Oregon Criminal Laws: Felony and Misdemeanor Classes, Theft, Self-Defense and Bail

Oregon classifies felonies as Class A, B and C (murder and aggravated murder are separately punished). The maximum term of an indeterminate sentence of imprisonment is: Class A felony, 20 years; Class B felony, 10 years; Class C felony, 5 years. Maximum fines: $500,000 for murder or aggravated murder; $375,000 for a Class A felony; $250,000 for a Class B felony; $125,000 for a Class C felony. Actual felony sentences are also governed by the sentencing guidelines grid.

Misdemeanor sentences are for a definite term: Class A misdemeanor, up to 364 days and a fine of up to $6,250; Class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months and a fine of up to $2,500; Class C misdemeanor, up to 30 days and a fine of up to $1,250. Violations are offenses punishable by a fine but not by a term of imprisonment; maximum fines for an individual are $2,000 for a Class A violation, $1,000 for a Class B violation, $500 for a Class C violation, $250 for a Class D violation, and $2,000 (or the amount otherwise set by law) for a specific fine violation.

Theft becomes a felony at $1,000. Tiers: less than $100: theft in the third degree, a Class C misdemeanor; $100 or more and less than $1,000: theft in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor; $1,000 or more: theft in the first degree, a Class C felony (theft of a firearm or explosive, a livestock animal, companion animal or wild animal removed from habitat, or a precursor substance is also first-degree theft regardless of value); $10,000 or more (other than a motor vehicle used primarily for personal transportation): aggravated theft in the first degree, a Class B felony.

A person in lawful possession or control of premises is justified in using physical force upon another person to defend the premises against a trespasser as provided in ORS 161.225(1). Deadly physical force may be used in that situation only in defense of a person as provided in ORS 161.219, or when the person reasonably believes it necessary to prevent the commission of arson or a felony by force and violence by the trespasser. Under ORS 161.219, deadly physical force is justified only if the person reasonably believes the other person is committing or attempting to commit a felony involving the use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person, committing or attempting to commit a burglary in a dwelling, or using or about to use unlawful deadly physical force against a person.

No time limit for aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, conspiracy or solicitation to commit aggravated murder or murder, and any degree of manslaughter. Rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse in the first degree (felonies): within 20 years, or if the victim was under 18, before the victim turns 30, whichever is later. Listed felonies (including second- and third-degree rape and sodomy, incest, promoting prostitution, and arson): six years (for child victims, until the victim turns 30 or 12 years after the offense is reported, whichever occurs first). Listed misdemeanors (such as third-degree sexual abuse): four years. Otherwise: felonies, three years; misdemeanors, two years; violations, six months. A prosecution is commenced when a warrant or other process is issued and executed without unreasonable delay. The period does not run while the accused is not an inhabitant of or usually resident in Oregon, or hides within the state to avoid service, but tolling may not extend the period by more than three years.

A magistrate makes a release decision at arraignment or other first appearance, giving priority to the primary release criteria and imposing the least onerous condition reasonably likely to ensure the safety of the public and the victim and the person's appearance. Eligible persons are released on personal recognizance unless the release criteria require otherwise; if not, the magistrate considers conditional release, then security release. A requested release hearing must be held within 48 hours of arraignment (and no later than five days unless the defendant consents). For murder, aggravated murder or treason, release is denied when the proof is evident or the presumption strong that the person is guilty. For violent felonies, release is denied if the court finds probable cause and, by clear and convincing evidence, a danger of physical injury or sexual victimization to the victim or public; the defendant may request a hearing at arraignment, held within five days. For security release, the magistrate sets a security amount that will reasonably assure appearance; the defendant may deposit 10 percent of the security amount (at least $25), of which 85 percent is returned at discharge and 15 percent retained as costs, or post property or sureties worth double the security amount.

Public defense is administered by the Oregon Public Defense Commission. A person is financially eligible for appointed counsel if the person is financially unable to retain adequate counsel without substantial hardship in providing basic economic necessities to the person or the person's dependents, under standards set by the commission. Eligibility is determined by the court from a detailed financial statement (on a commission-specified form) disclosing assets, liabilities, income and dependents; eligibility verification and screening personnel may assist the courts. If the court finds the person can pay all or part of the costs of the eligibility determination and appointed counsel, it may enter a limited judgment requiring payment of what the person can pay without substantial hardship; failure to pay is not grounds for contempt or for counsel to withdraw.

18. A person is considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act if the person is under 18 years of age. Sexual intercourse with another person under 16 years of age is rape in the third degree, a Class C felony; with a person under 14 years of age, rape in the second degree, a Class B felony. Close-in-age defense: in prosecutions under ORS 163.355, 163.365, 163.385, 163.395, 163.415, 163.425, 163.427 and 163.435 in which the victim's lack of consent was due solely to incapacity to consent by reason of being under a specified age, it is a defense that the actor was less than three years older than the victim at the time of the alleged offense.

Legal for adults 21 and older within limits. A household may have up to four homegrown marijuana plants at any time. It is unlawful for a person 21 or older to possess more than two ounces of usable marijuana in a public place or more than eight ounces of usable marijuana (or plants beyond the household limit, and other items above their limits). Penalties for persons 21+: possession of not more than two times the applicable maximum amount is a Class B violation; more than two times but not more than four times, a Class B misdemeanor; otherwise unlawful possession is a Class A misdemeanor; more than 16 times the maximum (or more than eight pounds of usable marijuana in a public place) is a Class C felony; more than 32 times the maximum is a Class B felony. Possession by a person under 21 is unlawful under ORS 475C.341, with the same felony thresholds.

