Best Criminal Lawyer in Oregon
MacDaniel E. Reynolds
Criminal Lawyer
I’ve been described as a person who has a love for others. Another described me as someone who leads with my whole heart, and someone who isn’t afraid to let my humanity shine. As you may know, one of the reasons I started Reynolds Defense Firm is because I’m passionate about helping others. There’s a level of empathy and consideration that was missing from the legal field when I was arrested over 20 years ago for a DUI, and while that experience was traumatic, it lingered and propelled me forward when it could’ve easily hindered my growth. That lingering feeling is what drove me to pick myself up, learn from my mistake, and go to law school. It’s what carried me to take the Oregon State Bar Exam. Above all, it is one of the biggest influences that helps me provide the best service and solutions for my clients.
While it’s strange for me to talk about myself, I think it’s important for you to meet the individual who is more than my job title as a business owner. There’s more to the person who you might hear on the radio or even sit down with in my conference room. At the end of the day, I serve and employ those who I trust. When you come to my office, you are stepping into an establishment that is built and run by the talented professionals I trust with your well-being and my reputation. The lessons and people I engage with at my firm help me to be a better father, husband, leader and defender of the good people who need my team’s help.
It is a little startling to me when I add it up, but for almost 20 years now, I’ve specialized in Oregon criminal law – I served nearly five years as a prosecutor and I’m now starting my 14th year as a criminal defense attorney.Before my career as an attorney and business owner, I earned an Associate in Applied Science and Environmental Technology at Paul Smith’s College in 1992. Soon after in 1995, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Engineering from SUNY ESF at Syracuse University. After graduating from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College, I began my law career as a prosecutor in Multnomah County.As a deputy district attorney, the sheer volume of cases in Multnomah County was and still is staggering. During my time there, I took hundreds of cases to trial, and I negotiated and made charging decisions on literally thousands of cases. My office was located in a police precinct for two years, and on a daily basis I advised and trained police officers on how to legally conduct criminal investigations and to make arrests.Now specializing as a Portland DUII defense attorney, I still draw on this experience and knowledge every day. I understand how a prosecutor will react in most given situations because I’ve been in their shoes. I understand how to read between the lines in police reports because I’ve trained officers on writing reports. Most importantly, I understand how to use this knowledge to help the people my firm represents.
Jared Justice
Criminal Lawyer
Jared Justice is an experienced defense attorney specializing in DUI and criminal defense cases in courts throughout the Portland metro area. Jared was raised in the Oregon City and Canby area of Clackamas County before attaining his law degree from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, in Lansing, MI. in 2008. While in school, he worked as an extern in the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s office, where he gained a wealth of experience helping people overcome misdemeanor and felony allegations.
Jared opened his practice in 2009. Over the years Mr. Justice has defended numerous clients with charges ranging from petty misdemeanors to serious measure 11 felonies. Through regimented practice and a passionate dedication to his clients, Jared Justice has helped people from all walks of life obtain the victories that they deserve. Whether it is fighting unlawful government conduct or credibly presenting the case to a jury, Jared’s ability to advocate for his clients is outstanding.
Mr. Justice bases his criminal defense and DUI practice in Clackamas County and the surrounding municipal courts (West Linn, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Canby, and Oregon City). This allows him to dedicate more time to his clients rather than allocating time for traveling. But for the right case and the right client, Jared Justice will occasionally travel.
Jared is a highly rated criminal defense and DUI lawyer in the Portland area who delivers accessible representation, extensive research and preparation, responsive communication, and effective resolutions year after year.
Rhett Bernstein
Criminal Lawyer
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Rhett L. Bernstein received his Juris Doctorate from the Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College, with a specialized certificate in criminal law and procedure. During law school, he clerked for the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office and Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Thom. He later prosecuted major felonies as a deputy district attorney in the Willamette Valley, before founding his law firm in the Portland area in 2005.
Rhett’s Law Practice
Rhett Bernstein represents individuals and families with criminal defense representation, estate planning and probate matters. He helps families organize their estates through the creation of wills, trusts, power of attorney documents and living wills. After the passing of a loved one, he can also help navigate the probate process, from handling small estates to full-blown probate.
Our firm has also handled clients charged with the most serious of criminal charges, such as aggravated murder, Jessica’s Law sexual-abuse allegations and those facing Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences.
Civic Minded Lawyer
Rhett L. Bernstein has provided prosecutorial services to various municipalities, including the cities of West Linn, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, and Milwaukie. In 2013, Rhett was elected Municipal Court Judge for the City of West Linn.
Rhett L. Bernstein prides himself on honest, clear communication that helps his clients quickly find empowerment by understanding their options. Clients can look forward to accessible representation, vigorous preparation, efficient conclusions and effective resolutions based on years of litigation and estate-planning experience.
Blake Dore
Criminal Lawyer
For most of my life I’ve worked in helping professions. Before I came to the law I worked for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. I helped people get food stamps; I signed them up for reduced-cost childcare; I made sure they got the benefits that kept them from falling through the cracks.
