Oregon Code § 135.240·Enacted ·Last updated March 01, 2026
Statute Text
Releasable offenses.
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (4) of this section, a defendant
shall be released in accordance with ORS 135.230 to 135.290.
(2)(a) When the
defendant is charged with murder, aggravated murder or treason, release shall
be denied when the proof is evident or the presumption strong that the person
is guilty.
(b) When the
defendant is charged with murder or aggravated murder and the proof is not
evident nor the presumption strong that the defendant is guilty, the court
shall determine the issue of release as provided in subsection (4) of this
section. In determining the issue of release under subsection (4) of this
section, the court may consider any evidence used in making the determination
required by this subsection.
(3) The
magistrate may conduct such hearing as the magistrate considers necessary to
determine whether, under subsection (2) of this section, the proof is evident
or the presumption strong that the person is guilty.
(4)(a) When the
defendant is charged with a violent felony, release shall be denied if the
court finds:
(A) Except when
the defendant is charged by indictment, that there is probable cause to believe
that the defendant committed the crime; and
(B) By clear and
convincing evidence, that there is a danger of physical injury or sexual
victimization to the victim or members of the public by the defendant while on
release.
(b) If the
defendant wants to have a hearing on the issue of release, the defendant must
request the hearing at the time of arraignment in circuit court. If the
defendant requests a release hearing, the court must hold the hearing within
five days of the request.
(c) At the
release hearing, unless the state stipulates to the setting of security or
release, the court shall make the inquiry set forth in paragraph (a) of this
subsection. The state has the burden of producing evidence at the release
hearing subject to ORS 40.015 (4).
(d) The defendant
may be represented by counsel and may present evidence on any relevant issue.
However, the hearing may not be used for purposes of discovery.
(e) If the court
determines that the defendant is eligible for release in accordance with this
subsection, the court shall set security or other appropriate conditions of
release.
(f) When a
defendant who has been released violates a condition of release and the
violation:
(A) Constitutes a
new criminal offense, the court shall cause the defendant to be taken back into
custody and shall order the defendant held pending trial without release.
(B) Does not
constitute a new criminal offense, the court may order the defendant to be
taken back into custody and may order the defendant held pending trial or may
make a new release decision.
(5) For purposes
of this section, violent felony means a felony offense in which there was an
actual or threatened serious physical injury to the victim, or a felony sexual
offense. [1973 c.836 §148; 1997 c.313 §19; 2001 c.104 §45; 2007 c.194 §1; 2007
c.879 §9; 2021 c.643 §4]
Plain English Explanation
This Oregon statute addresses Releasable offenses. AI-powered analysis coming soon.
Key Points
01Part of Oregon statutory law
02Referenced as Oregon Code § 135.240
03Subject to legislative amendments
04Consult a licensed attorney for application to specific cases
Frequently Asked Questions
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