Oregon grades assault by degree and requires physical injury. Assault in the fourth degree (intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury) is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $6,250. Assault in the third degree (for example, recklessly causing serious physical injury with a deadly or dangerous weapon, or injuring a child 10 or younger, a transit operator or an emergency medical provider) is a Class C felony (up to 5 years, $125,000). Assault in the second degree (intentionally or knowingly causing serious physical injury, or causing physical injury with a deadly or dangerous weapon) is a Class B felony (up to 10 years, $250,000), and assault in the first degree (intentionally causing serious physical injury with a deadly or dangerous weapon, among other forms) is a Class A felony (up to 20 years, $375,000). Threatening someone without touching them is charged as menacing (trying to put someone in fear of imminent serious physical injury), a Class A misdemeanor.

Oregon has no separate crime called battery; causing physical injury is charged as assault (ORS 163.160-163.185). An unwanted offensive touching that causes no injury is charged as harassment: intentionally harassing or annoying another person by subjecting them to offensive physical contact. Harassment is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500). It becomes a Class A misdemeanor when the contact is touching the sexual or other intimate parts of the other person, or when the victim is a family or household member and a minor child witnesses it.

Oregon has no separate domestic-violence crime; assault, menacing and strangulation of a family or household member are charged under the regular statutes, and the judgment must note that the conviction constitutes domestic violence. Assault in the fourth degree, normally a Class A misdemeanor, becomes a Class C felony (up to 5 years) when, among other things, the assault is witnessed by a minor child, the person has a prior conviction for assaulting the same victim, the person has three or more prior assault convictions, or the person knows the victim is pregnant. Strangulation (knowingly impeding someone's normal breathing or blood circulation by pressure on the throat, neck or chest, or by blocking the nose or mouth) is a Class A misdemeanor, but a Class C felony when the victim is a family or household member, the act is witnessed by a minor child, the victim is under 10, a weapon is used, the person has listed prior convictions, or the victim is known to be pregnant.

Oregon charges shoplifting as theft. Taking property worth less than $100 is theft in the third degree, a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $1,250); $100 or more but less than $1,000 is theft in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days, $6,250). A person who has received a merchant's notice of trespass and re-enters the store while it is open with intent to steal commits criminal trespass in the first degree, a Class A misdemeanor. Acting with another person to take store merchandise worth more than $5,000 in total within any 180-day period is organized retail theft, a Class B felony. Under the civil shoplifting statute, an adult or emancipated minor who takes merchandise is liable to the store for actual damages, a penalty equal to the retail value of the merchandise (not to exceed $500), and an additional penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $250.

Burglary in the second degree is entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with intent to commit a crime there; it is a Class C felony (up to 5 years, $125,000). It is burglary in the first degree, a Class A felony (up to 20 years, $375,000), when the building is a dwelling, or when during entry, inside, or in immediate flight the person is armed with a burglary tool, theft device or deadly weapon, causes or attempts to cause physical injury, or uses or threatens to use a dangerous weapon. Robbery in the third degree is using or threatening the immediate use of physical force while committing or attempting a theft (or unauthorized use of a vehicle); it is a Class C felony. Robbery in the second degree (pretending to be armed, or being aided by another person actually present) is a Class B felony (up to 10 years), and robbery in the first degree (armed with a deadly weapon, using or attempting to use a dangerous weapon, or causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury) is a Class A felony (up to 20 years).

Vandalism is called criminal mischief in Oregon. Tampering or interfering with another's property intending to cause substantial inconvenience is criminal mischief in the third degree, a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days). Intentionally damaging another's property, or causing damage over $500, is criminal mischief in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days, $6,250). Intentionally damaging property in an amount exceeding $1,000, by explosive, or property of a public utility, railroad, public transportation facility or medical facility used in direct service to the public, among other forms, is criminal mischief in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Graffiti is a separate offense: unlawfully applying graffiti is a Class A violation (a fine of up to $2,000, no jail), and possessing a graffiti implement with intent to use it that way is a Class C violation.

Entering or remaining unlawfully in a motor vehicle or in or upon premises is criminal trespass in the second degree, a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days in jail, fine up to $1,250). It is criminal trespass in the first degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days, $6,250), when the person enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling, re-enters a store during open hours with intent to steal after receiving a merchant's notice of trespass, or enters or remains unlawfully on railroad yards, tracks, bridges or rights of way, among other forms.

Since 2024, possessing a small amount of a Schedule I or II drug (for example heroin or methamphetamine) is a "drug enforcement misdemeanor." For this offense the court may impose up to 180 days of incarceration only if the defendant asks for it; otherwise it must suspend jail and impose supervised probation of up to 18 months, with no fines, costs or assessments, and up to 180 days of incarceration if probation is revoked. Possessing larger amounts is a Class A misdemeanor (for example one gram or more of heroin or two grams or more of methamphetamine), and possession that is a commercial drug offense or a substantial quantity is a felony. The court may place a defendant on a probation agreement (initial term of 12 months, with a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment) and dismiss the charge without a finding of guilt if the terms are fulfilled. Oregon does not make simple possession of drug paraphernalia a crime; selling, delivering or manufacturing it for sale brings a civil penalty of at least $2,000 and not more than $10,000.

A driver involved in a collision must stop and perform the duties set out in the statutes, such as giving identifying information and helping injured persons. Failing to do so when only property (including another vehicle) is damaged is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days, $6,250). Failing to perform the duties when a person is injured is a Class C felony (up to 5 years, $125,000), and a Class B felony (up to 10 years, $250,000) if a person suffers serious physical injury or dies as a result of the collision.

Reckless driving is recklessly driving a vehicle on a highway or premises open to the public in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property; it also covers intentionally breaking traction or spinning the tires in front of two or more spectators. It is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $6,250. A license suspension for reckless driving is one of the suspensions whose violation makes driving while suspended a crime (ORS 811.182).

