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Measure 11

Common Sense for Oregon is working hard to ensure that victims of Oregon’s most violent and sexual crimes continue to receive justice.

Missives sent to members of the Oregon Legislature

Common Sense for Oregon founder and President, Kevin Mannix, sent several missives directly to the individual members of the Oregon Legislature, drawing attention to the mass early release of felons in a misapplication of clemency power, and to the purpose and effectiveness of Measure 11 since it was passed by the voters in November of 1994.  The mass release of felons before completion of duly secured sentences undermines Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences for the 16 most violent crimes. 

Missive #1

Dear Senators and Representatives,

 

If you saw a headline, “10 Convicted Murderers Escape From Oregon Prisons,” I would hope you would take notice.

 

Well, since March 1, 2020, Oregon Governor Kate Brown has granted early release from prison to 10 convicted murderers. She also has granted early release from prison to 975 other convicted felons.

 

As to reductions of prison sentences, ORS 144.660 requires: “The Governor shall report to the Legislative Assembly in the manner provided in ORS 192.245” commutations or pardons granted by the Governor.

 

Oregon law requires you receive “an executive summary of no more than two pages sent to every member of the Legislative Assembly by electronic mail” whenever a law requires a written report be submitted to the Legislative Assembly. ORS 192.245 (1).

 

On June 25, 2021 the Governor reported to the President of Senate and the Speaker of House as to the release of 985 convicted felons from Oregon prisons. This report was delivered a day before the adjournment of the Legislative Session. Common Sense For Oregon received a copy of this report because we had pending, since March, a public records request to the Governor’s Office.

So, we respectfully ask: Were members of the Legislative Assembly sent an executive summary of this required report?

 

In case you did not receive such a summary, our Common Sense For Oregon staff have reviewed the Governor’s report. We have prepared our own summary, and it is attached.

 

But to give you the complete picture as to this massive assault on truth in sentencing, we have also attached a media release which provides my own comments. We have also attached the Governor’s entire report to the Speaker of the House and the Senate President.

 

If you take a look at ORS 144.660, every commutation report also requires:

 

“The report shall include, but not limited to the reason for granting the reprieve, commutation or pardon, the name of the applicant, the crime of which the applicant was convicted, the sentence and its date, statements by the victim of the crime or any member of the victim’s immediate family… a statement by the district attorney where the conviction was had, photos of the victim, the autopsy report, if applicable, and the date of the commutation, pardon or reprieve.”

 

A good deal of this information is not included in the Governor’s report to Senate President and Speaker of the House.

 

I hope that some members of the Legislative Assembly will inquire further into these matters and at least demand additional explanation by the Governor.

 

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Mannix, President

Common Sense for Oregon

kevin@commonsensefororegon.org

2007 State St.
Salem, OR, 97301

503-480-0423

Missive #2

Dear Senators and Representatives,   

 

I am issuing this special message in regard to Measure 11 because the Governor is considering granting early release for Measure 11 criminals who helped fight Oregon Wildfires.   

 

The only way the Governor can reduce any Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentence is by using her constitutional clemency power. I believe that the exercise of clemency power requires that the Governor evaluate each specific case in which clemency is considered, and that she cannot carry out massive clemency grants which have the effect of changing established law regarding criminal sentences.   

 

I encourage every legislator to oppose this proposed reduction of sentences as to violent and sex criminals in light of the crimes which are involved and in recognition of the rights of victims to be consulted about this.  Under the Oregon constitution every single victim of these Measure 11 criminals will have to be contacted in regard to this early release.  This in itself imposes additional trauma on these victims.   

 

I ask you to contact the Governor and to advise her that the proposed early release is ill-advised and should not proceed, in regard to convicted felons but especially in regard to those who are serving Measure 11 sentences.     

 

Sincerely,    

Kevin L. Mannix    

President, Common Sense for Oregon    

Author of Measure 11     

Missive #3

Dear Members of the House,

 

Senate Bill 819 undermines earlier Measure 11 convictions and sentences by allowing a soft-hearted district attorney (yes, Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt) to get together with a criminal defense attorney and retroactively undo a Measure 11 conviction and sentence.  This would be done by petitioning the sentencing court to allow a new conviction and sentence to be entered because the District Attorney and the Defense Attorney agree that the original sentence “no longer advances the interests of justice.”

 

One of the key elements of voter-passed Measure 11 is the predictability of sentences for violent crime upon conviction.  Under Senate Bill 819 a District Attorney may eliminate the impact of a jury conviction for a violent crime through an agreement with a criminal defense attorney to petition the court to reduce or eliminate a criminal conviction and sentence.

 

This is a miscarriage of justice.  I also contend that Senate Bill 819 requires a 2/3 vote of the House and Senate since it allows the reduction of sentences required by the voters for Measure 11 crimes. 

 

There is a process already in place to modify criminal sentences: the clemency power of the governor.  If a District Attorney and a Criminal Defense Attorney want to see an earlier sentence reduced or eliminated, they can ask the governor to use her clemency power to pardon the offender or modify the sentence.

