Practice Area
Criminal Law
Experienced criminal defense for selected misdemeanor and felony matters in Oregon — with the insight of a former prosecutor working for you.
Overview
A Criminal Charge Is Not a Conviction
A criminal charge carries serious consequences — potential incarceration, a permanent record, employment impacts, and lasting damage to your reputation. But being charged is not the same as being convicted. You have rights, and exercising those rights effectively requires experienced legal counsel from the moment charges are filed.
Margaret L. Harmon brings 32+ years of Oregon legal experience to criminal defense, including her background as a former assistant district attorney in Multnomah County. She understands how prosecutors build cases — and how to challenge them. This insider perspective gives clients a meaningful advantage in navigating charges, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and pursuing the most favorable outcome possible.
Margaret is also available for second opinions on plea offers. Many defendants accept plea agreements without fully understanding their options, the true strength of the prosecution's case, or the long-term consequences of accepting. A second opinion before signing a plea deal is a sound investment — because some decisions cannot be undone. This office handles selected misdemeanor and felony matters; contact us to discuss whether your case falls within our practice scope.
Matters We Handle
Act Quickly
Time Is Critical
Criminal charges move fast. Early legal involvement preserves your rights and your options. Contact the office immediately if you have been charged or believe charges are imminent.
Schedule a Consultation (503) 842-7731What We Do
Criminal Defense Services
Domestic Violence Defense
Domestic violence charges can be devastating — even when allegations are exaggerated or false. Margaret provides a thorough factual defense and ensures your rights are protected at every stage of the criminal process.
Theft & Property Crimes
From shoplifting to more serious property crime charges, Margaret evaluates the evidence, identifies procedural issues, and works toward dismissal, reduction, or diversion programs that preserve your record wherever possible.
Embezzlement Defense
White-collar charges like embezzlement often rest on financial records and circumstantial evidence. Margaret scrutinizes the prosecution's theory, challenges evidentiary gaps, and builds a defense grounded in the actual facts.
Misdemeanor Defense
A misdemeanor conviction can still result in jail time, fines, and a record that follows you for years. Margaret takes misdemeanor charges seriously and pursues every available avenue — from suppression motions to negotiated dismissals.
Selected Felony Defense
For qualifying felony matters, Margaret provides the full depth of her prosecutorial experience and courtroom record. Early engagement is essential — the decisions made in the first days after a felony charge can shape the entire case.
Second Opinion on Plea Offers
Before accepting any plea deal, get an independent assessment. Margaret reviews the offer, the evidence, and the strength of the prosecution's case — then gives you a frank, unbiased analysis of whether the offer is genuinely in your interest.
What to Expect
How the Defense Process Works
Immediate Consultation
Contact the office as soon as possible — ideally before speaking with investigators. Early involvement preserves your rights and limits the prosecution's ability to build a case against you.
Case & Evidence Review
Margaret reviews charging documents, police reports, witness statements, and all available evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, procedural violations, and viable defense strategies.
Strategy & Options
You receive a frank assessment of your options — whether to negotiate a favorable plea, file suppression motions, challenge the charges, or take the case to trial — along with an honest view of the likely outcome of each path.
Resolution
Whether through dismissal, negotiated plea, or trial, Margaret advocates for the best possible outcome at every stage — from arraignment through sentencing — with full transparency about where things stand.
Common Questions
Criminal Law FAQ
Should I talk to police before calling an attorney?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning. Politely invoke both rights and say nothing substantive until you have spoken with counsel. Statements made to police — even innocent-sounding ones — can be used against you.
What types of criminal cases does this office handle?
This office handles selected misdemeanor and felony matters including domestic violence defense, theft, embezzlement, malicious mischief, and other property crimes. It does not handle DUI/DUII offenses, serious felony assault, murder, or sexual crimes. Contact the office to discuss whether your matter falls within our scope.
Is a second opinion on a plea offer worth it?
Often yes — especially for offers with long-term consequences like mandatory minimums, probation conditions, or collateral impacts on employment or immigration status. A single consultation may reveal options or risks your current attorney hasn't fully explained. Once you sign a plea, the decision is final.
What is the benefit of hiring a former prosecutor?
A former prosecutor knows exactly how cases are built, what evidence prosecutors prioritize, and which arguments are most effective — on both sides of the aisle. Margaret spent years in the Multnomah County DA's office before transitioning to defense, giving her a perspective that pure defense attorneys simply don't have.
Don't Wait
Charged With a Crime?
Call Today.
A criminal charge can change your life. Early legal involvement makes a difference — and accepting a plea without a second opinion is a risk you don't have to take. Schedule a consultation with Margaret L. Harmon now.
32+
Years Experience
DA
Former Prosecutor
60+
Jury Trials
OR
Oregon Licensed