Harassment includes offensive physical contact and conveying, by telephone, electronic means or writing, a threat to inflict serious physical injury or commit a felony that would reasonably cause alarm; it is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months), or a Class A misdemeanor in listed situations such as a threat to kill that a reasonable person would believe is likely to be carried out, or a threat made while a protective order is in effect. Telephonic harassment (repeated calls with no purpose, or calls, texts or voicemails after being told to stop) is a Class B misdemeanor. Stalking is knowingly alarming or coercing someone through repeated and unwanted contact that causes reasonable fear for their personal safety or that of their family or household; "contact" includes written or electronic communications. Stalking is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days), and becomes a Class C felony (up to 5 years) with a prior conviction for stalking or violating a stalking protective order, when the person is under an active protection order protecting someone else, or when any of the contacts is itself a felony, unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, or unlawful use of a GPS device.

Intentionally resisting a person known to be a peace officer or parole and probation officer in making an arrest is resisting arrest, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days, $6,250). Intentionally or knowingly preventing or trying to prevent an officer from performing lawful duties regarding another person or a criminal investigation is interfering with a peace officer, also a Class A misdemeanor; it does not cover passive resistance. Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer is a Class C felony (up to 5 years) when the driver stays in the vehicle, and a Class A misdemeanor when the person gets out and flees on foot.

Missing a required court date after being released on a release agreement or security release is a crime in Oregon called failure to appear. If the pending charge is a misdemeanor, it is failure to appear in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $6,250). If the pending charge is a felony, it is failure to appear in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $125,000). The person must have knowingly failed to appear.

In Oregon the court may issue a warrant for a probationer who violates conditions, and a probation officer or police officer may arrest without a warrant. The probation officer may impose structured, intermediate sanctions if the person agrees; otherwise the violation is reported to the court. The probationer must be brought before a magistrate within 36 hours of custody (excluding weekends and holidays), and if the revocation hearing is not held within 14 calendar days of arrest or detention the probationer must be released unless good cause is shown. For a misdemeanor or a felony committed before November 1, 1989, the court may, after a summary hearing, revoke probation and impose any sentence that could originally have been imposed; for felonies committed on or after November 1, 1989, the court may revoke probation and impose a sanction under Oregon Criminal Justice Commission rules. The court may also continue or extend the period of probation.

Oregon's main obstruction crime is obstructing governmental or judicial administration: intentionally obstructing, impairing or hindering the administration of law or another governmental or judicial function by intimidation, force, or physical or economic interference. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $6,250). Knowingly preventing a peace officer or parole and probation officer from performing lawful duties is the separate Class A misdemeanor of interfering with a peace officer (passive resistance excluded). Witness tampering (trying to get a witness to testify falsely, withhold testimony, or skip a proceeding they were summoned to) is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Perjury in Oregon is making a false sworn statement or false unsworn declaration on a material issue, knowing it is false. It is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $125,000. False swearing, the same conduct where the statement need not concern a material issue, is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail).

Oregon treats public drunkenness as a health matter rather than a crime. A police officer may send a person who is intoxicated in public home or take the person to a sobering facility or other appropriate facility, and must do so if the person is incapacitated or in danger. Cities and counties are barred from adopting or enforcing any local law that makes public intoxication, public drinking (except where drinking is generally prohibited), or drunk and disorderly conduct an offense or the subject of criminal or civil penalties. Driving under the influence remains a crime.

Disorderly conduct in the second degree in Oregon covers acting, with intent to cause (or recklessly risking) public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, by fighting or violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior, making unreasonable noise, disturbing a lawful assembly, blocking traffic, making a false report of an emergency, or creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition. It is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500), raised to a Class A misdemeanor within 200 feet of a funeral service. Disorderly conduct in the first degree, falsely reporting a hazardous substance, fire, explosion or other emergency at a court facility or public building, is a Class A misdemeanor, or a Class C felony with a prior conviction for it.

Oregon calls indecent exposure public indecency: performing sexual intercourse, oral or anal intercourse, masturbation, or exposing one's genitals with intent to arouse sexual desire, in or in view of a public place. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail), but a Class C felony (up to 5 years) if the person has a prior conviction for public indecency or certain sex crimes. Exposing one's genitals with sexual intent where another person has a reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a home or office), knowing the person did not consent, is private indecency, a Class A misdemeanor. Public or private indecency counts as a registrable sex crime only if the person has a prior conviction for a listed sex crime.

In Oregon, engaging in or offering or agreeing to engage in sexual conduct or sexual contact for a fee is prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and a fine up to $6,250). It is an affirmative defense that the person was a victim of human trafficking. Paying or offering or agreeing to pay a fee for sexual conduct or contact (buying) is the separate crime of commercial sexual solicitation, also a Class A misdemeanor. Promoting prostitution (running a place of prostitution or profiting from it) is a separate, more serious crime.

Oregon runs a state lottery (including video lottery games) under ORS chapter 461. The criminal-law definition of gambling excludes social games, certain token-only contests, and bingo, lotto, raffles and Monte Carlo events run in compliance with the law by charitable, fraternal or religious organizations. Otherwise, knowingly placing a bet with a bookmaker or playing in unlawful gambling is unlawful gambling in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail). Knowingly promoting or profiting from unlawful gambling is unlawful gambling in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years in prison).

Oregon has no separate embezzlement crime; taking, appropriating or withholding property entrusted to you is charged as theft, graded by value. Under $100 is theft in the third degree, a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days); $100 to under $1,000 is theft in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days); $1,000 or more is theft in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years); and $10,000 or more is aggravated theft in the first degree, a Class B felony (up to 10 years). Values from a single or aggregate transaction can be combined.

