Attorney Michael R. Hughes defends people in Josephine County who have been charged with all manner of criminal offenses. Whether you are facing local, state, or federal charges, he will aggressively protect your rights and work to clear your good name.
Hughes has appeared at the historic Josephine County Courthouse in Grants Pass, and represents people from Cave Junction to Wolf Creek, and everywhere in between.
Cannabis Criminal Defense
Michael R. Hughes is an experienced criminal defense attorney and cannabis expert who understands the difficulties of staying in compliance with constantly evolving cannabis laws. Even though the state of Oregon has legalized the limited use of cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, the production, possession, sale, and use of marijuana are still highly regulated, and some cases still illegal. Not to mention the fact that the federal government still classifies it as a Schedule I drug.
As an original member of The Cannabis and Psychedelics Law Section of the Oregon State Bar, Hughes has seen firsthand how well-meaning Oregonians can get tripped up by conflicting or unclear laws. That is one of the reasons why he is passionate about defending Josephine County residents charged with cannabis crimes.
DUII Defense
DUII or driving under the influence of intoxicants — alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two — is illegal in all 50 states. Many other states refer to DUII as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving under the influence (DUI), driving while ability impaired (DWAI), or operating while intoxicated (OWI), but they all mean basically the same thing.
A DUII conviction can result in fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges, which is why it is essential to have a strong defense. In rural areas like Josephine County, where driving is a necessity, protecting your license is critical.
In most alcohol DUII cases, the key evidence is blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results. Attorney Hughes knows what testing mistakes and weaknesses to look for, and how to show that certain results should be thrown out.
If a DUII charge stems from a law enforcement officer’s belief that you were driving under the influence of an intoxicant rather than BAC test results, Attorney Hughes can question the subjective nature of such a charge. This is especially important in marijuana and other drug DUII cases, where there has been little research on ways to properly identify someone who is under the influence. When police are relying on flimsy field sobriety tests, or their gut instincts and observations, there is plenty of room for error.
Federal Crimes
Most criminal laws are state laws, but the number of federal criminal offenses is rapidly growing.
A federal offense is a crime that:
- Violates federal law;
- Crosses state lines; or
- Is committed on government property.
In Josephine County, which borders California, the second bullet point here tends to trip people up. However, it may not be necessary to physically cross state lines in order to become involved in a federal offense. Modern means of communication, which allow you to easily connect with people from all around the world, may result in you being charged with a federal offense due to your use of mail, your phone, or the internet.
It is also easy to commit a crime on federal property in Josephine County, which is home to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Oregon Caves National Monument. Certain banks, courthouses, and other public buildings may also be considered federal property based on who owns them or what activity occurs in them.
If you have been charged with a federal offense, or suspect you are being investigated by the feds, you should reach out to Attorney Michael R. Hughes as soon as possible. He has years of experience defending people in federal court and may be able to quickly resolve your case.
Putting Up A Strong Defense
While some criminal convictions will earn you a slap on the wrist, most have serious consequences. You may face hefty fines, or spend time behind bars depending on the type of offense, the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense, and your criminal history.
No matter the official punishment, you will also have to deal with a tarnished reputation. It can make it difficult to get a job or find housing, increase your insurance rates, and give the government a reason to deny you benefits. Depending on the crime, you may also lose your right to own guns and vote.
Your best shot at avoiding these bad outcomes is contacting Attorney Michael R. Hughes as soon as possible after you are charged with a crime, or suspect you may be charged with a crime. Hughes is an experienced criminal defense attorney who does everything in his power to protect his clients from prosecution.
If the government intends to proceed with prosecution, Hughes will start to attack the government’s case against you. He will go through the police report with a fine-tooth comb:
- Did the police fail to read you your rights?
- Was evidence obtained with a proper search warrant?
- Were you coerced into making a confession?
Illegal police action can also make any incriminating evidence they turn up inadmissible in court. If the only evidence against you was improperly obtained, the case against you may be quite weak.
The charges against you may be dropped if Attorney Hughes’ investigation reveals inconsistencies or potential mistakes by law enforcement officials too eager to slap the cuffs on someone.
If the case is still moving forward, Hughes will also:
- Identify and interview potential defense witnesses
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Challenge any lab results or other evidence collected by law enforcement
All of these pieces come together to form a defense. The stronger the defense, the more likely it is the government will drop the case or offer a plea deal.
If your case is not dismissed, and you are not offered an acceptable plea bargain, Attorney Michael R. Hughes will aggressively defend your reputation at trial.
An Attorney Who Understands Your Side
If you or a loved one in Josephine County, Oregon has been charged with a crime, or suspect you may soon be charged, contact Attorney Michael R. Hughes. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Hughes will aggressively defend your rights. Reach out to him today to schedule an initial consultation.