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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, OR

Defending People Throughout Clackmas County, Multnomah County, and Washington County 

Have you been arrested for a crime in Portland or another city in Multnomah County? The outcome of your case could have lifelong impacts, which could have you feeling overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of where to turn. Do not despair. You can trust James O'Rourke to defend your future. 

Our Portland criminal defense attorney has 40+ years of experience fighting for people who made a mistake or found themselves in a bad situation. He and our firm’s supporting staff treat clients with the utmost respect and work tirelessly to help them through difficult times. 

Discuss your charges and how we could serve you in a free consultation. We can conduct these in person or virtually, depending on what is most convenient for you. To schedule this initial meeting, get in touch today. 

Call (503) 506-2836 or submit our online contact form. 

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Local Defense Lawyer with a Unique Approach 

Our unique approach to criminal cases has yielded positive outcomes for countless clients. So, what is our approach?

For every client, we:

  1. Attack the prosecution’s case by challenging its arguments and testing its evidence. This often involves filing motions that assert our client’s statutory and constitutional rights and limit the evidence the prosecuting team can use in a trial. It also frequently includes gathering compelling evidence to present to the court and aggressively analyzing the prosecution’s evidence to combat its legitimacy.
  2. Negotiate with the prosecuting team to file lesser charges or drop them altogether. Using our experience and diplomacy skills, we work hard to achieve optimal outcomes that reduce or eliminate the impacts of criminal charges.
  3. Develop a sentencing mitigation plan. We work tirelessly for clients and use decades of know-how to develop our strategies. However, no honest attorney can say they know exactly what a judge or jury will decide. In the event of a conviction, we prepare to argue for lesser sentences that do not include jail or prison time. In certain cases, we can appeal a decision. We can also work to expunge crimes or reduce felony convictions to misdemeanors.
    "He is absolutely brilliant and in my opinion the best there is at what he does."
    I am humbled by his goodness and grateful for the gift of his representation. In addition to a miraculous outcome legally, Jim O’Rourke saved my life.
    - C. M.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "I wish to personally thank you for the prompt, knowledgeable and efficient legal services you recently provided to our family."
    The legal advise you provided as well as the expertise and professionalism you exhibited in court proceedings assisted us in obtaining a fair and equitable result.
    - David D.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "When I hired Mr. O’Rourke everything changed."
    He fought to get me into the Diversion program and helped me avoid a conviction on the DUII charge. This allowed me to remain in the service. I was impressed with how hard Mr. O’Rourke fought for me.
    - M. B.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "The opportunities I was given, and the doors that were opened due to Mr. O’Rourke’s experience and vast amount of resources, have changed my life forever."
    The representation, professionalism, knowledge, and true caring nature that James O’Rourke displays is rare and should be considered a gift to anyone that is presented with the opportunity to have him represent them.
    - B. H.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "Immediately he began helping me turn my life around."
    My life is now heading in a very positive direction due to the help and support of James and his staff. Thanks for all of the help and hard work.
    - J. B.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "When he suggested using my debacle as an opportunity to build character and move forward, I remember feeling hope."
    The way in which James approached my problem helped me to let go of my self-condemnation, fear, unworthiness etc and to just begin taking actions that were consistent with a real solution; actions that would take me up and out of my circumstances.
    - A. C.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "Our experience with Jim O’Rourke and his staff was excellent."
    Although we have had high quality legal help before, Jim’s comprehensive view of our son’s problems has been invaluable.
    - A Mother
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
    "I thought my life was over, but after I met him, my outlook on everything changed completely."
    I felt at ease because he told me that he would take really good care of me, which he did! He was able to get three of possession charges against me dropped. He made sure that I didn’t go to jail and that I was able to maintain my license.
    - Pharmacist D.
    *To read the full review, please visit our reviews page
Personal Service With Integrity
We prioritize integrity by offering compassionate support at every legal stage. Our team is committed to defending your rights and providing empathetic guidance, ensuring you feel understood and supported throughout your case.

Turning Negatives into Positives

Use of alcohol and drugs, gambling, mental health issues including depression and Bipolar and situational emotional problems including anger are the root causes of many crimes. By addressing the causes of alleged criminal behavior, we assure the Court that incarceration is not necessary to get our client to solve his or her problem.

We have an extensive network of top professionals we use to assist our clients.

We have vast experience working with clients in residential, outpatient, individual counseling and psychotherapy and 12 step recovery programs and with their spouses, families, friends and employers.

We understand the nature of addiction and the problems and feelings of recovering persons and their families, friends and employers. We know how to address those problems and concerns.

We use our clients’ successful treatment efforts to get excellent results in Court which is the essence of Turning Negatives Into Positives.

Most of our addiction recovery clients receive extremely lenient treatment from the Courts.

  • Compassionate & Effective Representation
    We provide effective and compassionate defense, ensuring clients feel supported while vigorously protecting their rights.
  • Over 40 Years of Experience
    With four decades in the legal field, Attorney O'Rourke brings a deep understanding of the system, assuring clients of a seasoned advocate by their side.
  • Complimentary, Confidential Consultations
    We offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case without any financial commitment.
  • We Work as a Team for You
    We use three methods to fight the prosecution and win — attack, negotiation, and mitigation — focusing our time and resources where they are most productive in achieving our goals.
  • Experienced & Personalized Legal Care

    Benefit from personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Criminal Defense 

Our team at James O'Rourke can be an invaluable resource if you have been arrested for a sobriety-related crime. We have vast experience working with people in all sorts of therapy and recovery programs and can provide the necessary support and additional help you might need. Often, we use our clients’ efforts to receive treatment to get excellent results in court. Do you want to turn a negative into a positive? Consider turning to our firm. 

Facing Criminal Charges? Call a Portland Criminal Defense Lawyer You Can Trust.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you face criminal charges in Multnomah County. We take emergency calls 24/7. When you need an advocate you can count on, James O'Rourke is the name to know. Set up your free consultation today. 

Call (503) 506-2836 or get in touch with us online. 

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Contact Us Today

At James O'Rourke, we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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