Identity theft in Oregon is obtaining, possessing, transferring, creating, uttering or using another person's personal identification with intent to deceive or defraud. It is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). It becomes aggravated identity theft, a Class B felony (up to 10 years), with 10 or more incidents in 180 days, losses of $10,000 or more in 180 days, possession of identification from 10 or more people, or a prior aggravated identity theft conviction. Fraudulent use of a credit card (stolen, forged, revoked or otherwise unauthorized) is a Class A misdemeanor if under $1,000 and a Class C felony if $1,000 or more.

Forgery in the second degree in Oregon is falsely making, completing or altering a written instrument, or passing (uttering) one known to be forged, with intent to injure or defraud; it is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days). It is forgery in the first degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years), if the instrument is money, securities, stock or bonds, a deed, will, contract, a public record, or a check or credit card slip for $1,000 or more (alone or combined), or if 15 or more retail receipts or product code labels are involved. Writing a check knowing it will not be honored is negotiating a bad check, a Class A misdemeanor, raised to a Class C felony with a bad-check or bad-check theft conviction in the preceding five years.

Oregon charges blackmail as extortion: compelling or inducing someone to hand over property or services, or not to report unlawful conduct to police, by making them fear that the actor or someone else will injure a person, damage property, commit a crime, accuse someone of a crime, report someone's immigration status, testify falsely, or abuse a public office, among other threats. Extortion is a Class B felony (up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000). Using similar threats to make someone do or not do something they have a legal right to choose is coercion, a Class C felony (up to 5 years).

Oregon has three levels. Aggravated murder is limited to premeditated intentional killings such as terrorism killing two or more people, killing a child under 14, killing a police or corrections officer over their duties, or a prison killing by someone with a prior murder; it is punished by death, life without parole, or life with a 30-year minimum. First-degree murder is second-degree murder with an aggravating circumstance, such as murder for hire, more than one victim, torture, a victim under 14, killing a justice-system officer, juror or witness, or killing to conceal a crime; the sentence is life with a 30-year minimum (or life without parole if the defendant was 18 or older). Second-degree murder is an intentional killing, a felony murder during listed felonies (such as first-degree arson, burglary, robbery, kidnapping or rape), or murder by abuse of a child under 14 or a dependent person; the sentence is life with a 25-year minimum.

First-degree manslaughter, a Class A felony (up to 20 years), is a reckless killing showing extreme indifference to human life, an intentional killing under extreme emotional disturbance, a reckless death of a child under 14 or dependent person by abuse or neglect, or a death caused by a drunk driver with three prior DUIs in 10 years or a prior DUI assault. Second-degree manslaughter, a Class B felony (up to 10 years), is a reckless killing, intentionally causing or aiding a suicide, or a negligent death of a child or dependent person by abuse or neglect. Criminally negligent homicide is a Class B felony. Aggravated vehicular homicide (a DUI death by someone with a prior vehicular homicide or manslaughter conviction) is a Class A felony.

Endangering the welfare of a minor (knowingly letting a child under 18 witness sexual conduct, stay where illegal drug or cannabis activity is going on, or gamble, or selling a minor drug paraphernalia) is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days and $6,250). Leaving a child under 10 unattended long enough to endanger the child is second-degree child neglect, also a Class A misdemeanor. Knowingly leaving a child under 16 in a vehicle or premises where drugs are being delivered or manufactured is first-degree child neglect, a Class B felony (up to 10 years). Knowingly withholding necessary food, care or medical attention from someone in your care is first-degree criminal mistreatment, a Class C felony (up to 5 years).

First-degree arson is intentionally damaging by fire or explosion 'protected property' of another (any structure, place or thing customarily occupied by people, including public buildings and forestland), or any property when doing so recklessly endangers people or protected property or seriously injures a firefighter or officer; it is a Class A felony (up to 20 years). Second-degree arson is intentionally damaging by fire or explosion a building of another that is not protected property, or other property of another worth more than $750; it is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Recklessly damaging another's property by fire or explosion is reckless burning, a Class A misdemeanor. Fires caused while making methamphetamine or other controlled substances are separate arson offenses.

Causing physical injury to an animal is second-degree animal abuse, a Class B misdemeanor; recklessly causing serious injury or death is first-degree animal abuse, a Class A misdemeanor that becomes a Class C felony with certain prior convictions or if done knowingly in front of a minor child. Intentionally or knowingly torturing an animal or causing its serious injury or death is aggravated animal abuse, a Class C felony. Failing to provide minimum care is animal neglect (second degree Class B misdemeanor; first degree, when it causes serious injury or death, Class A misdemeanor), becoming a Class C felony with prior convictions, 10-11 or more animals, or in front of a child. A conviction bars possessing or living with the same kind of animal or any domestic animal for five years (misdemeanor) or 15 years (felony), with limited exceptions.

Yes. Unlawful dissemination of an intimate image is knowingly disclosing, with intent to harass, humiliate or injure, an image of someone whose intimate parts are visible or who is engaged in sexual conduct (including a realistic digitally created or altered image), when the person knows or should know the person shown does not consent and the person is harassed, humiliated or injured. It is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days), or a Class C felony (up to 5 years) with a prior conviction. The person shown may sue for an injunction and the greater of actual damages or $5,000 statutory damages, plus the defendant's gain, punitive damages and attorney fees.

Sending a telephonic, electronic or written threat to seriously injure someone or commit a felony against them or their family, which would reasonably cause alarm, is harassment, a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months), raised to a Class A misdemeanor in some cases, including when the sender reasonably believed the victim was under 18 and more than three years younger. Texting or calling after being told to stop, to harass or annoy, is telephonic harassment, a Class B misdemeanor. Separately, school law defines cyberbullying as using an electronic communication device to harass, intimidate or bully and requires every school district to adopt a policy prohibiting it; that law does not set a criminal penalty.