I first felt the calling to become an attorney when an elderly gentleman called me looking for help. He’d been wrongly denied benefits in the past but that was only the beginning of his problems. He faced legal problems – criminal charges and eviction – and he couldn’t find anyone to help him. I wanted to help him but couldn’t. I felt that if I were an attorney I could truly help people in dire straits.
A short while later, I enrolled in law school. Even before I was an attorney I continued working to help others. During law school I worked as intern with the Oregon Department of Justice helping to get kids away from abusive situations. When an opportunity arose to directly help people – through criminal defense work – I jumped at it.
I have years and more than 60 jury trials worth of experience that I can bring to your case. Let me help you find the best outcome for your problem. Everyone needs a good attorney – let me be yours.
Education
- Lewis & Clark Law School, 2007
- Lewis & Clark College, B.A. in International Affairs
Bar Admissions
- Washington, 2007 #39714
- Oregon, 2011 #110386
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
Professional Associations
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Washington Defender Association
- Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Chris Trotter
Criminal Lawyer
Providing high-quality legal representation to every client is Chris Trotter’s first priority. With a strong academic background and extensive trial experience, he is able to help clients navigate their way through the often complex and confusing legal system. It can be very intimidating to get involved in the legal system, particularly when facing criminal charges. Specializing in the areas of criminal defense, expungements, DUI law, gun rights litigation, and protective orders, Chris can provide you or your loved one with excellent and aggressive legal representation in Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Salem, Clackamas County, and the surrounding areas.
Chris has experience as both a criminal defense lawyer and in the prosecution unit. Chris worked for the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for two years, working in the criminal prosecution unit. He has litigated hundreds of cases in circuit and municipal courts all over Oregon. He has substantial experience representing clients at jury and bench trials, motion hearings, arraignments, pretrial conferences, change of plea hearings, and probation violation hearings on both sides of the aisle. As a Hillsboro DUI and criminal defense lawyer, this experience has proven to be very beneficial for his clients.
Chris has successfully defended many clients, including receiving “Not Guilty” verdicts at trial for felony and misdemeanor cases in Portland and multiple jurisdictions around the state of Oregon. He has experience representing clients facing all kinds of criminal charges, including shoplifting, DUI, domestic violence, drug possession/distribution, identity theft, sexual abuse, unlawful use of a weapon, robbery, assault, manslaughter, and many other crimes.
A case handled by Chris was the subject of an article published in the April/May 2016 edition of “The Oregon Defense Attorney.” He was selected as a “Rising Star” in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and again in 2022 by SuperLawyers.com. This sets Chris apart from the other Oregon DUI attorneys and criminal defense lawyers. Chris was also named one of the Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys Under 40 in Oregon by the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. So we aren’t the only ones saying Chris is one of the top DUI defense lawyers and criminal defense attorneys in Hillsboro.
As a bilingual Hillsboro DUI lawyer and criminal defense attorney near Portland, Chris represents many clients whose primary language is Spanish. For these clients, having a Spanish-speaking attorney is very important. There is no substitute for receiving clear communication in your native language.
Justin Rosas
Criminal Lawyer
As soon as I started work as a trial attorney at Southern Oregon Public Defenders in 2007, I knew I had found my calling. I relished helping others through tough situations and paying attention to detail as I work. Questioning witnesses is an amazing experience. Closing arguments make me come alive.
I moved up into one of the top spots at SOPD quickly and have had great results in trial, motions practice and negotiations, beginning with my first jury trial.
Having represented people in over 3,000 cases, the breadth of experience I bring to the table is a direct benefit for my clients. I have appeared in court and trial for countless days in a storied career.
Pushing for better resolutions for those with mental illness, becoming adept at hiring and choosing experts, working hard on filing and arguing motions to suppress evidence, and becoming a passionate member of the legal community here in the Rogue Valley and throughout Oregon, I want to let my work ethic benefit you. I have served on a number of committees and boards here in the Valley and across the State.
None of this can guarantee a particular result in your case but it provides a backbone of experience and understanding that will be brought to every case I litigate. I was endorsed within two months for the position of co-counsel in a Murder case that went to trial and came out as a win for our client with a not guilty on the Murder charge and a conviction for Second Degree Manslaughter.
The biggest lessons in life, though, are often learned in periods of doubt. I have had experience with the underside of the criminal justice system in my youth and have felt the sting of prosecution borne from an illegal search. I gained invaluable insight into the system during that experience. I also understood the value of outstanding legal counsel – without it all of my work and effort would have been misspent by poor decisions of my youth. That perspective allows me to connect more meaningfully with clients and motivates me to understand the law and be able to communicate that understanding to my clients.
Christopher Missiaen
Criminal Lawyer
I am a criminal defense attorney located in Southern Oregon. I started my own law office in 2015 after working for seven years as an attorney for Southern Oregon Public Defender in Jackson County.
