Ballot Measure 11

As part of a "get tough on crime" attitude, Oregon voters have adopted Mandatory Minimum Sentences for a range of crimes. Ballot Measure 11 imposes harsh sentences even for teenagers and other persons who have never previously been convicted of a crime. Few exceptions apply to the mandatory minimum sentences. Any person who is under suspicion of a Ballot Measure 11 crime should obtain capable legal representation immediately. There isn’t a single area of our practice where early involvement proves more crucial to a successful outcome in the case. The potential consequences of a Ballot Measure 11 sentence are so horrific that many fail to take the proper steps necessary to avert such a catastrophic outcome. Avoidance or delay is recipe for failure.

How does Mark C. Cogan P.C. Law Offices avert the devastating effects of a Ballot Measure 11 conviction and sentence?

• It begins with assembling a team of top-notch professionals dedicated to serving the client.  Our team includes psychologists, investigators, interpreters, polygraph experts and other professionals.  By working with our client and client's loved ones we assemble crucial mitigating evidence which enables us to mitigate or reduce punishment. 
• We empower our client with crucial information and tools that enable the client to avoid making a tough situation worse.  
• We never take the prosecution's assertions at face value.  We work hard to establish evidence which supports our client's innocence, or which demonstrates that the prosecution's evidence is faulty.  
• If the case is subject to news media attention, we work hard to minimize distortion by the press. 
• Every activity is geared toward reducing or avoiding the punishment and collateral consequences which otherwise awaits our client.  We fight for a successful outcome by negotiating with the prosecutor and/or preparing for trial.  The bottom line is that Mark C. Cogan P.C. will leave no stone unturned in our dedicated, vigilant efforts to get our client through the potentially devastating experience of facing a Ballot Measure 11 charge. 

Taking on Ballot Measure 11 cases is not for the faint of heart.  Any person who is facing such charges needs an expert attorney dedicated to going the extra mile to accomplish a successful outcome.  While we are honest with our clients about the catastrophic outcomes that are possible in Ballot Measure 11 prosecution, we are not defeated by the dreadful possibilities.  We do not shrink from taking on difficult and challenging cases.  To the contrary, the more difficult and challenging the matter, the more determined we are. 

If you are facing prosecution in a Ballot Measure 11 matter, please contact us urgently, even at the earliest possible opportunity.  There are many things which should be done at an early stage to avert prosecution entirely, or to minimize the danger of receiving a Ballot Measure 11 sentence.  What your legal team does at this critical moment could have long lasting consequences. We look forward to serving you!

RECENT SUCCESSES

Client DC was charged with Ballot Measure 11 assault of the client’s wife, and the District Attorney piled on charges of Kidnapping and other offenses.  Client and his wife saw the incident as an opportunity to address issues and improve their marriage.  We made sure that the client’s wife was represented by a capable attorney, who was interested in looking out for the wife’s interests.  Together with the wife’s attorney we formulated a strategy that resulted in the couple being reunited and the charges being drastically reduced to a level that did not cause the client to lose his job or spend any time in jail.

Client CA faced Ballot Measure Sex 11 charges arising from a failed relationship with his past girlfriend.  Assisted by a favorable polygraph result, we were able to persuade the District Attorney’s Office to reduce the charges to a level that did not cause the client to be convicted of a Sex crime and have to register as a Sex Offender.  Further, we were able to negotiate an outcome that did not require the client to serve any time in jail.  After a relatively brief waiting, period, our client will be able to expunge all records of his arrest and prosecution in this matter.

Client RV faced Ballot Measure 11 charges of Assault and Kidnapping.  After a thorough investigation and evaluation by an expert psychologist, we were able to persuade the prosecuting attorney and the judge that our client did not deserve the full brunt of prosecution under Ballot Measure 11.  We negotiated an outcome which resulted in the client being released from jail and a conviction that qualifies for expungement.

Client SG faced possible prosecution for Ballot Measure 11 Rape.  Swift investigation on our part, and a successful polygraph result, spared our client from the humiliation and devastating consequences that would have ensued as a result of being arrested and prosecuted for this crime.

Client KW faced Ballot Measure 11 charges of Rape and Sodomy which would have resulted in many years of imprisonment without our intervention.  Thorough investigation on the part of the defense resulted in the gathering of evidence which demonstrated that client was innocent of the crimes for which he was indicted.  We persuaded the prosecution to dismiss all charges and the client was set free.

Client MM faced Ballot Measure 11 charge of Assault and other offenses due to an encounter with an overly aggressive volunteer for the Sheriff’s Office.  Our investigation of the matter established that the volunteer failed to comply with his training and applicable regulations, and that the police investigation was flawed.  We were able to get the case reduced from a major felony to a low-level misdemeanor offense, with no jail time and no probation.