No Oregon statute in ORS chapter 163 creates a separate, lesser offense or diversion for minors who send or possess sexual images of themselves or peers. The child sexual abuse material offenses (encouraging child sexual abuse in the first through third degrees and possession of materials depicting sexually explicit conduct of a child) contain no exception based on the age of the person who sends or possesses the image; the only listed statutory defense is not knowing the image involved a child.

Laundering a monetary instrument (conducting a financial transaction or moving money known to be proceeds of unlawful activity to promote the activity, hide the source or ownership, or avoid a federal reporting requirement) is a Class B felony (up to 10 years), with any amount. Knowingly engaging in a financial transaction in property worth more than $10,000 that is the proceeds of unlawful activity is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). For either crime the court may add a fine equal to the value of the property involved.

Trafficking in persons is knowingly recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining a person knowing or recklessly disregarding that they will be subjected to involuntary servitude (forced labor), or that force, fraud or coercion will be used to make them engage in a commercial sex act, or that a person under 18 will be used in a commercial sex act; benefiting from such a venture is also trafficking. Trafficking for labor or benefiting is a Class B felony (up to 10 years); sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, or of a minor, is a Class A felony (up to 20 years). Forcing someone to work by threats of death, serious injury or restraint is first-degree involuntary servitude (Class B felony); by abuse of legal process, taking ID documents, debt bondage, threats of deportation or fraud it is second-degree (Class C felony).

Pedestrians must obey traffic signals (for example, not entering the roadway against a steady red or yellow light unless a pedestrian signal allows it); failing to do so is a Class D traffic violation. A pedestrian must not suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle too close to stop, and must yield to vehicles when crossing anywhere other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection; failing to yield is also a Class D traffic violation. A Class D violation is fine-only, with a maximum fine of $250 and a presumptive fine of $115.

It is a violation to drink alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway or to possess an opened container of alcohol on one's person while in a vehicle on a highway; these apply to any occupant. Keeping an opened container in the vehicle applies only to the registered owner (or the driver if the owner is not present), and does not apply if it is in the trunk (or an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers if there is no trunk); the glove compartment counts as the passenger area. Passengers in buses and other vehicles for hire and the living quarters of a camper or motor home are exempt. It is a Class B traffic violation (fine-only, up to $1,000; presumptive fine $265).

A person under 21 may not attempt to buy, buy, acquire or personally possess alcohol (including accepting or drinking it), except at a private residence with a parent's or guardian's consent, and may not enter areas of licensed premises posted as off-limits to minors. A violation is a Class B violation (fine-only, up to $1,000), or a Class A violation (up to $2,000) if the possession occurs while operating a motor vehicle; no fine may be imposed on a person under 18. The court must order the person's driving privileges suspended, may order community service for misrepresenting age, and must order assessment and treatment for a repeat violation. Using a fake or false ID to misrepresent age is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days), with possible community service and, on a second offense, a license suspension of up to one year.

Driving while suspended or revoked is usually a Class A traffic violation (fine-only, up to $2,000). It becomes criminal driving while suspended or revoked, a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days), when the suspension is for certain reasons, such as refusing or failing a DUII breath or blood test, habitual offender status, or a felony involving a vehicle. It is a Class B felony (up to 10 years) if the suspension or revocation resulted from a vehicular homicide, manslaughter, murder or assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, or felony DUII.

Driving a motor vehicle on a highway or public premises without any valid grant of driving privileges is operating without driving privileges, a Class B traffic violation (fine-only, up to $1,000). A driver who has a license but does not carry it, or does not hand it to an officer when stopped or after a crash, commits failure to carry or present a license, a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days); producing a license that was valid at the time is a defense.

Carrying concealed on your person a switchblade or gravity knife (a blade that opens by spring or centrifugal force), a dirk, dagger, ice pick, slungshot, metal knuckles or similar instrument is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months). The statute sets no blade-length limit and does not restrict openly carrying ordinary knives. Possessing any instrument used as a dangerous weapon in a public building (which includes school grounds and buildings) is a Class C felony, and keeping a non-firearm weapon in a court facility after being told to surrender or remove it is also a Class C felony.

Possessing, using or exploding fireworks in Oregon is illegal unless an exception applies; the main one lets members of the public buy 'consumer fireworks' for personal use from a holder of a State Fire Marshal retail permit. Consumer fireworks are ground-based items such as cone and cylindrical fountains, flitter sparklers, ground spinners, illuminating torches and wheels, plus other items with 500 grams or less of pyrotechnic composition that the Fire Marshal approves by rule. Retail sales are allowed only from June 23 through July 6 each year. Violating the fireworks law is a Class B misdemeanor (up to 6 months), and the Fire Marshal may also impose a civil penalty of up to $500 per violation (not on an individual holding less than $50 worth).

Kidnapping in the second degree is taking a person from one place to another, or secretly confining them where they are unlikely to be found, without consent or legal authority and intending to substantially interfere with their liberty; it is a Class B felony (up to 10 years). It becomes kidnapping in the first degree, a Class A felony (up to 20 years), when done for ransom, to hold the victim as a shield or hostage, to injure or terrorize the victim or someone else, or to further certain sex crimes. A relative who takes a child under 16 solely to assume control of the child has a defense to second-degree kidnapping.

Oregon calls threatening violence 'menacing': by words or conduct intentionally trying to make another person fear imminent serious physical injury. Menacing is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250). If it is committed against a family or household member, the judgment must note that the conviction constitutes domestic violence.

