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Bend Felony Defense Attorney
Defending Your Rights with 50 Years of Combined Experience
At Ward Grover, our team of dedicated felony defense attorneys in Bend brings over 50 years of combined experience to advocate for individuals facing serious charges. We understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and are committed to providing tailored strategies that effectively defend your rights. Our approach is centered on personalization and strategic planning, ensuring that every client receives the thorough defense they deserve.
Your freedom is on the line—Don’t wait to defend yourself! A dedicated Bend felony defense attorney is ready to fight for you. Schedule your FREE consultation today—call (541) 312-5150 or contact us online now!
Understanding Felony Charges in Oregon
In Oregon, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies being the most serious offenses. Felonies are punishable by more than a year in prison and can carry additional penalties, including probation, fines, and long-term restrictions on employment and civil rights. A Bend felony defense lawyer represents clients facing these charges, ensuring they receive fair treatment in the legal system.
Felonies are divided into three categories:
- Class A Felonies – The most serious classification, carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $375,000. Examples include murder, first-degree robbery, and certain sex crimes.
- Class B Felonies – These offenses carry up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. Examples include assault, drug distribution, and burglary.
- Class C Felonies – The least severe felony classification, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines reaching $125,000. Common offenses include theft, drug possession, and some white-collar crimes.
A Bend felony defense attorney assesses the specifics of each case to determine the most effective defense strategy based on the nature of the charges and available evidence.
Common Felony Charges and Their Consequences
Felony charges vary widely, and each case presents unique challenges. Some of the most common felony cases include:
- Drug-Related Felonies – Possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances can lead to severe penalties, particularly when large quantities or firearms are involved.
- Violent Crimes – Assault, manslaughter, and homicide carry significant prison sentences and often result in enhanced charges if a weapon was used.
- Sex Crimes – Charges such as rape, sexual abuse, and child exploitation can result in mandatory registration as a sex offender, in addition to lengthy prison sentences.
- Theft and Property Crimes – Burglary, robbery, and embezzlement can be charged as felonies, especially when large sums of money or valuable property are involved.
- White-Collar Crimes – Fraud, money laundering, and identity theft are taken seriously by state and federal authorities, leading to aggressive prosecution.
The Local Landscape: Felony Defense in Bend
Bend is known for its vibrant community and scenic landscapes, but like any city, it also faces its share of criminal activity. Felony cases in the region often involve unique factors like local law enforcement practices and community-specific issues. Our firm takes these local nuances into account when developing defense strategies.
Moreover, the Deschutes County Circuit Court, where many felony cases are adjudicated, has specific protocols and legal precedents that can impact the outcome of cases. Our in-depth knowledge of the local court system is an invaluable asset, as it allows us to anticipate challenges and craft effective defenses tailored to the local judicial climate.
Our involvement with local legal professionals and community resources offers additional support to our strategic initiatives. By cultivating relationships with local investigators, experts, and other legal professionals, we enhance our ability to obtain insights and gather evidence that may not be readily accessible. This network not only enriches our preparations but also strengthens our cases through comprehensive, local-focused support.
Tailored Defense Strategies & Zealous Representation
Each felony case requires a unique approach tailored to its specific circumstances. Our team conducts in-depth case analysis to uncover critical details that could be pivotal in a defense strategy. By investigating every aspect of a client's situation, we construct a defense that is both comprehensive and customized.
Our attorneys are skilled at negotiating with prosecutors, presenting compelling evidence, and cross-examining witnesses to challenge the prosecution's claims. We work tirelessly to achieve outcomes that align with our clients' best interests, always striving for a fair and just resolution.
- In-Depth Case Analysis: We leave no stone unturned in examining all facets of your case.
- Strategic Defense Development: Tailored strategies take into account every detail and potential outcome.
- Robust Court Representation: We advocate vigorously for your rights in the courtroom.
Collaboration plays a pivotal role in our defense strategies. By actively involving our clients, we ensure that their perspectives and experiences shape the defense approach. This collaborative process not only provides clients with a sense of control and involvement but also unearths personal insights that may contribute to a more dynamic and informed strategy. We also value the input from character witnesses who can attest to our clients' standing within their community, which can further humanize them in the eyes of the court.
Contact Our Dedicated Team Now
Facing felony charges is daunting, but with the right legal team by your side, you can navigate these turbulent waters with confidence. At Ward Grover, our experienced attorneys are here to provide the strategic guidance and zealous representation you need. We invite you to contact us at the earliest opportunity to safeguard your future and explore the best possible defense options.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (541) 312-5150 or filling out this online form today. Let us stand by you from the start to ensure your rights are vigorously defended.
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Cases We Handle
Focused on Criminal Defense
Commonly Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Am Charged with a Felony in Bend?
If you are charged with a felony, it is crucial to remain calm and contact a felony defense attorney in Bend immediately. Avoid discussing details of your case with anyone but your lawyer. Document any interactions related to your arrest and gather potential evidence such as witness contact information. Early involvement with a skilled attorney can significantly impact the direction and outcome of your case.
How Does the Oregon Criminal Justice System Handle Felonies?
