TRIAL DEFENSE · MULTNOMAH COUNTY
Criminal Trials
When you're charged with a serious crime, the outcome can shape the rest of your life. Rankin Johnson defends people facing the most serious charges in the Portland area — Measure 11 offenses, murder, sex offenses, and commercial drug offenses. If you've been arrested, talk to a lawyer before you talk to anyone else.
• Free 15 minute call to discuss your options
WHY THESE CASES ARE DIFFERENT
What's at stake
Oregon's Measure 11 sets mandatory minimum prison sentences for its most serious felonies. If you're convicted of one, the court cannot sentence you below the minimum, and there is no time off for good behavior — the whole sentence is served. These are not cases to handle casually, and the first decision you make, who defends you, may be the most important one.
Before you explain anything
You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Use both. What you say to police can't be unsaid — talk to a lawyer first.
WHAT I DEFEND
Serious charges I handle
Measure 11 offenses
Oregon's mandatory-minimum felonies — the most serious charges, with no time off the sentence.
Murder & violent felonies
Homicide, assault, robbery, and other violent charges.
Sex offenses
Among the most serious charges in their consequences — in court and long after.
Commercial drug offenses
Manufacture, delivery, and commercial-scale drug charges.
EXPERIENCE
Who defends you matters
Rankin Johnson has worked in Oregon criminal law since 1996, with experience up to and including capital murder. Serious cases demand a serious, careful defense — and that's the work. More about Rankin →
COMMON QUESTIONS
Find quick answers
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An Oregon law that sets mandatory minimum prison sentences for a list of serious felonies. A judge can't go below the minimum, and the full sentence is served — no early release for good behavior.
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You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. The safest step is to use both and speak with an attorney before answering questions.
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As early as possible — ideally before you speak with investigators. The first days of a case often shape everything that follows.
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On a limited basis. Contact me to discuss your case and I can give you an immediate answer.
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Yes — appeals to the Ninth Circuit, petitions for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, and federal habeas corpus, which is the federal counterpart to post-conviction relief.
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Trial defense is focused in Multnomah County and the Portland area; appellate and post-conviction work is statewide.