Taking, driving or otherwise using someone else's car, boat or aircraft without the owner's consent (including knowingly riding in it, or a mechanic or renter keeping or using it far beyond what was agreed) is 'unauthorized use of a vehicle,' a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Permanently stealing a vehicle is charged as theft by value; aggravated theft in the first degree (property of $10,000 or more) excludes a motor vehicle used primarily for personal transportation.

Receiving, keeping, hiding or getting rid of property knowing or having good reason to know it was stolen is 'theft by receiving,' a form of theft graded by value like other theft: under $100 is third-degree theft (Class C misdemeanor), $100 to under $1,000 is second-degree theft (Class A misdemeanor), $1,000 or more is first-degree theft (Class C felony), and $10,000 or more is aggravated theft in the first degree (Class B felony). Theft by receiving committed by buying, selling, borrowing or lending on the security of the property is first-degree theft regardless of value. A scrap metal business that makes the required report has a defense.

Organized retail theft is committing (or aiding) theft of merchandise from a store while acting in concert with another person, when the total value of merchandise taken within any 180-day period exceeds $5,000. It is a Class B felony (up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000).

Manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance is graded by schedule: Schedule I is a Class A felony, Schedule II a Class B felony, Schedule III a Class C felony, Schedule IV a Class B misdemeanor, and Schedule V a Class C misdemeanor, with drug-specific sections for heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and others (for example, delivering methamphetamine is a Class B felony, a Class A felony if delivered to someone under 18, with a $500 minimum fine). Oregon has no separate weight-based 'trafficking' crime; instead, delivery or manufacture of 'substantial quantities' (for example, 5 grams of heroin, 5 grams or 25 user units of fentanyl, or 10 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine), or a 'commercial drug offense' shown by at least three listed factors (such as $300 or more in cash, weapons, or packaging and scales), is ranked at crime category 8 of the sentencing guidelines grid, which raises the presumptive sentence.

Knowingly getting or trying to get a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge (for example with a forged or altered prescription), or putting false information in records required under the drug laws, is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250.

Oregon charges injury crashes as assault. Recklessly causing serious physical injury with a dangerous weapon (which can include a vehicle) or under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life is assault in the third degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years), raised to a Class B felony (up to 10 years) when the injury resulted from driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.

Speed racing on a highway (or any premises open to the public), including drag races, speed or acceleration contests, exhibitions of speed, and record attempts, is a Class A traffic violation, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. Blocking or barricading a highway to help someone race is 'organizing a speed racing event,' a Class A misdemeanor, and a Class C felony for a second conviction within five years. Intentionally spinning or breaking the traction of the rear tires in front of two or more spectators gathered to watch is reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor.

Operating or being in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, psilocybin, an inhalant or a controlled substance, or knowingly letting an impaired person operate one's boat, is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250). A blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more by weight constitutes being under the influence. On conviction the court must also bar the person from operating a boat for one year, order a classroom boating safety course, and suspend the person's boating safety education card for one year; the Marine Board may also suspend the registration of all boats the person owns.

Knowingly making a health care claim containing a false statement of material fact, or hiding information to obtain a health care payment the person is not entitled to, is 'making a false claim for health care payment,' a Class C felony (up to 5 years); separate false claims may be aggregated (against multiple payors within 30 days, or the same payor within 180 days), and prosecution must begin within five years. The statute does not set grades by amount.

Knowingly obtaining public assistance or medical assistance by a false statement or fraudulent device, by failing to report income, property or other changes that affect eligibility, or by hiding or transferring property to appear eligible, is a Class C felony (up to 5 years) that the court may reduce to a Class A misdemeanor. For unemployment benefits, a claimant who willfully makes a false statement or hides a material fact to get benefits can be disqualified from benefits for up to 52 weeks, and an employer who makes false statements about a claim commits a Class A misdemeanor.

Offering, giving or agreeing to give any financial benefit to a public servant to influence an official vote, opinion, judgment, decision or action is 'bribe giving,' a Class B felony (up to 10 years). A public servant who solicits, accepts or agrees to accept such a benefit commits 'bribe receiving,' also a Class B felony.

Willfully trying to evade Oregon income tax, by failing to pay tax, file or verify a return, or supply required information, or by filing a false or fraudulent return or information, is a Class C felony (up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000), plus a civil penalty of up to $1,000 recovered by the Attorney General.

Oregon uses the names rape, sodomy (oral or anal intercourse) and unlawful sexual penetration (with an object or body part), each in degrees. First-degree rape, sodomy or unlawful sexual penetration (by forcible compulsion, or when the victim cannot consent because of mental incapacitation or physical helplessness) is a Class A felony (up to 20 years) with a mandatory minimum of 100 months (8 years 4 months) under Measure 11. Sexual abuse in the second degree (sexual intercourse, oral or anal intercourse or penetration without the victim's consent) is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Sexual contact by forcible compulsion or with a person unable to consent is first-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony with a 75-month mandatory minimum. Sex with a person under the age of consent is also covered; see the age-of-consent page.

Rape, sodomy or unlawful sexual penetration of a child under 12 is first-degree (Class A felony, up to 20 years), with a 300-month (25-year) mandatory minimum for offenders 18 or older. Rape, sodomy or unlawful sexual penetration of a child under 14 is second-degree (Class B felony, up to 10 years) with a 75-month mandatory minimum, and the same acts with a child under 16 are third-degree (Class C felony, up to 5 years). Sexual contact with a child under 14 is first-degree sexual abuse, a Class B felony with a 75-month mandatory minimum. First-degree rape or sodomy also covers a victim under 16 who is the offender's sibling, child or stepchild.

