Mr. Beach’s client had two criminal cases - one where he was accused of stealing a car (Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle) and another case where he was again accused of stealing a car (another Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle). If Mr. Beach’s client was convicted of either charge, Oregon law required a minimum sentence of 30 months (2 ½ years) of prison due to his prior criminal history. The offer from the prosecutor to avoid trial was for Mr. Beach’s client to do 60 months (5 years) of prison. Mr. Beach and his client declined the offer and went to trial. If Mr. Beach lost, the judge would have to impose at least the 30 months but could impose as much as 120 months (10 years) or prison. On one case, Mr. Beach proved that although his client didn’t specifically have permission to drive that car, he had been previously allowed to drive it and reasonably could have believed he still could drive it. On the other case, Mr. Beach proved that his client was arrested (for other charges) before he had the opportunity to return the car he was driving – he might have returned but for being arrested. Not Guilty on both Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle charges!