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District Attorney

District Attorney

District Attorney

DA Photos

DA staff visiting a local school

DDA Alex Hayes and Management Analyst Maggie Gilman Holm helped out at the Rosemont Ridge Middle School Career Day providing mock interviews and an exhibition booth representing our office.

Run participants raising money

For most students, this was their first experience of a “job interview,” and gave them the opportunity to learn about the great career opportunities here in the DA’s office.

Recruiting efforts in Washington, DC

In January 2023, Senior DDA Bryan Brock and DDA Alex Hayes took their recruiting efforts to a national level in Washington, DC, at the first NDAA (National District Attorney’s Association) job fair for law students and recent graduates.

Meeting prospective hires in Washington, DC

Over 50 employers from prosecution offices across the U.S. set up booths to recruit from the law schools around Washington, D.C. Activities included a meet and greet at the Vue sky bar overlooking the Washington Monument and White House.

Philanthropy

Purchasing gifts for foster kids

An annual tradition in our office is to purchase gifts for foster children in need. We once again worked with Oregon City DHS and their giving tree program.

Run participants raising money

Bryan Brock, Jill Chapman, Krysti Bellmore, and John Wentworth take part in the 2021 Walk Like MADD 5K, raising over $400 for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Volunteers at LoveOne event

DA staff help pass out hygiene products, provide meals, assist folks with their laundry needs and provide access to warm showers at a LoveOne event. learn more

New Members

Swearing in of Emily Korte as our newest DDA

Swearing in of Emily Korte as our newest DDA

Klassen sworn in

Ben Klassen (University of Oregon 2020) was sworn in on September 2021 as a Clackamas County Deputy DA. Ben clerked for our office from May 2019-May 2020.

Deputy DA Meggie Kirchner sworn in

Meggie Kirchner (Lewis & Clark Law School 2021) was first hired in May 2020 as a certified law clerk. She recently returned to our Misdemeanor unit.

Deputy DA Grace Hoffa sworn in

Congratulations to new Deputy District Attorney Grace Hoffa. She was sworn into the Oregon State bar on Oct. 13 and deputized by District Attorney John Wentworth the next day.

Deputy DA Tiffany Escover sworn in

DA John Wentworth swearing in Deputy DA Tiffany Escover. The ceremony took place in May of 2022

Deputy DA Randi Hall being sworn in

Judge Kathie F. Steele swearing in Deputy DA Randi Hall. The ceremony took place in the judge’s Courtroom in July 2021.

Awards and Achievements

Deputy DA Alexander Hayes named Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year

Deputy DA Alexander Hayes (center) named Prosecutor of the Year by the OSP Fish and Wildlife Division and Oregon Hunters Association.

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Criminal Procedure

Definitions

Arraignment: The first step taken by the court in a criminal prosecution when a criminal defendant is brought before the court to hear the charges they are facing, be advised of their rights and enter a plea (typically, “Not Guilty).

Arrest Warrant: A court order directing a law enforcement officer to arrest and bring a criminal defendant to court.

Conditional Release: A person charged with a crime is “released” from jail with the conditions they will show up for future court appearances, not engage in illegal activity, not contact the victim and other conditions the court deems appropriate.

Grand Jury: A body of seven Clackamas County citizens selected by the court at random from a pool of jurors to hear sworn witness testimony regarding criminal matters occurring within the county. The grand jury may “indict” a person for a crime when it believes the person is guilty of committing the offense.

Indictment: A formal written statement of the charge(s) found by a grand jury indicating that the case should be tried. Also called a "true bill.”

Information: A formal written statement of the criminal charge(s) made by the prosecution without a grand jury indictment.

Mistrial: A trial that the judge brings to an end without a determination on the merits because of a procedural error or serious misconduct during the proceedings. In a criminal trial, when the jury cannot agree on a verdict, the judge usually rules that there is a mistrial.

Plea: Response of a criminal defendant to the charges. Possible pleas include "not guilty,” "guilty,” "no contest,” or "guilty except for insanity." For criminal court purposes, a "no contest" plea has the same effect as a "guilty" plea.

Release on Own Recognizance (ROR): A person charged with a crime is “released” from jail on the promise they will show up for future court appearances and not engage in illegal activity prior to trial.

Sentencing: A hearing to determine what the consequences for criminal conduct will be based on the offense, the offender’s criminal history and any aggravating or mitigating factors.

Settlement Conference: A hearing conducted by a judge to help the parties resolve a criminal case prior to trial.

Criminal Procedure

  1. Voir Dire
    The judge and both lawyers question potential jurors and "strike" (remove) those who do not appear impartial. The final panel is composed of 6 people for misdemeanor trials, or 12 people for felony trials.
  2. Opening Statements
    Both lawyers have an opportunity to tell the jury the facts they expect the jury to learn during trial. The prosecutor always goes first.
  3. State's Case
    Prosecution presents its case through witness testimony and exhibits.
    1. Direct Examination
      Witnesses are questioned by the prosecutor to establish "what happened."
    2. Cross Examination
      Witnesses are questioned by the defense attorney in an attempt to clarify, explain, or discredit what the witness has said.
  4. Defense Case
    The defense now has the opportunity to present any evidence they wish the jury to consider, or may choose to offer no evidence. The defense attorney will directly examine their witnesses, and the prosecutor will cross-examine them.
  5. Rebuttal
    Prosecution witnesses may testify to dispute what the defense witnesses have said. This testimony must be something that has not previously been testified to in the State's case. Witnesses are directly examined by prosecutor and cross-examined by defense attorney.
  6. Closing Arguments
    Both lawyers summarize and argue their cases to the jury. The prosecutor is allowed to close first, then speak again after the defense attorney's closing argument.
  7. Jury Instructions
    The judge explains the law to the jury.
  8. Deliberations
    The jury goes to the jury room to discuss the case and decide a verdict. The jurors must unanimously vote “guilty” to convict, or at least 10 must vote “not guilty” for an acquittal. If a decision cannot be reached, the judge may declare a mistrial because of a "hung jury," and the case may be retried before a new jury.
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