Oregon calls this 'encouraging child sexual abuse' (a child is anyone under 18). Distributing, duplicating, publishing, selling or financing a visual recording of sexually explicit conduct involving a child, or bringing it into Oregon for sale, is first-degree, a Class B felony (up to 10 years). Knowingly possessing or accessing such material to view it, or paying to view it, is second-degree, a Class C felony (up to 5 years), when the person knows or consciously disregards that its creation involved child abuse; it is third-degree, a Class A misdemeanor, if the person failed to be aware of that risk. Using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct (inducing a child to take part, or recording it) is a Class A felony (up to 20 years) with a 70-month mandatory minimum.

Yes. Online sexual corruption of a child in the second degree (a person 18 or older who knowingly uses online communication, including texts, email or chat, to solicit a child the person reasonably believes is under 16 to engage in sexual contact or sexually explicit conduct and offers or agrees to meet the child) is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). It is first degree, a Class B felony (up to 10 years), if the person also intentionally takes a substantial step toward physically meeting the child.

People convicted of a sex crime (or found guilty except for insanity of one), including those paroled to Oregon from another state, must report in person to the State Police, a city police department or the county sheriff within 10 days of release, within 10 days of moving, changing names or starting or changing work or school at a college, once a year within 10 days of their birthday, and at least 21 days before international travel. Registrants are placed in level one (lowest risk), two or three (highest risk) by a risk assessment; the duty continues unless the person obtains relief, and a level one registrant may petition for relief 5 years after supervision ends, while level two and three registrants may petition to be reclassified to a lower level. Failure to report is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days), or a Class C felony (up to 5 years) for failing to make the initial report or, when the underlying sex crime is a felony, for failing to report a move, name change, school or job change.

A person convicted of a felony under Oregon, another state's or federal law who owns, possesses or controls any firearm commits felon in possession of a firearm, a Class C felony (up to 5 years). The ban does not apply to a person with only one felony that did not involve homicide or a firearm or switchblade-type weapon who has been off prison, parole and probation for 15 years, to a person granted relief under ORS 166.274 or federal law, or to a person whose record was expunged. A conviction the court declared a misdemeanor at judgment does not count. Possessing restricted weapons such as switchblades, metal knuckles or a stun device is a separate Class A misdemeanor for felons.

Computer crime is knowingly accessing or using a computer, system or network to defraud, to obtain money, property or services by false pretenses, or to commit theft (including theft of proprietary information or an intimate image), or knowingly and without authorization altering, damaging or destroying a computer, system, software or data; these are Class C felonies (up to 5 years). Simply accessing or using a computer, system or network without authorization is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days). Any violation involving Oregon State Lottery systems is a Class C felony.

Oregon has different rules for phone calls and in-person talks. For phone and other telecommunications, recording is allowed if at least one participant consents (one-party consent). For in-person conversations, a person may not record with a device unless all participants are specifically told the conversation is being recorded, with exceptions such as recording during a felony that endangers human life, openly recording on-duty police in public, and unconcealed recording of public meetings, classes or events. Violations, including using or divulging an unlawfully obtained conversation, are a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days).

Initiating a false report (knowingly causing a false alarm or report to be sent to police, a fire department or another emergency organization) is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days). The court must order the person to repay the costs of responding to and investigating the report. If the false report caused a SWAT team or similar police unit to be deployed (swatting), the court must impose at least 10 days in jail, or at least 30 days if someone was killed or seriously injured, and may not suspend it. Giving police a false name, address or birth date when receiving a citation or with an outstanding warrant is also a Class A misdemeanor.

Yes. Oregon calls them bias crimes, based on the offender's perception of the victim's race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. First-degree bias crime (causing physical injury, negligently injuring someone with a deadly weapon, or placing someone in fear of imminent serious injury because of those traits) is a Class C felony (up to 5 years). Second-degree bias crime (offensive physical contact, interfering with property, or threats of serious injury, a felony or major property damage because of those traits) is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days).

For felonies committed on or after November 1, 1989, Oregon replaced parole with post-prison supervision; parole remains only for older crimes and for murder and aggravated murder. A post-prison supervision violation is first handled by the supervising agency with a continuum of sanctions (closer supervision, new conditions, community service, electronic monitoring, or jail of up to 15 days, longer only through a local sanction or board hearing). For new crimes or when those sanctions are not enough, the Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision holds a hearing and may impose jail or prison time up to limits set by Criminal Justice Commission rules. For parolees, the Board holds a probable-cause and violation hearing with written notice, a right to confront witnesses and, in some cases, appointed counsel, and may continue parole, impose sanctions, or revoke parole so the person serves the rest of the sentence.

Violating a Family Abuse Prevention Act restraining order is handled as contempt of court in the court that issued the order or the county where the violation happened. Unless another statute provides otherwise, punitive contempt sanctions are up to 6 months in jail, a fine up to $500 or 1% of annual gross income (whichever is greater), probation or community service, for each violation. Separately, violating a court's stalking protective order is a crime: a Class A misdemeanor (up to 364 days), or a Class C felony (up to 5 years) with a prior stalking or stalking-order conviction or in certain other repeat circumstances.

In Oregon a youth's case generally reaches adult court through a waiver decision by the juvenile court after a hearing (judicial waiver). The state may ask for waiver of a youth who was 15, 16 or 17 when the act was committed if it would be aggravated murder, a Measure 11 offense, any Class A or B felony, certain Class C felonies (such as third-degree assault or third-degree robbery) or a Class C felony with a firearm. The judge may waive the youth only after finding the youth mature enough to appreciate the conduct and that keeping the case in juvenile court would not serve the youth and society, weighing amenability to treatment and public protection. A youth under 15 may be waived only for murder, or for first-degree rape, sodomy or unlawful sexual penetration by force. A waived youth convicted of a Measure 11 offense receives the mandatory minimum but cannot be sentenced to death or life without parole.

