Oregon — Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton and Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez issued a joint statement Thursday responding to a recent Oregon Supreme Court ruling that requires dismissal of criminal cases when defendants are not provided court-appointed counsel within strict timelines.
The court’s decision in State v. Roberts requires dismissal of misdemeanor cases if an attorney is not appointed within 60 days, and felony cases if counsel is not appointed within 90 days. According to the district attorneys, the immediate effect is the dismissal of 1,465 cases statewide, including 915 in Multnomah County and 263 in Washington County.
The cases subject to dismissal include serious offenses such as drug trafficking, aggravated theft, firearms and weapons violations, felony DUII, and strangulation. The prosecutors said the ruling will cause “real pain and harm to victims and the public.”
Barton and Vasquez emphasized that they respect the court’s decision and agree that a defendant’s right to legal representation is fundamental. However, they argued the ruling elevates one constitutional right while other critical interests — including victims’ rights, public safety, and the public’s interest in a functioning justice system — remain unaddressed.
The statement places responsibility for the crisis on Oregon’s public defense system, which the district attorneys described as broken despite significant investment. Oregon spends more than $300 million annually on public defense, nearly four times the national per-capita average, and pays some of the highest hourly rates in the country. At the same time, statewide criminal case filings are about 15 percent lower than before the crisis began.
The district attorneys noted their offices have taken numerous steps to mitigate the problem, including modifying charging practices, creating special resolution dockets, improving efficiency, and participating in work groups, crisis teams, and legislative hearings. They also testified before the House Judiciary Committee in support of proposals they believed could help address the issue.
After four years of ongoing public defense shortages, Barton and Vasquez said they no longer believe the solution lies with courts, prosecutors, or defense attorneys alone. Instead, they called on the state to take immediate action.
The prosecutors said they are encouraged by the permanent appointment of OPDC Director Sanchagrin but urged swift intervention from Tina Kotek and state leadership to prevent further harm. They concluded by stating their offices stand ready to assist in developing and implementing immediate solutions.
About the Author
It is SO OBVIOUS THAT GOV KOTEX, DOESN\’T GIVE A RATS A$$ ABOUT OREGON OR THE VICTIMS THESE CRIMINALS HAVE HURT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ********** STRANGULATION???? ******** COME ON!!!!!!!! ******************* * The cases subject to dismissal include serious offenses such as drug trafficking, aggravated theft, firearms and weapons violations, felony DUII, and strangulation. The prosecutors said the ruling will cause “real pain and harm to victims and the public.” * ***************************HELLO!!!!! ….. IS ANYONE SEEING WHAT\’S GOING ON????????????*************************** * It is Governor Kotex\’s job to fix this and get things done!!!!!!!!!! ~~~~~NOBODY ELSE\’S!!!~~~~~ WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!