As a criminal defense attorney, I have handled thousands of criminal cases. I have represented clients on charges of Murder, DUI, Disorderly Conduct, and everything in-between. I have taken approximately 75 criminal cases to a jury trial. I have earned a reputation with my clients, the court, prosecutors, my colleagues, and law enforcement as a dedicated criminal defense attorney who is always willing to stand up for my clients.
I earned my law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law in 2005. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz in 1995.
I am originally from Washington, D.C., and now live with my wife and daughters in Medford, Oregon.
About my last name: it is pronounced “mĭ·shôn” or “mih-shawn.” The name is Flemish, which means that it originates from Flanders – the Northern part of Belgium.
ANDY GREEN
Criminal Lawyer
I understand that you would rather not have to come to me for help. Nobody wants to have to deal with a DUI or other criminal charges. I can’t undo what has happened, however, I can make dealing with it much easier.
When I represent you, you can be sure that a true professional is advocating on your behalf. I am well-spoken which is important because I represent you in dealing with the legal system. I will keep the lines of communication open during your case. Correspondingly, I will make sure to return phone calls and reply to e-mails as quickly as possible. I will do what you ask me to do and give you guidance on what I believe to be the best course of action. My job as your attorney is to do everything possible to obtain the best outcome. Furthermore, my commitment to ethical representation and hard work has earned me the respect of others in the courtroom.
In the event that your case does require a trip to court, I have the courtroom experience you need. Before I opened my law practice, I worked for the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. In that position, the courtroom was my home, and trial became second nature to me. Additionally, as a Portland DUI attorney, I’ve successfully argued, and obtained not guilty verdicts in courtrooms all over the state.
ANDY GREEN: PORTLAND, OREGON
A lifelong Oregon resident, Andy attended Portland State University and graduated cum laude with a degree in Communication Studies. Andy Received his law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.
While in law school, Andy worked at the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office, where he gained valuable courtroom and trial experience. Upon graduation, Andy took a position at a Portland law firm that had him making court appearances all over the state.
Navigating Oregon’s Legal Landscape: Why You Need a Top Criminal Lawyer
Facing criminal charges in Oregon, the “Beaver State,” can feel like traversing the Columbia River Gorge – breathtaking yet potentially treacherous. The legal system, while striving for fairness, can be intricate and unforgiving. Here’s why securing a top-tier criminal lawyer in Oregon is crucial for protecting your freedom and achieving the best possible outcome:
1. Championing Your Rights Under Oregon Law:
Your fundamental rights are paramount:
- Protecting Your Constitutional Rights: The best criminal attorneys in Oregon are dedicated to protecting your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They ensure that law enforcement and prosecutors adhere to proper procedures, such as respecting your right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. They will challenge any violations of your rights and work to exclude any unlawfully obtained evidence from being used against you. (OR.gov)
2. Untangling the Legal Maze:
Oregon has its own unique set of criminal codes, statutes, and court decisions. A top-tier criminal lawyer licensed in Oregon possesses in-depth understanding of these nuances:
- Decoding Legal Complexities: They can meticulously analyze your case within the framework of the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and interpret key court rulings that may influence the prosecution’s strategy and your potential defenses.
- Staying Current on Legal Developments: The legal landscape is constantly evolving. Your lawyer actively monitors changes in Oregon criminal law, ensuring your defense strategy reflects the most up-to-date legal principles and leverages any recent rulings that could benefit your case.
3. Expertise You Can Trust:
Look for an attorney with a proven track record:
- Serious Consequences, Serious Representation: Criminal charges can have severe consequences, including imprisonment, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. The best criminal lawyers are skilled in minimizing the potential consequences for their clients and, if possible, obtaining favorable outcomes. Their extensive experience allows them to navigate complex cases effectively.
4. Local Knowledge is Power:
Laws and procedures can vary:
- Understanding Local Nuances: Hiring a local criminal lawyer in Oregon ensures they are familiar with the specific laws and court procedures applicable in your jurisdiction. They will have experience working with local prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement agencies, giving them valuable insights into how the system operates in Oregon.
5. Building a Strong Defense Through Strategic Planning:
A top criminal lawyer in Oregon doesn’t wait for the prosecution to make a move:
- Thorough Case Evaluation: They will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case, meticulously analyzing the evidence, witness statements, and any potential legal issues. They will identify strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and gather evidence to support your defense.
6. Powerful Advocacy When You Need It Most:
Skilled representation can make a significant difference:
- Trial-Ready Attorneys: The best criminal lawyers in Oregon have extensive courtroom experience, including knowledge of trial strategies, effective presentation skills, and the ability to cross-examine witnesses. They will fight vigorously to defend your rights and interests in the courtroom.
7. Support and Guidance During a Difficult Time:
The legal process can be emotionally draining:
- Understanding and Empathy: The best criminal lawyers in Oregon not only provide legal representation but also offer support and guidance throughout the process. They will explain your options, answer your questions, and offer reassurance, helping you navigate the legal system with confidence.