Oregon law still provides the death penalty, but only for aggravated murder, which since 2019 is limited to: a premeditated intentional killing of two or more people as an act of terrorism; a murder committed in custody by someone previously convicted of aggravated or first-degree murder; and premeditated intentional murder of a child under 14 or of a police or corrections, parole or probation officer because of the officer's duties. After an aggravated murder conviction, a jury decides between life, life without parole and death in a separate sentencing hearing. The statute sets lethal injection as the method.

People convicted of a felony in Oregon lose the right to vote only while they are incarcerated for it (including incarceration as a sanction for violating probation, parole or post-prison supervision). The right is restored automatically when the person is released, so people on parole, post-prison supervision or probation can vote. A person serving a prison term in a federal prison in Oregon cannot vote until discharged or paroled.

During a felony prison term a person loses the rights to vote, hold public or party office, hold a position of private trust and serve on a jury; these return automatically on release from incarceration. Jury service has a longer bar: a person convicted of a felony, or who served a felony sentence (including probation or parole), within the past 15 years may not serve on a grand jury or criminal trial jury. Felon-in-possession of a firearm (Class C felony) does not apply to a person with only one felony that did not involve homicide or a firearm or switchblade and who was discharged from the sentence at least 15 years earlier; others may petition the circuit court for relief, or have the record set aside.

Oregon has no general three-strikes law, but it has repeat-offender rules for certain crimes. A felony sex crime carries a presumptive sentence of life without parole if the person has already been sentenced for felony sex crimes at least twice (a judge may depart for substantial and compelling reasons). A person convicted of a major felony sex crime (first-degree rape, sodomy or unlawful sexual penetration, or using a child in a display of sexually explicit conduct) with a previous such conviction gets a mandatory minimum of 25 years. A 'dangerous offender' with a severe personality disorder may receive up to 30 years for certain violent felonies.

Oregon allows hemp products with delta-8 and other intoxicating cannabinoids but regulates them. A hemp product that exceeds the concentration of 'adult use cannabinoids' (which include delta-8 THC and intoxicating artificially derived cannabinoids) set by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, or has more than 0.3% total delta-9 THC, is an 'adult use cannabis item' that may not be sold or delivered to anyone under 21 and must be labeled 'For use only by adults 21 and older.' Hemp products for human consumption must be lab-tested, and the commission sets per-serving and per-package cannabinoid limits and approval standards for products containing artificially derived cannabinoids.

Oregon has a licensed psilocybin services program (voter-approved Measure 109): adults 21 and older may buy, possess and consume psilocybin products only at a licensed psilocybin service center under the supervision of a licensed facilitator, and selling to anyone under 21 is prohibited. Outside the program, psilocybin is a Schedule I controlled substance. Possessing a small amount is a 'drug enforcement misdemeanor' (probation of up to 18 months, or up to 180 days in jail only at the defendant's request, with no fines); possessing 12 grams or more is a Class A misdemeanor, and possession that is a commercial drug offense or a substantial quantity is a Class B felony.

Kratom is legal in Oregon but regulated under the Oregon Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Retailers may not sell kratom products to anyone under 21; each violation is a Class C misdemeanor (up to 30 days and a $1,250 fine). Wholesale processors must register with the Department of Revenue and certify that their products are third-party tested for adulteration, and selling without registering brings civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 after that.

Hemp-derived CBD products are legal in Oregon. Hemp products containing cannabinoids that are intended for people to consume may be sold only if they have been lab-tested (with documentation kept), and they must carry a label listing the product name and type, manufacturer, potency and cannabinoid content, a website for the certificate of analysis, and required health warnings. Products made for consumption by eating must come from a facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Age limits apply only to hemp products that count as 'adult use cannabis items' (above the THC limits), which may not be sold to anyone under 21.

The minimum age to buy tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (vapes) in Oregon is 21. Selling them to someone under 21 is a specific fine violation with a fine of up to $50 for the clerk; supervising managers face fines of up to $250 (up to $500 from the third violation) and business owners up to $500 (up to $1,000 from the third). People under 21 may not buy or try to buy tobacco or vapes, though the statute sets no penalty for that.

Oregon charges elder abuse as criminal mistreatment. First-degree criminal mistreatment, a Class C felony (up to 5 years), covers a caregiver who intentionally or knowingly injures, abandons or dangerously leaves alone a dependent person or a person 65 or older, takes or hides their money or property for an improper purpose, or takes charge of them to commit fraud; it also covers intentionally withholding necessary food, care or medical attention from anyone in one's care. Negligently withholding necessary food, care or medical attention is second-degree criminal mistreatment, a Class A misdemeanor.

Oregon calls voyeurism 'invasion of personal privacy.' Watching someone who is nude in a private place such as a bathroom or locker room for sexual gratification, or recording a person's intimate area without consent, is second-degree invasion of personal privacy, a Class A misdemeanor. Recording a nude person in a private place without consent, or a second-degree offense by someone with a prior privacy, indecency or sex-crime conviction, is first-degree invasion of personal privacy, a Class C felony (up to 5 years). For the first-degree offense, the court may designate it a sex crime, which requires sex-offender registration, if community safety requires it.

Intentionally or knowingly injuring a police officer, corrections or youth correction officer, parole and probation officer, animal control officer, firefighter or corrections staff member doing official duties is 'assaulting a public safety officer,' a Class C felony (up to 5 years) with a mandatory minimum of 7 days in jail, or 14 days if the victim is a peace officer. Injuring an emergency medical services provider, a public transit or taxi operator, or a flagger or highway worker is third-degree assault, also a Class C felony. By comparison, causing physical injury to someone else is usually fourth-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor.