Murder

Oregon City Murder Defense Lawyers

Representing the Accused in Oregon City & the Portland Metro Area

Few criminal matters are as complex and high-stakes as cases involving accusations of murder. If you or someone you love has been accused of this crime, do not wait to contact Morrisson Law LLC. Every moment matters after an arrest, and the prosecution will do everything it can to secure a conviction. The sooner you have the guidance and advocacy of our highly experienced team, the better.

Discuss your situation and learn more about how our Oregon City murder defense lawyers can help you by scheduling a free case analysis. Call (971) 299-8747 or reach out online to request yours.

How Oregon & Washington Define Murder

Under Oregon law, murder exists in the category of “criminal homicide,” along with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and aggravated vehicular homicide.

There are three murder classifications, each with distinct penalties:

Murder in the second degree – This is the baseline murder charge in Oregon; it’s defined as the intentional killing of another person. It’s a Measure 11 offense, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Murder in the first degree – First-degree murder applies when a killing meets the definition of second-degree murder and involves one or more specific aggravating circumstances, such as soliciting someone to perform a murder, more than one victim being involved in the same criminal episode, or the victim being under the age of 14. A first-degree murder conviction carries a sentence of life imprisonment.
Aggravated murder – This is the most serious homicide charge under Oregon law. A person can be convicted of aggravated murder if they are to kill two or more people, a parole officer, a police officer, or a person under 14. Aggravated murder is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Washington law defines Murder in the first degree as intentionally causing the death of another person with premeditation, or causing a death during the commission of certain serious felonies. It can carry a life prison sentence.

Murder in the second degree covers intentional killings without premeditation, as well as deaths resulting from conduct that creates a grave risk of death to others. It can be punished by a minimum of 20 years in prison.

How We Can Help

Facing a murder charge does not mean a conviction is inevitable. Our team can work thoroughly and strategically on your behalf from the earliest stages of your case.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

Thorough case investigation – We can review all available evidence, whether physical, testimonial, or procedural, to identify inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Challenging the evidence – From forensic reports to witness statements, our team can scrutinize every element of the case against you and challenge what does not hold up.
Exploring all legal defenses – Depending on the facts, defenses may include self-defense, lack of intent, mistaken identity, constitutional violations during the investigation or arrest, and others.
Direct attorney access throughout – With us, you’ll work with our lawyers, from the first conversation through your case’s resolution. You won’t be passed off to assistants or rotating staff.
Strategic, results-focused representation – We build defense strategies around defined goals, whether that means pursuing dismissal, negotiating a reduction in charges, or fighting at trial.

Request a Free Case Analysis

If you or someone you care about has been charged with or is under investigation for murder in Oregon or Washington, reach out to Morrisson Law LLC as soon as possible. We offer free case analyses, during which you can speak confidentially with our team, share your story, ask questions, and learn what your options may be going forward.

Call (971) 299-8747 or reach out online to speak with our murder defense lawyers in Oregon City.

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A Higher Standard of Representation

When Everything Feels Uncertain, Here’s What You Can Count On

Clear communication, real experience, and a defense strategy built around your situation.

Client-Focused
Clear communication, confidentiality, and support when you need it most. We help you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect.
Extensive Experience
We have handled thousands of serious, high-stakes criminal cases across Oregon and Washington.
Direct Attorney Access

From your first call through the resolution of your case, you have consistent, personal access to the lawyer handling your defense.
We Provide Free Consultations
Learn how our defense lawyers can help during a free consult.

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