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My name is Jared Justice (My real name) I did not make it up. Please contact me today!

Criminal Defense
and DUI Lawyer

(503) 722-3981

Serving Clackamas County
and Surrounding Areas

Clackamas County Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney

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DUI Defense

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Criminal Defense

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Expungements

If you’ve been arrested, charged with a crime, or are facing a DUII in Clackamas County or anywhere in the Portland metro area, you’re probably wondering what happens next—and that’s completely normal. Whether this is your first encounter with the legal system or you’ve been through it before, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference. We we help people throughout Oregon City, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Canby, Wilsonville, and surrounding Clackamas County communities navigate everything from DUII and reckless driving charges to hit & run, domestic violence, drug crimes, and other criminal offenses. Every case is unique, which is why we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in plain English, and fight for the best possible outcome. Our goal is simple: provide honest legal guidance, aggressive representation, and peace of mind when you need it most.

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About Jared Justice

Jared Justice is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Oregon City specializing in DUI and criminal defense cases in courts throughout the Portland metro area, Clackamas County, Canby, Happy Valley, West Linn, Lake Oswego & beyond. 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.

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300 + Five-Star Reviews on Google

50 + Five-Star Reviews on Avvo.

Five-Star Rated on Yelp.com.

CLIENT REVIEWS

“Jared was all I could ever ask for in an attorney. He was able to bring my case to what I believe was the best possible resolution. Throughout what has been the hardest time of my life, he was kind, compassionate and understanding of the difficulties facing me. He made everything a little less scary and helped to put everything into perspective for me. I hope to never have to call him again, but I will be recommending him to anyone in need of legal aid in Clackamas County”

⁠— Andrew Shiffer

“Jared successfully helped me with an old case that was never settled. I hired him immediately after meeting him because he showed a genuine care and interest into finding the best possible outcome for me. He was honest and upfront with all of the outcomes to prepare me for anything, he responded promptly to all of my emails and phone calls, and he was professional yet personable the entire time. I recommend Jared because he not only settled my case successfully, he worked with me and made sure that I was fully prepared and taken care of. Thank you again!”

⁠— Madison Leese

“Jared was recommended to me and I’m glad I used his help. No nickel and dimes every time something came up he was very transparent with the process and helped make me feel at ease as we went through my case. The case was dropped and we are now getting it expunged from my record.”

⁠— Hunter Jones

“Highly satisfied with my experience. Jared was a thorough professional. He educated me on what to expect, what the likely outcome would be and then he achieved it! I would highly recommend Jared Justice to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney. Everything turned out better than I had expected. Thanks again!”

⁠— Ryan Glen

Tell Us About Your Case

    If you have been arrested in Clackamas County or are being investigated for a DUI or a crime

    • DO NOT make any statements to the police, media, or anyone else regarding the matter
    • DO NOT try and talk your way out of being arrested
    • DO NOT consent to any searches of yourself or your property
    • Meet with an experienced Criminal Defense/DUI Lawyer as soon as possible

    When charged with a DUI or crime in Clackamas County or under criminal investigation, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Deciding which criminal defense attorney in Clackamas County to hire can be an extremely difficult decision. There are many factors that go into choosing a criminal defense attorney in Clackamas County, but none as important as experience, reputation, and skill. Our attorney strives to give our clients the best counsel possible in every aspect of their criminal defense case. We understand how important communication is in a time like this and will always do our best to return calls within 24 hours. Whether you’re looking for a DUI lawyer in Portland, Oregon or a highly-knowledgeable and well-rounded Oregon City criminal defense lawyer with experience throughout Canby, Oregon City, Clackamas County & the state, look no further than the Law Office of Jared Justice.

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    Answers to Oregon Criminal Defense Questions Clients Ask Most

    Common Oregon Reckless Driving Questions Answered

    Will I lose my license if I’m convicted of Reckless Driving in Clackamas County?

    Yes. A conviction for Reckless Driving in Clackamas County results in a mandatory suspension from the Oregon DMV, even if it’s your first offense.

    In most cases, the suspension is at least 90 days. If you have prior offenses, it can be longer. This suspension is administrative — meaning once the court enters a conviction, the DMV enforces it automatically (even if the court forgets to impose it).

