Corvallis Felony Defense Lawyers

Over 40 Years of Combined Experience Trying Felony Cases in Benton County

A felony charge in Oregon isn’t just a legal problem. A conviction can mean state prison time, steep fines, and consequences that follow you for the rest of your life. At Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C., our attorneys bring over 40 years of combined experience preparing for and trying felony cases in Oregon courts, including cases in Benton County and Linn County. We handle everything from controlled substance charges to the most serious Measure 11 violent offenses.

The state must prove every element of a felony charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Before investigators build that case, you have the right to an attorney. One of the most important steps you can take right now is to stop talking and call a felony defense attorney in Corvallis before speaking with anyone about your case. Statements made before counsel is in place often become the state’s primary evidence.

Don’t answer questions without legal counsel. Call (541) 243-0678 or contact us online to speak with a Corvallis felony defense lawyer from our firm today.

Oregon Felony Classifications & Sentencing Framework

Oregon classifies felonies into four categories under ORS 161.535 and ORS 161.605, each carrying a different sentencing range:

• Class A Felonies: Maximum 20 years in prison, fines up to $375,000
• Class B Felonies: Maximum 10 years in prison, fines up to $250,000
• Class C Felonies: Maximum 5 years in prison, fines up to $125,000
• Unclassified Felonies: Penalties set by the individual statute

Sentencing isn’t determined by offense class alone. Oregon uses a Sentencing Guidelines grid developed by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission that measures two factors: the seriousness of the crime (ranked 1 to 11) and the defendant’s criminal history (ranked A through I). Where those two scales intersect on the grid determines the presumptive sentence. Judges are generally required to impose that sentence unless a mandatory minimum applies and overrides it.

Certain Oregon felonies carry mandatory minimum prison terms that judges have no discretion to reduce. Offenses involving firearms and specific violent crimes fall into this category. Among the most significant is Measure 11, codified at ORS 137.700, which imposes mandatory minimums ranging from 70 to 300 months for crimes including murder, assault, robbery, rape, kidnapping, and certain sex offenses. Measure 11 sentences are served in full with no reduction for good behavior. If you’re facing a charge that may trigger a mandatory minimum, we can explain what that may mean for your case. Learn more on our dedicated Measure 11 page.

Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

Prison time and fines are only part of what a felony conviction costs. The collateral consequences extend far beyond the sentence itself and can affect nearly every aspect of your life going forward.

Loss of Civil Rights
A felony conviction in Oregon can result in loss of the right to own or possess a firearm. Convicted felons are also ineligible to serve on a jury and may be barred from certain public offices.

Employment and Licensing
Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony record can disqualify applicants from large categories of employment. Professional licensing boards in fields like healthcare, law, and finance can deny or revoke licenses based on a felony conviction.

Housing and Financial Aid
Felony convictions can make individuals ineligible for federally assisted housing programs and certain forms of college financial aid, limiting options long after a sentence is completed.

Expungement
Oregon allows eligible individuals to seek a motion to set aside for most Class C and Class B non-person felonies, subject to waiting periods and other requirements. Person felonies and certain sex offenses generally cannot be expunged. Because these long-term consequences are shaped in part by the specific charge of conviction, the defense strategy pursued from the beginning of your case matters enormously.

At Jennifer I. Nash & Nicolas Ortiz, P.C., we help clients understand their rights and educate them about their legal options. Allow us to do the same for you. Contact us now to schedule an appointment.

Felony Defense in Corvallis from Attorneys Who Know the Local Courts

Our Corvallis felony defense lawyers, Jennifer Nash and Nicolas Ortiz, have spent over 40 years combined preparing for and trying cases in Oregon courts, including Benton County Circuit Court, where many of our clients’ cases are resolved. Knowing how local prosecutors approach felony charges and how judges apply the sentencing guidelines is an advantage that matters at every stage of a case.

Our Approach to Every Felony Case

We’re trial-ready. That doesn’t mean every case goes to trial, but it does mean we prepare every case as if it might. Prosecutors know the difference between a defense team that’s prepared and one that isn’t, and that distinction affects how they approach plea negotiations. Our approach is also client-centered: you define your goals, and we provide honest guidance on the risks and options at each step. Some clients want to fight the charge; others want to minimize long-term consequences. Both are legitimate objectives, and we tailor our strategy accordingly.

Assert Your Right to Counsel Before You Say Anything

You have a constitutional right to have an attorney present during questioning. Exercising that right before investigators build their case is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make. In many felony cases, statements made in those early hours become the state’s primary evidence against the defendant. We work to protect you from that moment forward.

Schedule a Consultation with a Felony Defense Attorney in Corvallis

If you or someone you know is facing a felony charge, don’t wait to get legal counsel in place. The earlier we’re involved, the more options may be available to protect your rights, challenge the state’s evidence, and work toward the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

Don’t wait. Schedule an appointment at (541) 243-0678 to speak with a Corvallis felony defense lawyer from our firm today.