Thank you. I was in the midst of a divorce and dealing with a husband that had forced my hand in signing our separation agreement without legal representation. You called around for Clark County referrals for me and you urged me to seek legal council before it was too late. [My ex-husband] has stopped harassing me, we were able to come to a settlement agreement and far more amiable terms regarding the custody of my little girl. This would not have happened had I not been given the advice to push back and seek my own legal council. I am eternally grateful for your kindness and your advice.

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About Mark C. Cogan Law Offices

With more than a quarter century of experience defending clients on criminal charges, attorney Mark C. Cogan has developed the skills necessary to successfully protect his clients facing a wide range of situations. From DUII defense to Ballot Measure 11 cases, Mr. Cogan is not afraid to take on even the toughest challenges. Our practice prides itself on the exceptional service we offer our clients, keeping them informed and involved while pursuing the most effective legal strategy possible.

Our Attorney

Mark C. Cogan is a 1982 graduate of the prestigious New York University School of Law, and has had his own practice for more than a decade. Previously, he worked in New York as a trial lawyer for the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division, where he received extensive felony trial experience. Cogan also worked for the Narcotics Defense Unit in New York, developing aggressive discovery approaches, innovative investigation techniques, and trial strategies. He has argued cases at nearly every level in his quarter century of service, including the United States Supreme Court.

In addition, Cogan worked as a law clerk for the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), served as a member of the Lawyers’ Committee on Nuclear Policy, and coached the Grant High School Mock Trial Team in Portland.

Professional Experience:

  • Mark C. Cogan, P.C. Law Offices, 1997 - present, Portland, Oregon.
    Private practice of law, concentrating on criminal defense in the State and Federal Courts of Oregon. Cases include Ballot Measure 11 matters, motor vehicle homicide investigation, DUII defense, motor vehicle crimes, harassment or assault charges involving domestic violence, victim's rights, witness rights, theft and embezzlement, fraud, bank robbery, DMV license suspension and revocation, computer and internet crime, violations of probation and parole, expungement motions, Grand Jury investigations, juvenile delinquency and dependency matters, drug and marijuana possession, manufacture and distribution.
  • Criminal Defense Division, Legal Aid Society, 1988 to 1997, New York, New York.
    Senior Trial Attorney. Represented defendants in criminal matters. Extensive felony trial experience includes homicide and major narcotics cases; Grand Jury practice, pre-trial motions and discovery, suppression hearings, trial preparation and investigations.
  • Member, Narcotics Defense Unit, 1988 to 1997, New York, New York.
    Developed aggressive discovery approaches, innovative investigation techniques, and trial strategies. Created litigation back-up system containing training materials, data base and legal reference materials.
  • Ezra, O'Connor, Moon & Tam, 1987, Honolulu, Hawaii.
    Member of Legislative study staff concerning expansion of Hawaii's Land Reform Act. Trial experience in Federal Bankruptcy Court.
  • Parker, Chapin, Flattau & Klimpl, 1986 to 1987, New York, New York
    Commercial litigation in State and Federal Court.
  • Criminal Appeals Bureau, Legal Aid Society, 1982 to 1986, New York, New York.
    Extensive appellate litigation. Briefed and argued search and seizure case before the United States Supreme Court.

Supplemental Experience:

  • Coach, Grant High School Mock Trial Team, 1997 to 1998, Portland, Oregon.
  • Member, Lawyers' Committee on Nuclear policy, 1982 to 1987, New York, New York.
    Member, Board of Directors; Chair, Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Project. Author of model legislation and legal commentary.
  • Law clerk, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, 1981, New York, New York.
    Wrote briefs and memoranda on Federal civil rights litigation, including death penalty, Title VII, school desegregation, prisoners' rights, and attorneys fees awards.
  • Lobbyist, Oregon Student Lobby and Associated Students of the University of Oregon, 1975 to 1977, Eugene, Oregon.
    Lobbyist at the Oregon Legislature and Oregon State Board of Higher Education on behalf of student concerns.

Education:

  • National Criminal Defense College, Summer Trial Practice Institute, Macon, Georgia, 1994.
  • New York University School of Law, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1982.
  • Université de Caen, France, Rotary International Graduate Fellow, 1978 to 1979.
  • University of Oregon, B.A., Political Science (Honors College), 1978.
  • Washington High School, Portland, Oregon (Class President and Student Body President), 1970 to 1974.