    For many people in Oregon City, West Linn, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Canby, Gladstone, or Wilsonville, losing driving privileges impacts work, family responsibilities, and insurance rates far more than the fine itself.

    Because Reckless Driving (ORS 811.140) is not eligible for expungement, the way your case is resolved matters long-term. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a reduction to an offense that does not trigger mandatory suspension or that may qualify to be expunged in the future.

    Every case filed in Clackamas County Circuit Court or a local municipal court is fact-specific. Early strategy is critical.

    What is Reckless Driving under Oregon law? 

    Under ORS 811.140, Reckless Driving means operating a vehicle in a way that recklessly endangers people or property. It is a Class A misdemeanor, not just a traffic ticket.

    That distinction matters.

    A misdemeanor conviction in Clackamas County Circuit Court can carry:

    • Up to 364 days in jail
    • Fines up to $6,250
    • Probation
    • Mandatory license suspension

    The key legal issue is the word “recklessly.” Prosecutors must prove more than a mistake or speeding. They must prove a conscious disregard for safety.Many cases originate from stops in Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, or along I-205 or Highway 99E, and are then prosecuted in Circuit Court. The specific court location and prosecutor can influence how the case proceeds.

    Can a Reckless Driving charge in Clackamas County be reduced or dismissed?

    Sometimes, yes.

    In Clackamas County, reckless driving cases often turn on:

    • Officer interpretation
    • Dash-cam or body-cam footage
    • Traffic conditions
    • Witness statements
    • Whether the conduct legally meets the “reckless” threshold

    Because “recklessness” is a subjective legal standard, it can be challenged.

    Depending on the facts, it may be possible to:

    • Negotiate a reduction to Careless Driving
    • Avoid a criminal conviction
    • Seek a structured resolution that protects your license
    • Challenge whether the conduct qualifies under ORS 811.140 at all

    Each court — whether Clackamas County Circuit Court or a municipal court like Lake Oswego or West Linn — handles negotiations slightly differently. Local familiarity matters.

    Will I go to jail for Reckless Driving in Clackamas County?

    Jail is possible, but not automatic.

    Because it is a misdemeanor, judges in Clackamas County have discretion. Whether jail is imposed depends on:

    • Prior criminal or DUI history
    • Whether anyone was injured
    • Allegations of racing or extreme speeds
    • Alcohol involvement
    • Your overall driving record

    In many first-time cases filed in Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Happy Valley, and Clackamas County, jail is avoided through structured outcomes that emphasize accountability rather than incarceration.

    There is no universal result. The specific facts and any prior record you have matters.

    Oregon Hit & Run Questions Clients Ask Most

    Is Hit & Run a felony or misdemeanor in Clackamas County?

    It depends on what occurred.

    Under ORS 811.700–811.705, what people call “Hit & Run” is legally titled Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver.

    If the incident involved only property damage — such as striking another vehicle in a parking lot in Milwaukie or Oregon City — it is typically charged as a misdemeanor.

    If the crash involved injury or death, the case is filed as a felony in Clackamas County Circuit Court, which carries significantly more penalties, including possible prison exposure and a longer license suspension.

    The level of the charge depends on injury allegations and what prosecutors believe they can prove.

    Will I lose my license if convicted of Hit & Run in Clackamas County? 

    Yes.

    A conviction triggers automatic suspension through the Oregon DMV.

    For misdemeanor property cases, suspension is typically 90 days. Felony injury cases can result in much longer suspensions — sometimes years.Because the DMV consequence is mandatory upon conviction, negotiating how the charge resolves in Clackamas County courts is extremely important. 

    What defenses exist to a Hit & Run charge in Clackamas County?

    One of the most important elements is knowledge.

    Oregon law requires that a driver knew they were involved in a collision. Prosecutors often attempt to infer knowledge based on vehicle damage, sound, or witness statements.

    However, not every impact is obvious — particularly in:

    • Busy intersections in Oregon City
    • Parking lots in Lake Oswego
    • Low-speed contact in residential neighborhoods

    A defense may involve:

    • Challenging whether you were aware of the impact
    • Disputing identification
    • Questioning witness reliability
    • Examining vehicle damage evidence

    The State must prove knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt. Assumptions are not enough.

