Hillsboro · Portland, Oregon
Oregon Felony Defense Attorney — Experience That Puts You in the Best Position to Win
Felonies are the most serious criminal charges in Oregon’s courts. A conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent record, and consequences that reshape every aspect of your life. Casey Kovacic brings the courtroom experience and legal knowledge necessary to fight for the best possible outcome — whatever the charge.
Facing a Felony Charge in Oregon
A Felony Conviction Is a Life-Altering Event — The Right Defense Matters
Felonies are the most serious category of criminal offense under Oregon law. Felony charges often involve allegations of serious physical harm or the threat of harm — but they also include a wide range of non-violent offenses such as drug crimes, property crimes, weapons charges, and fraud schemes. The common thread is severity: a felony conviction carries consequences far beyond those of a misdemeanor, and they can be permanent.
Depending on the type of charge and a person’s criminal history, a sentence for a felony conviction can range from probation to a significant period of incarceration — potentially decades in prison for the most serious offenses. Oregon’s Measure 11 law applies mandatory minimum prison sentences to a defined list of the most serious felonies, removing a judge’s ability to impose a lighter sentence regardless of circumstances.
Beyond the formal sentence, a felony conviction affects your right to vote, your ability to own a firearm, your eligibility for certain professional licenses, your housing options, and your employment opportunities — often for the rest of your life. These are not abstract concerns. They are the real, day-to-day consequences that shape what your future looks like.
Casey Kovacic’s knowledge of Oregon’s criminal law and his years of courtroom experience — including eight years as a public defender handling serious felony cases — puts his clients in the best position to obtain the best results possible. He takes the time to understand your specific situation and develops a defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case.
Oregon Felony Classifications
Understanding Oregon’s Felony Classes
Oregon classifies felonies into three classes — A, B, and C — based on severity, with Class A being the most serious. The classification determines the maximum sentence a court may impose, though Oregon’s sentencing guidelines and prior criminal history also play a significant role in the actual sentence.
Class A Felony
Class A felonies carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison and fines up to $375,000. Examples include first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery, and first-degree rape. Many Class A felonies are also Measure 11 offenses, carrying mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be reduced.
Class B Felony
Class B felonies carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison and fines up to $250,000. This category includes offenses such as second-degree assault, second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and certain drug distribution charges. Many Class B felonies are also subject to Measure 11 mandatory minimums.
Class C Felony
Class C felonies carry a maximum sentence of 5 years in state prison and fines up to $125,000. While considered the least severe felony category, a Class C felony conviction still carries a permanent criminal record, loss of civil rights, and collateral consequences that can follow you indefinitely. Examples include certain theft, drug possession, and identity theft charges.
Felony Charges Casey Defends
The Full Range of Oregon Felony Offenses
Casey has extensive experience defending clients charged with serious felonies across every category — from violent offenses to drug crimes, financial fraud, and weapons charges. He handles felony cases in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and other Oregon counties.
Violent Crimes & Assault
Assault I and II, strangulation, and other serious violent crimes carry heavy sentences — including mandatory minimums under Measure 11 for the most serious charges. Casey examines the full context of what occurred, including self-defense claims, witness credibility, and the reliability of any forensic evidence.
Homicide & Manslaughter
Murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter are among the most serious charges in Oregon’s criminal code, carrying sentences ranging from 6 years to life in prison. These cases require exhaustive investigation, expert analysis, and the most experienced defense representation available.
Drug Trafficking & Distribution
Felony drug charges — including distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and other controlled substances — are prosecuted aggressively in both Oregon state and federal courts. Casey challenges the legality of the search, the chain of custody of evidence, and the prosecution’s ability to prove intent.
Robbery & Burglary
Robbery I and II and Burglary I are Measure 11 offenses carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences. These cases frequently turn on questions of identification, the presence of a weapon, and what actually occurred at the scene. Casey scrutinizes every element of the prosecution’s evidence.
Sex Crimes
Rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration, and sexual abuse charges — many of which carry Measure 11 mandatory minimums — require careful examination of the evidence, witness credibility, and any consent or identification defenses. Casey handles these sensitive cases with both aggressiveness in court and discretion for every client.
Weapons Charges
Felony weapons charges in Oregon include unlawful possession of a firearm, felon in possession, and using a firearm in the commission of a crime. These charges frequently arise alongside other felony allegations and can significantly increase sentencing exposure. Casey examines whether the firearm evidence was lawfully obtained.
