My question involves criminal law for the state of: oregon.
Hello,
I have some concerns about my court date this week in McMinnville, Oregon. I was arrested for theft class 3 when camping with some friends two weeks ago.
We were driving to camp site, for camping, and seen some fire wood on the side of the road pushed back near the bank of a stream. We took very little wood, and got arrested nearly an hour later as the lady that owned the wood pressed charges on me and my two friends. We tried to offer to bring it back but the old lady was insisting to press charges, the sheriffs said.
I went up to the location yesterday with a camera to show that we did take wood, but it from a discard pile? or a single pile cut in many different lengths, and was rotten and pushed back with other aged wood by the creek or stream, and i was nearly attacked by the people that lived 300 feet up the street! They were very hostile and accusing me of being a thief and criminal. I had my fiance and 4 month old daughter with me. The pictures were to show the house across and down the street in realtion to the pile of wood near the creekbed and discard pile. they called the cops again, makeing threats and accusations,. I ahve to go to court thursday, im a stay at home dad with no job atm. Im a welder and if you didnt know President bush has almost nearly ruined jobs for us tradesman... anyways almost two years without a job, taking care of the lil one now, I have to travel 2 hours out of town, with no car or baby sitter or money, to defend myself in this small country town.
How can I beat this as cheaply as possible and not have this on my record.? If i wanted to go back to work, this would prevent me from becoming employed... especially with nuclear plants...
Im amazed by the attitude of the elders and the hostility of the family. It got me very upset, and I really need help to beat this. They are very intimidating and I cannot afford this. idk what to do...![]()
I dont have a criminal record, and cannot have this blasphemy on my record.!
They got the wood back, that day, the sherrifs and i loaded it up in the back of their truck... the guy yelled to me he dont care what happens to me, he got his wood back...
Its possible it was their land, the lil pullover on the bank side of the road near the telephone pole where we did take the wood. but 1500$ fine and possible jail? and small country town? im not a local... and these folks prolly know everyone in town... im very scared and upset. usually an honest mistake is forgiven but, these days i do not trust any system nor anyone. will you please help me?
http://www.oregoncrimes.com/theft.htm
I need an attorney but dont know anyone and i dont have much money at all! like none actually... im afraid of the public defender, as the small town has shown its hospitality already...
How can i build a case against these people? Should i plea guilty or not guilty? We took the wood. and i admitted it in the police report... so not guilty seems like it would make things worse... but, this is insane.... im not a criminal... just thought it was free discarded wood...

