Drug Crime Defense
Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Southern Oregon
Matt is an experienced Southern Oregon drug crime defense lawyer who represents clients facing serious offenses associated with violating Oregon’s Uniform Controlled Substance Act. Matthew Rowan Law actively tracks changes to Oregon’s drug laws, including the most recent 2024 legislative changes to Oregon’s Measure 110, which new changes have recriminalized small quantity drug possession in Oregon. Drawing upon his knowledge, Matt can provide you with accurate and up-to-date legal advice on how to defend your case.
If you have been charged with possession, delivery/distribution, or manufacturing of certain types of drugs, you may be facing significant consequences including lengthy jail time. Whether your charges involve marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, ecstasy, date rape drugs, or prescription drugs such as OxyContin, we can help investigate your charges to pursue a successful outcome.
Typically, when someone is charged with a drug crime, a search was performed by law enforcement, which can effectively open the door to search and seizure violations, or evidence mishandling issues. Matt is extremely knowledgable about common constitutional violations in Southern Oregon and can help fight your case by filing the appropriate motions with the court to help you assert your constitutionally protected rights.
Additionally, when there is a higher level of involvement by an inter-agency task force such as MADGE or IMET — involving law enforcement from multiple cities or counties — it is important to have a skilled drug crime defense attorney by your side to ensure your rights were not violated.
Matt can also assist with collateral legal issues that might arise from your criminal drug case. He can help defend against the government’s seizure of your personal property through civil forfeiture proceedings. Matt also can help defend against Southern Oregon counties’ assessments of burdensome fines and permitting penalties tied to licensed and unlicensed marijuana grows.
Our Services
- Providing counsel
- Meeting with detectives
- Filing motions with court
- Attending all court appearances
Resources
Five Frequently Asked Questions
What if my drug possession charge is the result of an addiction?
It is not uncommon for Oregon residents with addiction trouble to face multiple charges for possession as they battle their dependency issues. The reality is these charges can add up and result in significant jail time. Partnering with a skilled drug crime attorney is important in these cases, as we can help outline the work you have done to overcome your addiction, which may result in a positive response from the prosecutor and judge, so you can continue to get the help you need. Resources to assist with your addiction can be found on this site. Matt strongly encourages clients that are facing drug charges to actively seek treatment.
What is a crime category and how does it impact my drug case?
If you are facing a felony drug charge in Oregon, your charges will fall into a crime category. The higher the crime category, the more sever the default sanction under Oregon’s Sentencing Guidelines. With drug crimes, your drug category is substantially impacted by three factors: (1) the type of drug is involved, (2) the quantity of drugs involved, and (3) the location where the drugs were located by law enforcement (e.g. by a school, in a park, etc). Where all else fails, an experienced attorney such as Matt can help negotiate your criminal charges to lower your crime category so that you you can, potentially, avail yourself of treatment court to avoid prison.
How does Matt approach a drug case in Southern Oregon?
When evaluating a drug case, Matt first examines all evidence presented by the State or Federal government to see if any of your constitutional rights were violated. Drug cases require a skilled criminal defense attorney such as Matt that is knowledgable about search and seizure law. Matt will conduct a thorough constitutional analysis of your case. He will also evaluate all of the lab reports. If law enforcement violated your rights, Matt will find the mistake and file the appropriate motions with the court to suppress the evidence that was obtained by law enforcement. Additionally, Matt will work with you to obtain mitigating evidence to present to the court if such evidence becomes necessary to, hopefully, reduce your crime category, and argue for probation if you are ultimately found guilty of a drug crime.
Should I consent to a search in Oregon?
No. If law enforcement asks you to consent to a search of your person, vehicle, or premises, you should not voluntarily consent to such a search. You do not have to consent and your refusal to provide consent cannot be used against you unless you are obstructing law enforcement from effectuating a valid search warrant. Always ask to see a search warrant and politely decline to consent to a search. Immediately contact an attorney when law enforcement asks for consent.
If law enforcement shows up with a search warrant, you may ask to see the warrant but must not obstruct law enforcement’s search. Law enforcement’s search should be limited to the specific locations listed in the document. By law, the warrant must clearly identify the magistrate that signed the document. When presented with a warrant, you should also ask if you can contact an attorney and immediately reach out to one.
Will my Oregon drug crime case go to trial?
Drug cases are, most often, won or lost at a hearing on a motion to suppress. However, Matt is trial-tested and always trial ready. If a trial is the best course of action, Matt will fight for your freedom using his legal skills in the courtroom.
Though Matt is not afraid of a fight, he believes an intelligent drug crime defense strategy does not require an aggressive approach. It demands a precisely developed and persuasive argument to overcome legal obstacles to reach each of his client’s goals. Words are the true weapons inside the courtroom and have a far greater effect in changing people’s opinions — including those who sit on the jury.
Matthew Rowan Law
219 S. Holly St.
Medford, OR 97501