Licensure:

  • License to practice before The State and Federal Courts of New York (1983), of Hawaii (1987) and of Oregon (1992).
  • License to practice before The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1984.
  • License to practice before The United States Supreme Court, 1987.

Professional Affiliations:

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL).
  • Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA).
  • Oregon State Bar Association (OSB).
  • Multnomah Bar Association (MBA).
  • CJA Assigned Counsel Program in Federal Court.

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Contact Our Office

For more information on attorney Mark C. Cogan, or to schedule a free and confidential consultation, please contact our practice. We pledge to represent each of our clients as effectively as we can, fully committing all of our skills and resources until the case is resolved.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do criminal defense attorneys represent only criminals?

A person needn’t be a “criminal” in order to benefit from consulting a criminal defense attorney. Many of our clients have never previously been in trouble with the law and will never be again. Often, people come to our office because they made a mistake which the law qualifies as a “criminal” offense. Other times people hire me to expunge a past criminal record. Still others seek representation because they are under suspicion of committing a criminal act, while in fact they committed no crime at all.

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What is the difference between a criminal defense attorney and any other attorney?

In order to perform at a high level of skill and expertise, professionals of all kinds have found it necessary and desirable to specialize. If you have a foot problem, you do not go to an eye doctor. Likewise, a person facing a criminal charge should consult an attorney who focuses on criminal defense! Attorneys have found it advantageous to emphasize certain practice areas. As a patient benefits from the care of a doctor devoted to the study of skin, so does a person facing a criminal charge benefit from the counsel of a criminal defense attorney.

Law school provides a broad legal education. The Bar Exam and other licensing standards are designed to ensure that attorneys meet only general requirements. Attorneys who practice in the area of criminal defense attend highly specialized training programs sponsored by such organizations as the National Association of the Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

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When should a person consult a criminal defense attorney?

The ideal time to consult a criminal defense attorney is the moment a person finds himself under legal suspicion, because at that point there is the greatest likelihood of a successful outcome. A person who is suspected of criminal wrongdoing needs crucial information in order to minimize the risk of being formally arrested and brought to court. Prior to charges being filed, there is the maximum possibility that a skilled criminal defense attorney can resolve the situation with minimal adverse consequences to the client.

I have practiced in the area of criminal defense since 1982, both in the trial and appellate courts. I have seen countless instances in which clients benefit from early hiring of experienced legal counsel. I also have seen many situations in which individuals have been harmed by their failure to consult a qualified attorney at an early stage.

For criminal defense attorneys, it is thrilling to fight a case all the way to trial and have our efforts rewarded when the jury announces a verdict of Not Guilty. However, the client benefits even more when early hiring of a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney results in no charges being filed at all, or where the charges can be resolved at an early stage that spares the client and his family of the humiliation and expense that results whenever a case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

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How do I ensure that my case maintains confidentiality? How important is this?

There are few relationships that enjoy the legal protection afforded to the attorney-client relationship. In our legal system, an individual under suspicion of committing a criminal act needs to consult with a professional with assurance of complete confidentiality. Our law does not grant any assurance of this high level of confidentiality between a parent and a child nor to many other relationships often deemed private. It is in your best interest to speak to a lawyer when facing criminal charges.

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Lawyers & Legal Associations

Other Resources

Expungement Resources Outside Oregon

Southern California | Florida | Washington

DISCLAIMER: THE LAW FIRMS LISTED ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH MARK C. COGAN, P.C., AND WE DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY CONCERNING THE QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILL OF THESE FIRMS OR THE ATTORNEYS WHO ARE AFFILIATED WITH THEM. THIS INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE LAW FIRMS LISTED. ANY CLIENT CONTACTING A LAW FIRM SHOULD SATISFY HIMSELF OR HERSELF CONCERNING THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILL OF THE ATTORNEY WHO WILL BE ENGAGED FOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION.

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Contact Our Office

For more information on attorney Mark C. Cogan, or to schedule a free and confidential consultation, please contact our practice. We pledge to represent each of our clients as effectively as we can, fully committing all of our skills and resources until the case is resolved.

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