    I didn’t realize I hit anything. How can I still be charged with “Hit and Run” in Clackamas County?

    This is a very common question. Oregon law requires “knowledge” for a Hit and Run conviction. However, prosecutors sometimes infer knowledge from surrounding circumstances—like the noise of impact, witness statements, or vehicle damage. 

    A Clackamas County lawyer can challenge these assumptions by showing that a reasonable driver might not have realized any impact occurred. For example, collisions with debris, curbs, or parked cars at low speeds might not create obvious awareness. An experienced attorney in Clackamas County will gather evidence to dispute the prosecution’s claim that you “knew or should have known.” 

    Our law firm serves clients across Washington, Multnomah, and Clackamas Couties and all municipal courts (Lake Oswego, West Linn, Canby, Molalla, Gladstone, Oregon City, and Beaverton), building detailed, evidence-based defenses for drivers accused of unintentional Hit and Run. 

    Is “Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver” the same as Hit & Run? 

    Yes.

    That is the formal term used in Clackamas County Circuit Court and municipal courts throughout the county.

    While it sounds technical, it refers to what most people know as Hit & Run.

    The exact level of the charge — misdemeanor or felony — determines potential penalties and exposure.

    Will I go to jail for a Hit & Run conviction in Clackamas County?

    Jail is legally possible, particularly in felony cases.

    Misdemeanor property cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail. Felony cases carry significantly greater exposure.

    However, many first-time cases filed in Clackamas County resolve without incarceration, particularly when restitution is addressed early and there is no serious injury involved.

    The outcome depends on:

    • Injury allegations
    • Criminal history
    • Strength of evidence
    • Timing of legal representation

    No two cases in Clackamas County are handled exactly the same.

    Clackamas County Prostitution & Commercial Sexual Solicitation Questions

     Will I have to register as a sex offender?

    In most commercial sexual solicitation and prostitution cases in Oregon, including in Multnomah County and Clackamas County, registration as a sex offender is not required. However, the stigma of these charges can be severe, and the penalties can still include probation, fines, or even jail. A criminal defense lawyer experienced in prostitution cases will help ensure your case is handled carefully to avoid unnecessary consequences.

    Will this get sent to the news?

    Local arrests for prostitution and commercial sexual solicitation charges in Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Oregon City, Lake Oswego, and West Linn sometimes make the news, especially during police stings. While media coverage is outside anyone’s control, a criminal defense attorney/lawyer can help move the case through the court system discreetly, minimize exposure, and ensure your rights are respected.

    What is the benefit of hiring an attorney?

    Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney/lawyer in Multnomah or Clackamas County for commercial sexual solicitation or prostitution charges ensures that you have someone on your side who understands the law and how these charges are treated in certain courts. An attorney can file motions to suppress evidence, negotiate plea agreements, and protect you from the long-term consequences that come with these offenses. Without a lawyer, defendants often face harsher penalties, higher fines, and greater stigma.

    Will I go to jail?

    Jail is possible in prostitution and commercial sexual solicitation cases in Oregon, especially for repeat offenses. In Multnomah and Clackamas County, Oregon City, and nearby cities, prosecutors often push for jail time. A skilled criminal defense lawyer/prostitution attorney can negotiate for alternatives such as treatment programs, deferred sentencing, or community service to keep you out of jail.

    Is my case fightable?

    It depends, every case is different. Law enforcement often uses undercover operations, surveillance, or internet stings, and these tactics can sometimes create a fightable case in court. A defense attorney may be able to help with a defense based on lack of evidence, or improper police procedures. Hiring a prostitution lawyer or commercial sexual solicitation attorney gives you the best chance at fighting these charges in local courts.

    Clackamas County DUII Questions Answered

    Is a charge of DUII a Felony or a Misdemeanor in Oregon?

    In Oregon, a DUII charge (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants) can be either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. For example, most first and second DUII offenses in Clackamas County, Oregon City, Canby, West Linn, or Lake Oswego are charged as misdemeanors. However, if you have two prior DUII convictions within the previous ten years, a DUII will likely be charged as a felony. A Clackamas County DUII lawyer can help you understand whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony, and what defenses may be available in your specific situation. 

