Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Eugene, Oregon
Aggressive and Thorough Representation from a Former Prosecutor
If you have been charged with a crime, including DUI/DWI, you have a lot to lose. The impact of a conviction can be devastating, including incarceration, loss of driving privileges, substantial fines and loss of employment opportunities, not to mention damage to your personal reputation. The consequences of a criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life.
When your rights and liberty at stake, working with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney is essential. At the office of Douglas L. Melevin, Lawyer, I bring over 40 years of experience in defending people throughout the central Willamette Valley and Oregon Coast who have been charged with a state or federal crime.
As a former Deputy District Attorney and Chief Trial Attorney for Lane County, I have valuable insight into how the government prepares its cases. This allows me to skillfully anticipate the prosecution's strategies and evaluate the strength and weaknesses of their position.
For a free initial consultation, contact me online or call me at 541-505-5306. For your convenience, evening, weekend, home and jail appointments are available.
A Comprehensive Criminal Defense Practice
I represent individuals in Eugene, Springfield and surrounding communities who face felony and misdemeanor charges, including:
- DUI/DWI. I represent people charged with drunk driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). I will thoroughly investigate the facts and evidence to uncover all potential challenges, including whether there was probable cause for the traffic stop, you were properly advised of your rights and field sobriety and blood alcohol tests were correctly administered.
- Drug offenses. I handle the defense of a wide range of drug charges, including possession, sale, trafficking and manufacturing. I defend charges involving controlled substances including marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine and heroin, as well as allegations of prescription forgery or fraud.
- Traffic violations. I protect the rights of individuals who have been charged with moving violations, including reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and hit and run.
- White collar crimes. I defend against charges of fraud, embezzlement or forgery.
In addition, I represent individuals charged with violent crimes, including assault, domestic violence, sex crimes and murder, as well as theft and arson.
Understanding and Protecting Your Rights
In all criminal cases, time is of the essence. In DUI/DWI cases, you must act quickly after an arrest to protect your driver's license. You only have 10 days after your first appearance to challenge the license suspension by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Over the course of my career as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, I have handled over 1000 DUI cases and thoroughly familiar with the law and process involved. I will work hard to protect your interests in administrative suspension hearing, as well as in criminal proceedings in your case.
Dedicated, Meticulous and Prepared
I am skilled negotiator and experienced litigator who will conduct a thorough investigation and develop a smart, aggressive defense on your behalf. Because I have worked on both sides of the criminal process, I can quickly identify and attack the weaknesses in the State's case. I will raise all applicable evidentiary, procedural, statutory and constitutional issues.
My job is to give you a realistic assessment of case, providing you the information you need to make sound choices. The decision of whether to plea or go to trial is always yours. My goal is to obtain your acquittal. However, where conviction is unavoidable, I will strive to minimize the negative consequences you face.
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact me online or call me at 541-505-5306.