In Oregon, felonies are crimes that are punishable by more than a year in state prison. Oregon law categorizes felonies as either Class A, B, or C felonies, or unclassified felonies that do not fall into one of the other three classes. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.525, 161.535 (2019).)
Less serious crimes (misdemeanors) are punishable by up to 364 days in jail. For information on misdemeanors in Oregon, see Oregon Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences.
Class A felonies in Oregon are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of as much as $375,000, or both. For example, assault in the first degree is a Class A felony. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.605, 161.625 (2019).)
In Oregon, Class B felonies are punishable by as many as ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. In Oregon, possession of an unregistered machine gun is a Class B felony. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.605, 161.625 (2019).)
A conviction for a Class C felony in Oregon can result in a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of as much as $125,000, or both. Joyriding, called unauthorized use of a vehicle in Oregon, is an example of a Class C felony. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.605, 161.625 (2019).)
In Oregon, some felonies are unclassified, and each unclassified offense has its own maximum sentence associated with it. For example, someone convicted of the unclassified felony of aggravated murder faces death or life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole, and a fine of up to $500,000. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.535, 161.625, 163.105 (2019).)
Oregon, like most states, limits how long prosecutors have to file criminal charges. The law that imposes this time limit is known as the statute of limitations. It serves as a countdown timer and begins as soon as someone commits a crime. Prosecutors have to file criminal charges within the specified time limit or they cannot do so later.
In Oregon, the most serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter have no time limits associated with them. Other felony offenses have statutes of limitations of three, four, six, or 12 years, depending on the crime. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 131.125 (2019).)
If you are convicted of a felony offense in the state of Oregon, you face the possibility of a large fine and a very long prison sentence. If you are charged with a crime, you should speak with an Oregon criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Only a lawyer who has experience dealing with criminal cases in the local courts and who has negotiated with local prosecutors can give you advice about your case.