    How long will my license be suspended after my DUI?

    In Oregon, a DUII arrest usually results in a license suspension under implied consent law. For a first offense, this suspension is usually for 90 days (breath test failure) or for one year (breath test refusal) under implied consent law. For repeat DUII offenses in Clackamas County, Oregon City, Canby, or Happy Valley, the suspension could stretch into multiple years, but it depends on the incident and any priors the person has. An experienced DUII lawyer will walk you through the DMV hearing process and fight stop the suspension by requesting a DMV hearing. The suspension for a conviction can be for 1 year (1st conviction), 3 years (2nd conviction within five years of the first), or a lifetime revocation (3rd conviction).

    Is there any way to fight the drivers license suspension?

    Yes, suspensions can be challenged under implied consent law, but the process is complex. After a DUII arrest in Clackamas County, you only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing to challenge the suspension under implied consent law. For court ordered suspensions, the suspension is statutorily required and not much can be done. With most statutory suspensions, the DMV will impose the suspension even if the court forgets to impose one. With implied consent suspensions, a skilled DUII lawyer knows how to cross-examine police officers, contest whether the traffic stop was valid, and challenge whether proper procedures were followed during your arrest. Without an attorney, most drivers simply lose their driving privileges.

    What if I’m charged with a Driving Crime other than DUII, should I still hire an attorney?

    Yes. Having an experienced attorney for your charge of Reckless Driving, Hit & Run, or other Driving Crime is absolutely helpful. Most Clackamas DUII Lawyers have extensive experience handling driving crimes, even if they are not coupled with an allegation of DUII. Many times people are charged with Reckless Driving, Hit & Run, or Recklessly Endangering Another Person as a stand-alone crime. A Clackamas County Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you navigate and fight these charges in Oregon City, Milwaukie, West Linn, and surrounding cities.

    Will I have to go to jail if it’s my first DUII?

    For a first-time DUII offense in Oregon, including in Clackamas County and cities like Milwaukie, Gladstone, or Wilsonville, there is always the risk of jail time. While some people may qualify for Oregon’s DUII Diversion Program, others may be sentenced to serve jail time in the Clackamas County Jail. A qualified DUII attorney can explain your eligibility for diversion, negotiate with prosecutors, and present arguments to help minimize the possibility of jail time.

    Will I need an IID device in my car, if so, for how long?

    Yes, an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is typically required after a DUII conviction or even during the DUII Diversion Program. For most first-time DUII cases in Clackamas County, defendants must install an IID Device for at least 6-months. For second or third DUII convictions in places like Lake Oswego, West Linn, or Oregon City, the IID period can be substantially longer. A DUII lawyer in Clackamas County can help ensure you comply with IID rules and avoid violations that could extend your penalties. Further, an experienced DUII attorney can discuss potential exemptions to the IID device requirement, whether it is required for DUII diversion or for a first, second, or third DUII conviction.

    How do I know if I qualify for diversion?

    Oregon has a DUII Diversion Program that many first-time offenders in Clackamas County, Oregon City, Canby, Milwaukie, and Lake Oswego can enter. Not everyone qualifies—for example, if you had a prior DUII conviction or diversion in the last 15 years, caused an accident with injuries, or hold a commercial driver’s license, you likely won’t be eligible. A DUII lawyer in Clackamas County will carefully review your record and determine if diversion is available to you.

    Can a Clackamas County DUII or criminal charge be reduced or dismissed?

    Yes and No. While the charge of DUII cannot typically be dismissed or reduced as part of plea negotiations (other than through DUII Diversion), companion charges can be reduced or dismissed. Some common companion charges in Clackamas County are Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Hit & Run. An experienced criminal defense attorney or DUII lawyer in Clackamas County will carefully examine the evidence, the police reports, whether proper procedures were followed, and whether your constitutional rights were violated. In Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Gladstone, Molalla, and Canby, local courts sometimes allow plea negotiations. Having a qualified Defense Lawyer means you have someone advocating for dismissal, filing suppression motions if evidence was gathered improperly, and negotiating with prosecutors.

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