Murder Lawyer in Bend

Facing Serious Charges? Our Team Stands With You Every Step

If you or a loved one faces a murder charge in Bend, trusted guidance and a strong defense are essential. At Ward Grover & Thomas, we know how stressful and life-altering these accusations can be. Our team brings over 50 years of combined criminal defense experience to help you navigate every stage of this difficult process. 

We serve clients in both state and federal courts throughout Central Oregon, building tailored defense strategies to protect your rights and your future.

We understand that Bend’s community environment can shape how these cases are perceived both inside and outside the courtroom. Local law enforcement and prosecutors take homicide investigations seriously. Our team knows what’s at stake and stands ready to help you make informed choices from the very beginning in Deschutes County.

When facing a murder charge, you need specialized expertise. Contact a murder attorney in Bend who is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist. We offer a free consultation to review your case and begin your defense immediately. Call us now at (541) 312-5150 or contact us online now.

Understanding Oregon Homicide Laws

Criminal homicide in Oregon is a spectrum of offenses defined not just by the result (a death) but by the accused’s culpable mental state, as outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 163. Successfully defending a client requires a Bend murder defense lawyer who can precisely target the element of intent.

Murder in the Second Degree (ORS 163.115)

This is the most common form of murder charge in Oregon, occurring when a person:

• Intentionally causes the death of another human being.
• Commits or attempts to commit certain predicate felonies (e.g., Arson, Robbery, Kidnapping) and, in the course of that crime, causes the death of another person (Felony Murder).

Aggravated Murder (ORS 163.095)

Aggravated murder is Oregon’s most severe offense. It involves murder with the presence of one or more aggravating factors, such as:

• Committing murder while confined in a correctional facility.
• Murder committed in the course of a specified list of felonies (e.g., Kidnapping, Robbery) where the person committed the homicidal act.
• Murder of a police officer or a correctional officer.

Lesser Included Offenses

A critical defense strategy pursued by every experienced murder attorney in Bend is mitigating the charge to a lesser degree of homicide, which carries substantially lower prison terms:

• Manslaughter in the First Degree
• Manslaughter in the Second Degree
• Criminally Negligent Homicide

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Murder Conviction in Oregon

A conviction for murder in Oregon carries mandatory, life-altering penalties that underscore the need for a premier murder attorney in Bend.

Direct Penalties (Mandatory Minimums)

Oregon sentencing guidelines are extremely harsh for homicide:

• Murder in the Second Degree: Punishable by life imprisonment. The court must impose a mandatory minimum term of 25 years in prison before any possibility of release or parole review (known as the "25-year true minimum").
• Aggravated Murder: Punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of release or parole, or life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years.

Even manslaughter carries significant mandatory minimum sentences, underscoring the necessity of fighting for dismissal or acquittal.

Collateral Consequences: Life Sentence Outside the Prison Walls

A homicide conviction creates permanent barriers to reintegration into society:

• Ineligibility for Set-Aside (Expungement): A conviction for murder or any serious Measure 11 felony will remain on your public record permanently, disqualifying you from the ability to have the conviction "set aside" (sealed or expunged) under Oregon law.
• Loss of Civil Rights: You will permanently lose the right to possess firearms, the right to vote while incarcerated, and the right to serve on a jury.
• Employment and Licensing: A conviction for murder is an absolute bar to professional licensing, and the mandatory minimum prison term eliminates any possibility of a career for decades.
• Housing and Public Benefits: A conviction severely restricts eligibility for government-assisted housing and other essential public benefits.

We recognize that our firm's goal in a murder case is not simply to manage the legal process but to save the client's future from these irreversible penalties.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Murder Defense

As Certified Criminal Law Specialists, Ward, Grover, & Thomas applies an advanced level of legal knowledge and trial strategy to every murder case. We build defense strategies tailored to the scientific and factual realities of the evidence.

• Extreme Emotional Disturbance (EED) Defense: Under ORS 163.135, EED is an affirmative defense that, if successful, reduces a murder charge to Manslaughter in the First Degree. We work with forensic psychologists and psychiatrists to prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that you acted under the influence of an extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable explanation. This is a vital tool for reducing the mandatory minimum sentence.
• Self-Defense/Justification: We leverage ORS 161.205 to argue that your use of deadly force was justified because you reasonably believed it necessary to defend yourself or a third person from the imminent use of deadly physical force. Our firm uses accident reconstructionists and use-of-force experts to corroborate your account.
• Challenging Forensic Science: We never take State evidence for granted. We challenge the science behind DNA collection, the validity of ballistics reports, and the conclusions of the State Medical Examiner regarding the cause and time of death. The failure of forensic evidence often weakens the State's ability to prove identity or causation.
• Mental State Mitigation: Our firm aggressively pushes for a reduction of the charge by arguing the State cannot prove "intentional" conduct. We show that the conduct, at worst, meets the standard for reckless or criminally negligent homicide, thereby saving the client from a life sentence.

What You Can Expect From Us

Our murder attorneys in Bend handle every part of the criminal process, from early bail hearings to dedicated trial representation. Our approach as a murder criminal defense lawyer in Bend means you’re never left guessing about your next step. 

Our commitment includes:

• Reviewing police reports and charging documents for accuracy and procedure compliance
• Engaging qualified investigators to re-examine evidence and reconstruct events
• Consulting forensic experts as needed to clarify technical findings
• Analyzing every witness statement for inconsistencies or credibility issues
• Identifying potential legal defenses based on Oregon statutes and relevant case law
• Negotiating with prosecutors for reductions or dismissals when supported by the facts
• Providing strong advocacy if your case proceeds to trial, including cross-examining witnesses and presenting compelling arguments on your behalf

Our collaborative style lets us evaluate potential defense options at every stage, drawing from decades of experience across Oregon. We meet with you and your family early on to discuss strategies, review updates, and keep lines of communication clear. By working alongside investigators and other professionals, we make sure nothing important goes unchecked so you enter every hearing or trial well informed and prepared.

Why Clients Trust Our Murder Criminal Defense Lawyers in Bend

Choosing a murder attorney in Bend after an accusation makes a critical difference. At Ward Grover & Thomas, we have built our reputation on providing client-focused representation that drives meaningful results. Our lawyers understand the high stakes of murder charges and act quickly to analyze the details of your case.

• Decades of experience: Our background in both state and federal courts gives us a deep understanding of Oregon’s legal landscape, court procedures, and local practices in Deschutes County.
• Thorough investigations: We work closely with skilled investigators and experts to examine evidence, witness statements, and potential defense angles that support your case.
• Tailored strategies: No two situations are identical. We take time to analyze all available facts and craft a defense plan built for your specific circumstances.
• Compassion and communication: Feeling heard and supported during a criminal case matters. We listen, keep you informed, and prioritize your needs from start to finish.
• Protection of rights: We move quickly to safeguard your constitutional rights and ensure you receive fair treatment at every step.

Our commitment to clear communication means you always have up-to-date information about your case status and what comes next. We explain the possible paths forward in straightforward terms so you can make confident decisions. Many clients tell us they appreciate how we take the time to answer their questions and address their worries, treating everyone with dignity and respect regardless of the allegations involved.

Get Trusted Murder Defense—Contact Our Bend Legal Team

A murder charge calls for a defense team with proven experience, thorough case review, and compassionate support. When you reach out to Ward Grover & Thomas, you connect with attorneys who bring decades of criminal defense knowledge, local experience, and a commitment to stand by your side from day one. 

Reach out today for a confidential consultation. Call (541) 312-5150 to take your first step toward building your defense with a trusted murder attorney in Bend.