Criminal Defense Services

At Prodigal Law, our experienced criminal defense team proudly serve clients throughout Oregon. With deep knowledge of the local courts in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Portland, and surrounding communities, we provide aggressive, personalized representation for individuals facing criminal charges. Whether your case involves a minor misdemeanor or a life-altering felony, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights, freedom, reputation, and future. From pretrial negotiations and diversion programs to full trials and appeals, our team leverages insider understanding of Washington County prosecutors, judges, and procedures to deliver results.

We handle a wide range of criminal matters, from clearing past records through expungements to defending individuals against serious felony allegations. Whether you are dealing with a first-time misdemeanor or a complex measure 11 case, we apply the same high standard of legal excellence and personal attention to your defense.

Don’t face these charges alone.

Misdemeanor Defense

Misdemeanors in Oregon are serious offenses that can lead to up to one year in jail, substantial fines (up to $6,250 for Class A), probation, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, and more. Many clients believe a “minor” charge won’t have lasting impact—until it does. We have successfully defended hundreds of misdemeanor cases in Washington County, often securing dismissals, reductions, or diversion that keeps your record clean.

Our strategies include challenging evidence, negotiating plea deals, pursuing diversion (especially for first-time DUII or drug-related charges), and litigating aggressively when needed. Many cases never reach conviction.

Common Oregon Misdemeanors

DUII (Misdemeanor)
Reckless Driving
Theft in the Second or Third Degree
Disorderly Conduct
Assault in the Fourth Degree
Harassment
Menacing
Resisting Arrest
Minor Drug Possession
Domestic Violence Misdemeanors

Felony Defense

Felonies in Oregon carry devastating consequences: years in state prison, fines up to $375,000, mandatory minimum sentences, loss of rights (voting, firearms, professional licenses), and lifelong stigma. Washington County prosecutors pursue these cases vigorously, but our firm has a proven track record of reducing felonies to misdemeanors, securing acquittals, or negotiating alternative sentences that avoid prison.

Our approach includes thorough investigation, expert witnesses, suppression of illegally obtained evidence, and skilled negotiation with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. We also advocate for alternative sentencing, treatment courts, and probation where appropriate.

Common Oregon Felonies

Felony DUII
Assault in the First, Second or Third Degree
Strangulation
Burglary
Robbery
Theft I
Identity Theft
Drug Delivery or Manufacture
Weapon Offenses
Domestic Violence Felonies
Sex Offenses
Measure 11 Offenses

Expungements
Clear Your Record

Even after you’ve served your sentence, a criminal conviction or arrest record can quietly close doors for years—blocking jobs, housing, professional licenses, student loans, and even firearm rights. In Oregon, a successful “set-aside” (the legal term for expungement under ORS 137.225) changes that. Once granted by the court, the conviction or arrest is sealed from public view. In the eyes of the law, it never happened, allowing you to truthfully answer “no” on most employment, rental, licensing, and background-check forms.

At Prodigal Law, our criminal defense team has helped numerous clients throughout Oregon clear their records and reclaim their futures. We stay current on Oregon’s expanded expungement laws (including the major 2022 reforms that shortened waiting periods and opened eligibility for more offenses) and know exactly how Washington County Circuit Court judges and the District Attorney’s Office handle these petitions.

We Regularly Help Clients Set Aside:

Most misdemeanor convictions (Assault 4, Theft 2 & 3, Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Driving, etc.)
Eligible felony convictions (many Class C felonies and non-violent Class B felonies)
Arrest records and charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Older marijuana possession and certain drug-related offenses

Life-Changing Benefits Include:

Dramatically improved employment and housing opportunities
Eligibility for professional and occupational licenses
Restoration of firearm rights in many cases
Peace of mind and the ability to move forward without stigma

Our Proven Process We begin with a free, confidential eligibility review of your full criminal history. Then we handle every detail: ordering official records, preparing the motion and supporting affidavits, serving the Washington County District Attorney, and representing you at any required hearing. Because timing, paperwork, and local court procedure matter, having an experienced Hillsboro-area attorney dramatically increases the likelihood of success.

Ready for a clean slate?

Schedule your free set-aside consultation today. We’ll tell you exactly which parts of your record can be cleared and guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Your second chance starts with one call.

Note: Eligibility for a set-aside is determined by specific Oregon statutes and your complete criminal history.

Next Steps

The road to resolution starts with a single conversation. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific charges, explore expungement options, and get answers to your most pressing questions.

SCHEDULE CONSULTATION

DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting Prodigal Law does not create an attorney–client relationship until formally agreed upon in writing.