What is Oregon’s Jessica’s Law?

Jessica’s Law is the term given to a law requiring mandatory minimum sentences for certain sex crimes that was named after a child victim in Florida.

On April 24, 2006, Oregon’s governor signed Oregon’s version of Florida’s Jessica’s Law.

The law still is known informally as Jessica’s Law in Oregon.

Under Oregon’s Jessica’s Law, a defendant convicted of committing a first-degree sex-related offense (such as rape, sodomy, kidnapping, and unlawful sexual penetration) against a child who was under the age of 12 at the time of the offense must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.

These mandatory minimum sentences for Jessica’s Law amended the Measure 11 Mandatory Minimum sentencing under ORS 137.700.

Rob Crow
Rob Crow
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Licensed to practice law in all State & Federal Courts in Oregon.
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Michael R Yoder 02/19/2018 01:54 PM
My son in law is in jail for committing sodomy on his granddaughter when she was about 4 yrs old,she is my great granddaughter. He has not had a trial yet. In many ways he was a great guy and we just couldn't see how, but he had it on his phone.
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Rob Crow 02/21/2018 06:33 PM
Michael, these types of cases are so serious and the accusations can be so shocking that it's hard to fathom. I think it's always important to remember that just because someone has been accused of a crime, it does not mean they are guilty. When I handle these types of cases, there are many steps I take in defending them and many different options we consider. Sometimes there are innocent explanations for otherwise seemingly questionable or criminal conduct, but I believe it is important not to jump to any conclusions until I, and my team, thoroughly investigate the matter.
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Concerned Mom 04/12/2018 03:05 PM
My son is NOT a violent person nor has he ever been a risk taker. At this time he is charged with sex related crimes against a 6 year old. This is his first offense. Never been in trouble with the law for anything. Why is it mandatory 25 years for first time offender when the "Jessica's Law" was made because of a VIOLENT repeat offender and predatot? THIS LAW IS UNJUST AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNFAIR for first time offenders. THIS LAW NEEDS TO BE CHANGED! Give these first time offenders a second chance at life and some kind of treatment/counseling/medication.
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Concerned Father 05/09/2018 10:55 PM
You want to talk about unjust and unfair? What about the children in these cases? They are the one's who will need treatment/ counseling/ medication. They are the one's who will have to live with this for the rest of their lives. They didn't ask for these messed up people to take their innocence away. Nobody talks about that. Don't talk about unfair. But you are right about one thing. They should change the laws. As a parent I believe the laws are way too lenient. If they are guilty a whole lot more should happen and hopefully on judgement day they will get it.
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