In Oregon, felonies are handled in the circuit courts with proceedings divided into several stages: arraignment, pre-trial motions, trial, and sentencing. Each stage offers opportunities to challenge the prosecutor's case, negotiate plea deals, or even seek dismissal of charges. Navigating these stages requires strategic legal guidance from an experienced defense team familiar with Oregon's legal system.
Can Felony Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, felony charges can potentially be reduced or dismissed, though this depends on the specifics of the case. Factors like evidence strength, legality of law enforcement actions, and witness credibility are pivotal. A strong legal strategy crafted by a seasoned felony criminal defense lawyer in Bend can explore these aspects to improve your case's standing, aiming for a lesser charge or full dismissal.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Felony Conviction?
A felony conviction can influence various aspects of your life, from employment and housing opportunities to voting rights and professional licenses. These convictions can remain on your record indefinitely, complicating interactions with financial and governmental institutions. Seeking early intervention with a dedicated defense attorney is crucial to mitigate these lasting impacts and protect your future.
Early Engagement: The Importance of Quick Action
When facing felony charges, time is of the essence. Engaging with a skilled felony criminal defense lawyer in Bend at the earliest opportunity allows for more extensive defense preparation. Early involvement enables us to gather evidence, secure witnesses, and explore all potential legal avenues that may strengthen your defense.
Our commitment to early engagement ensures that we can offer the most robust defense possible, maximizing your chances for a favorable outcome. At Ward Grover, we urge anyone facing a felony charge to seek legal consultation immediately to protect their rights from the outset.
Proactively addressing legal challenges from the start significantly impacts the direction a case may take. When accessed early, our legal team can utilize pre-trial intervention possibilities and negotiate alternative sentencing options, which might not be available later in the legal process. Moreover, beginning our defense efforts promptly allows us to counteract any negative public perceptions or media portrayals that could influence judicial outcomes.
How Do I Choose the Right Felony Defense Attorney in Bend?
Choosing the right lawyer involves assessing their experience, focus on personal criminal defense cases, and local knowledge of Bend and Oregon's legal landscape. Ward Grover offers extensive experience and a client-centered approach, making us a preferred choice for many in our community. We stand ready to defend your rights and provide strategic guidance every step of the way.
A felony conviction can change your life. Our experienced Bend felony defense attorney will aggressively defend your case. Call (541) 312-5150 now or reach out online for a FREE consultation!
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Why Choose Ward Grover?
Committed, Zealous & Compassionate Representation
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Known in the Community as a Trusted Law Firm
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We Provide Personal Attention to Every Client
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We Handle Cases at Both State and Federal Levels
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Our Team Consists of Criminal Defense Specialists
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Our Firm Is Focused on Criminal Defense
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We Have over 50 Years of Combined Experience
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Client Success Stories
Read How We Have Helped Others
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Attorney Justice Kelley was amazing defending me in Court on October 24, 2024. He was well-prepared and well-versed in case law during our proceedings. He was able to have my case dismissed immediately. Being a new Attorney in Deschutes County, I had the honor of being his first case here. Congratulations Counselor.- Bill M.
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I retained Shelby for a very old case. This case was almost 25 years old! I had a felony warrant for a theft in the 1st degree . I am currently finishing up my last year of nursing school and also live out of state and was unable to appear in Oregon.- Former Client
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I contacted Erick Ward long before there were actual charges filed. This was the best decision I could have made. Having Ericks’ advice early on prevented us from making some naïve errors in our case. Later; Erick, Shelby, and Todd all worked together to deliver the best outcome to our case. This was a long, hard, process, but I never doubted that we had the best legal team working on our behalf.- S.K.
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When you are initially arrested, it can be the scariest moment of your life. What's even worse is when you get released on bail and have an upcoming court case. I had no idea what to do. That is where Erick Ward came in. His calm demeanor and wealth of knowledge and resources have been invaluable. He was there for me every step of the way and I felt a calmness that everything would be okay when working with him. If you are facing legal troubles, I would recommend Mr. Ward to you without hesitation. He will be your biggest advocate and help you through one of the toughest moments of your life.
- Cody Fortune -
Shelby and her awesome team helped my Son out of a very scary situation. She was honest, responsive and helped keep us calm through the whole process. I would recommend her to anyone who finds themselves in trouble, feeling helpless and scared. She will fight for you and do her best to get you the best outcome for whatever troubles you may be facing.- C.B.
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Erick Ward was recommended to me by another attorney due to the nature and complexity of my case. I was very fortunate for the referral and from the very start, Erick was kind, professional, patient, understanding and non-judgemental. He really wanted a- Former Client
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I can't speak highly enough of Erick Ward's ability, communication, patience, and professionalism. I had a tenant complaint made against me that we both knew was a frivolous case and never should have been filed. It was dismissed, but only after Erick's ability to communicate in a professional manner the obvious reasons to the prosecutor. Keeping me under wraps was his biggest challenge; he handled it well!!! I was so thankful and proud to show up with him in court. Highly recommend.- K.R.
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You helped me come back from something that I thought was a hopeless situation.- D.T.