Oregon Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Oregon Criminal Statute of Limitations

The following sets forth a description of a particular crime or infraction, followed by the time period following such crime within which a legal action can be initiated in Oregon.

Oregon Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

Oregon organizes misdemeanor offenses into four different categories: Class A, B, C, and unclassified misdemeanors.

Oregon Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

In Oregon, felony offenses are categorized as either Class A, B, or C felonies, or unclassified felonies.

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Oregon

In Oregon, the process of expunging a criminal record is called “expunction” or “setting aside.” If your record is set aside, it will no longer be visible to the general public, including potential employers. In most cases, you may say that you were never arrested or convicted of a crime.

Driving on a Suspended License in Oregon

Many driving offenses and convictions will result in your license being suspended or revoked in Oregon. If you drive while your license is suspended or revoked, you could be charged with a crime.

Oregon Minor in Possession of Alcohol: Laws & Penalties

A minor in Oregon may not buy (or attempt to buy) alcohol, or have alcohol in the minor’s possession. It is also illegal for a minor to enter an establishment licensed to sell alcohol (for example, a bar or night club) that does not allow minors.

Oregon Public Intoxication Laws

Oregon has no law against public intoxication. Like many states, Oregon treats public intoxication as a public health problem, not a crime.

Oregon Petty and Felony Theft Laws

Like most other states, Oregon classifies theft offenses according to the value of the property taken -- and sometimes by the circumstances surrounding the theft. Let’s take a closer look at each level of theft in Oregon.

Auto Theft Laws in Oregon

Oregon law criminalizes motor vehicle theft, joyriding, failing to return a rental car, and carjacking. Most of the time, these crimes are punishable by up to five years in prison.

Weapons Charges in Oregon

Learn about Oregon’s laws that prohibit possession, concealed carrying, or use of guns or other dangerous weapons by certain people and in certain situations.

Assault in the First Degree in Oregon

Oregon recognizes four levels (degrees) of assault. Assault in the first degree is the most serious form of assault in Oregon.

Assault in the Second and Third Degree in Oregon

Oregon recognizes four levels – or degrees – of assault. Second and third degree assault are felonies, which involve physical or serious physical injury and may involve the use of a dangerous or deadly weapon.

Assault in the Fourth Degree in Oregon

Oregon recognizes four levels – or degrees – of assault. Assault in the fourth degree is the least serious assault offense under Oregon law.

Oregon Domestic Violence Laws

While some states have separate laws for domestic violence and criminal assault, Oregon does not make that distinction. Domestic violence crimes in Oregon fall under the laws governing general assault.

Teen Sexting in Oregon

While the private and non-commercial sharing of nude images between adults is not necessarily illegal, teenagers in Oregon who share nude or sexual images of children under the age of 18 may be prosecuted under child pornography laws.

Oregon Statutory Rape Laws

In Oregon, it is illegal for an adult (someone 18 or older) to have sex with a minor (someone younger than 18), even if the sex is consensual. Those who break the law have committed statutory rape.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Oregon

Pandering basically involves a situation where one individual acts on behalf of another person in arranging for prostitution services. As a result of serving as an agent, the person receives money or something of value.