Fraud & Financial Crimes
Identity theft, forgery, embezzlement, computer crimes, and other non-violent felony fraud offenses can carry substantial prison sentences and fines, and they carry lasting reputational consequences. Casey has experience challenging the financial evidence and intent elements in these cases.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping I and II are Measure 11 offenses with mandatory minimums of nearly 6 to 7.5 years. These charges can arise in domestic disputes, custody conflicts, and other situations where the facts are contested. The specific intent, movement, and consent issues at play are central to any defense.
Arson
First-degree arson is a Measure 11 offense carrying a 7.5-year mandatory minimum. These cases typically rely on expert fire investigation testimony, which Casey is experienced in critically examining and challenging — including the methodology and qualifications of the prosecution’s experts.
What’s at Stake
The Consequences of a Felony Conviction in Oregon
The consequences of a felony conviction extend far beyond a prison sentence. They reshape your legal status, your civil rights, your employment prospects, and your relationships — sometimes permanently. Understanding the full scope of what a conviction means is essential to understanding why a strong defense is not optional.
Oregon uses a sentencing guidelines grid that considers both the crime of conviction and the defendant’s prior criminal history. A prior felony record can dramatically increase the presumptive sentence for a new offense — which is one reason why fighting every charge aggressively, at every stage, matters so much.
Casey’s approach to felony defense is built around one goal: achieving the best possible outcome given the specific facts of your case. That may mean a dismissal, an acquittal at trial, a reduced charge, or a negotiated sentence that avoids prison. Whatever the path, he will fight for it.
- Prison Class C: up to 5 years; Class B: up to 10 years; Class A: up to 20 years; some offenses carry life sentences
- Fines Up to $375,000 for Class A felonies, plus restitution, court fees, and assessments
- Probation Post-prison supervision with strict conditions; violation can mean a return to prison
- Firearms A felony conviction results in a lifetime prohibition on owning or possessing firearms under both state and federal law
- Voting Felony convictions can result in loss of voting rights during the period of incarceration or supervision
- Licensing Many professional licenses — in healthcare, law, finance, education, and other fields — are revoked or denied upon felony conviction
- Employment A permanent felony record limits job opportunities, security clearances, and career advancement across most industries
- Immigration Felony convictions can result in deportation, inadmissibility, or denial of citizenship for non-citizens
Your Defense
Why Oregon Felony Defendants Choose Casey Kovacic
Eight Years Defending Serious Felonies as an Oregon Public Defender
Before opening his own firm, Casey spent eight years as a staff attorney at Metropolitan Public Defender Services — handling felony cases at every level, including homicides, Measure 11 crimes, major drug charges, and serious sex offenses. He has stood beside clients in Oregon’s most serious cases and knows what it takes to defend them effectively.
100% Criminal Defense — Every Case, Every Day
Casey does not split his focus between criminal defense and other practice areas. Every hour of his professional career has been dedicated to defending the accused in Oregon’s courts. That singular focus means deep, concentrated experience in the strategies, procedures, and courtroom dynamics that determine outcomes in felony cases.
Knowledge of Oregon’s Sentencing Guidelines
Oregon’s felony sentencing system is complex — the presumptive sentence depends on the crime of conviction and the defendant’s criminal history score, with additional enhancements for certain conduct. Casey understands this system in depth and works to minimize sentencing exposure at every stage, from charge negotiations through sentencing hearings.
Trial-Ready From Day One
Many attorneys settle cases because they are not genuinely prepared — or willing — to go to trial. Casey builds every case with trial in mind, which creates real leverage in negotiations. Prosecutors know he is prepared to fight. That changes the dynamic in plea discussions and often produces better outcomes for his clients.
One-on-One Representation Throughout Your Case
When you hire the Law Office of Casey Kovacic, you work directly with Casey at every stage. He reviews the evidence personally, develops the strategy himself, answers your questions directly, and stands beside you in court. You will never be handed off to a less experienced attorney at the moment it matters most.
Confidential Consultation
Charged With a Felony in Oregon? Contact Casey Kovacic Today.
A felony charge is one of the most serious situations a person can face. The sooner you have experienced legal representation, the more options you will have. Contact Casey now for a confidential consultation.
(503) 693-8725249 NE Lincoln Street, Hillsboro, OR 97124