Felons ask Multnomah County court for sentence reviews

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A relatively new Oregon law that lets felons petition for sentence reviews with the support of the district attorney was on display Monday in a Multnomah County courtroom,

The convicted felons can ask for the review using three types of claims: innocence with proof, excessive sentences after more than five years and collateral consequences seeking relief from the lasting impact of the conviction.

A deputy DA from outgoing Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt's office, defense attorneys and the non-profit Oregon Criminal Justice Truth Project all made their pitches in eight distinct cases.

One case from the 1990s involves a man convicted as a teen for brutal assaults who is now seeking a lesser sentence. Another case from the 1980s involves multiple burglaries, including one tied to a deadly home invasion with a push for resentencing.

The Oregon Criminal Justice Truth Project asked for a delay, arguing the cases are too severe to rush. In a letter to the judge, the non-profit blasted the so-called last minute petitions and a failure to notify victims' families within the required 30-day timeframe.

"Given the seriousness of this matter, I think it's only important that we do it right," said the group's Jose Cienfuegos.

Defense attorney Aliza Kaplan said the cases weren't rushed and that the sentences were excessive and thoroughly reviewed.

"It feels like a spectacle when these are already agreed-upon hearings," Kaplan said, "and here we are."

Of the eight cases, at least half are either non-violent or lack direct victims. But the other four will go to incoming Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, with a judge to review them sometime in January.

"I want to make sure that if my office is going to engage in this type of action, that we're doing it in a thoughtful manner but also doing it in full compliance with the law," Vasquez told KOIN 6 News.