Portland & Clackamas Assault Attorneys- Aggressive Defense for Oregon Assault Charges

An assault charge in Oregon can change your life instantly. Whether the accusation happened in Portland, Clackamas County, or anywhere in the metro area, the consequences can include jail time, a permanent record, loss of rights, and long-term impacts on employment and family life.

At Oliveros Law Group, we defend clients across Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, and surrounding cities, including:

Assault charges are often based on emotion, limited evidence, or a single version of events. You need a defense attorney who can challenge the accusations, the process, and the assumptions made by police and prosecutors.

You still have options, and we’re here to protect your future.

Assault Charges in Oregon (Applied to Portland & Clackamas Courts)

Oregon’s assault laws apply the same statewide, but how your case is handled varies significantly by county.

Multnomah County (Portland) often focuses on:

  • Domestic-related Assault 4

  • “Victimless prosecutions” even when the complaining party doesn’t testify

  • Diversion possibilities in certain cases

Clackamas County tends to:

  • Charge assault more aggressively

  • Push for accountability and treatment programs

  • Move cases more quickly toward resolution

We adapt your defense strategy based on which courtroom, which judge, and which district attorney is handling the case.

Assault IV (Assault 4) – Oregon’s Most Common Assault Charge

Assault IV is often charged in situations involving arguments, misunderstandings, or heated moments especially in domestic settings. Assault IV is the most common charge we see in:

  • Portland police arrests

  • Clackamas County Sheriff arrests

  • Domestic-related disputes

  • Arguments that escalated

  • Incidents involving alcohol

Assault IV can be charged when prosecutors allege that:

  • You caused “physical injury” to another person, OR

  • You acted with criminal negligence using a weapon, OR

  • You knowingly assaulted a family or household member

Penalties for Assault IV:

  • Up to 1 year in jail

  • Up to $6,250 in fines

  • Mandatory domestic violence conditions (if applicable)

  • No-contact orders

  • Loss of firearm rights in domestic cases

Assault 4 is often defensible.

In many cases, police must make an arrest even when:

  • both people were involved

  • the wrong person was arrested

  • the alleged “injury” is minor

  • the incident was accidental

  • the evidence is unclear or incomplete

We analyze the 911 call, statements, photos, witness reports, prior relationship issues, and bodycam footage to determine the real story.

Assault II (Assault 2) – Serious Felony Often Seen in Clackamas County

Clackamas County DAs frequently push Assault II as a Measure 11 felony when:

  • A weapon is alleged

  • Serious injury is claimed

  • The incident involves a partner or family member

This is where early defense work is critical. You can be charged with Assault II if prosecutors claim you:

  • intentionally caused serious physical injury,

  • used a dangerous or deadly weapon, OR

  • recklessly caused serious injury under circumstances showing “extreme indifference to human life.”

Penalties for Assault II:

  • 70 months mandatory prison (Measure 11)

  • Felony conviction

  • Long-term supervision

  • Loss of firearm rights

  • Immigration consequences for noncitizens

These cases require aggressive investigation, expert review, and immediate strategic defense.

Assault III (Assault 3) – Often Charged Involving Officers or Vulnerable Individuals

Assault III often involves:

  • Alleged injury to police

  • Injury caused with reckless behavior

  • Injury to public transportation employees

  • Assault involving a child

It is frequently overcharged, especially when injuries are minor or inconsistent with statements.

Penalties:

  • Felony conviction

  • Potential prison time

  • Probation and fines

Assault 3 is one of the most defensible felony assault charges, especially when evidence is unclear or contradicts the narrative.

Measure 11 Assault – Portland vs. Clackamas

Portland can sometimes reduce Measure 11 charges through:

  • treatment-based alternatives

  • victim-supported resolutions

  • plea negotiations

Clackamas County prosecutors tend to be more rigid.

Your defense strategy must account for local prosecution culture, and we know exactly how to approach it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. In Oregon, only the district attorney can decide whether to drop or continue assault charges. Even if the alleged victim wants the case dismissed or recants their statement, prosecutors often continue the case—especially in domestic-related allegations.

  • At arraignment, the judge will formally read your charges, set release conditions, and issue a No Contact Order if the case involves a domestic or interpersonal relationship. You are not expected to argue the case at this stage, but having an attorney present can influence conditions and bail decisions.

  • In most Portland and Clackamas cases, Yes. Judges almost always impose a No Contact Order, which can affect where you live and whether you can return home. Your attorney can later request modifications or removal.

  • Assault 4 can be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on injuries, prior convictions, and whether a domestic relationship is involved. Penalties can include probation, jail time, fines, treatment programs, and a restraining order. Felony Assault 4 carries significantly higher consequences.

  • Some Assault 4 convictions cannot be expunged, especially if they involve domestic violence. However, dismissals, acquittals, and certain non-DV assault charges may be eligible. Eligibility depends on your criminal history and how the case resolves.

    • Assault 4 – lower-level assault, often involving minor injuries

    • Assault 3 – felony; involves serious injury or specific victim types (e.g., transit operator)

    • Assault 2 – felony; can be Measure 11, involving serious physical injury or a weapon

    Understanding the specific charge is critical for building a defense.

  • Yes. Oregon law allows reasonable force for self-defense. Evidence of mutual combat, initial aggression, past threats, or protecting others can strengthen a self-defense argument.

  • Anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on whether the case goes to trial, the complexity of evidence, and county caseload (Multnomah is generally slower than Clackamas).

  • Yes. Both misdemeanor and felony assault convictions can affect your ability to possess firearms—especially domestic violence-related offenses. Your attorney should address this early if gun rights matter in your case.

  • No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say before or after arrest can be used against you. Politely ask for an attorney and avoid giving statements without legal counsel present.

  • Mistaken identity, inconsistent statements, and unclear witness accounts are extremely common in assault arrests. Your attorney can challenge the evidence and obtain bodycam footage to correct the record.

  • Yes and assault charges (even dismissed ones) can appear on background checks unless they are expunged.

  • Intoxication typically does not excuse the conduct, but it can affect intent, witness credibility, and the way the incident is interpreted. This can create leverage for reductions or dismissals.

Why Clients Across Portland & Clackamas Choose Oliveros Law Group

With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, Greg Oliveros is known for his strong courtroom presence, strategic case preparation, and deep understanding of how Oregon prosecutors build assault cases. Greg leads a dedicated legal team that has helped countless people across Portland and Clackamas County navigate charges involving:

We understand that an arrest can affect your job, your family, your reputation, and your entire future. Our job is to minimize those impacts and build the strongest possible strategy so you can move forward.

Every case receives personalized attention, honest guidance, and a defense built around the facts, your goals, and the realities of the courtroom.

“Greg and his team are absolutely terrific. Hire him. He represented my wife in a difficult proceeding against her abusive ex and crushed him and his far less prepared attorney.”
— David Ellison, April 2025

Take the Next Step

If you're facing assault charges in Portland, Clackamas County, or anywhere in the Oregon metro area, reach out for help immediately. Early strategy makes all the difference. Call us at 503-335-3800 or fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch to help.

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