 

I urge all members of the House to vote against Senate Bill 819.  While it is presented as a Ballot Measure 110 implementation bill, its actual affect is the elimination of Measure 11 sentences for violent criminals who were convicted by Oregon juries or who pled guilty to Measure 11 crimes. 

 

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Mannix

President, Common Sense for Oregon

Author of Measure 11

Missive #4

Dear Representative Lewis,

 

Thank you for raising questions in the committee about this bill.  I have sent an email to all members of the House and I trust that you have seen it.

 

This is the kind of legislation that every member of the House Republican Caucus ought to take a stand in opposition, regardless of whether a 2/3 vote is required.  This is retroactive resentencing.  The voters have taken a position against such resentencing by prohibiting the legislature from reducing sentences after the fact, Oregon Constitution, Article 1, Section 44.  Any such system requires that each case go back in front of the sentencing court.  That is why the proponents of this bill have to petition the judge but the very passage of this legislation can create a flood of retroactive resentencing in a given county where a District Attorney wants to eliminate tough sentences which were imposed in earlier cases.

 

Best Regards,

Kevin L. Mannix

Missive #5

Dear Republican Members of the House of Representatives;

 

I am writing to those of you who are on the Republican side of the aisle because this is one of those pieces of legislation where Republicans ought to come together to vote no as a matter of principle.

 

This bill is designed to allow Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, and one or two other District Attorneys of like mind, to get together with criminal defense attorneys and petition the county circuit courts to set aside Measure 11 convictions and sentences so as to allow lesser crimes of convictions and sentences (with no mandatory minimum prison sentence) to replace the original conviction.

 

This is a back door opportunity for leftist DA’s to reduce legitimate convictions for Measure 11 crimes and get lesser sentences put in place so that the convicted felons will get an earlier release from prison.  They might even get such a light sentence that they are released on the basis of time served.

 

Because the Constitution requires that the sentencing court must make such a decision, the victims of these crimes will be notified and traumatized by having to go through a new sentencing process. 

 

The Bill is supposed to be designed to further the “interests of justice.” Well, there is a process in place where this can occur: a DA and his Criminal Defense Attorney friend can apply to the Governor for clemency.  She has the power to reduce sentences and pardon people, under the Oregon Constitution.

 

So, please consider this plain message: a vote in favor of this Bill is a vote to unlock the prison cell door and reduce mandatory minimum prison sentences which were established by a vote of the people.  It will also over-ride verdicts by juries by reducing the crime of conviction by the jury. 

 

Legislative Counsel may advise that this Bill does not require a 2/3 majority vote to pass because it does not directly reduce sentences.  But it does so indirectly.

 

I urge a NO VOTE on SB 819 A.

 

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Mannix

History of Measure 11

In 1994, Measure 11 was passed by Oregonians with a 66% favorable vote in response to Oregonians’ frustration with the high rate of crime in Oregon and the little time felons convicted of violent crimes were spending in prison.  Before Measure 11, Oregon was facing a shortage of prison beds and a lack of “truth-in-sentencing” because parole boards had broad authority to reduce sentences imposed by judges, and often did so.  In addition, a comprehensive reform package was passed by the Legislature in 1989 to establish a felony sentencing guideline system.  The problem with the sentencing guidelines is that they were resource-driven, reflecting the shortage of prison beds in Oregon.  Justice was not being given to victims of crime, especially victims of violent and sexual crimes.  In fact, in many cases convictions for very serious crimes lead to sentences, under sentencing guidelines, of probation rather than incarceration.  For example, in 1994, prior to Measure 11, 60 persons were convicted of Rape in the First Degree.  Five of those 60 convicted rapists were sentenced to probation rather than prison under the complex formula of sentencing guidelines.

Rewriting Measure 11

Kevin Mannix authored Measure 11 in response to the impact low prison resources and sentencing guidelines were having on Oregonians, especially the victims of violent crime, and their families.  Voter-approved Measure 11 establishes mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for criminals who have been convicted of 16 of the worst levels of violent and sexual crimes.  Measure 11 does not involve sentences for property crimes or drug crimes.  The 16 crimes covered by Measure 11 are:

gavel
  • Murder
  • First Degree Manslaughter
  • Second Degree Manslaughter
  • First Degree Assault
  • Second Degree Assault
  • First Degree Kidnapping
  • Second Degree Kidnapping
  • First Degree Rape
  • Second Degree Rape
  • First Degree Sodomy
  • Second Degree Sodomy
  • First Degree Unlawful Sexual Penetration
  • Second Degree Unlawful Penetration
  • First Degree Sexual Abuse
  • First Degree Robbery
  • Second Degree Robbery

In the 2021 legislative session, SB 401 was being considered.  SB 401, if passed, would have gutted the Measure 11 sentencing system, and would have made additional cuts to the public safety system.  Common Sense for Oregon followed the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings closely and took action by working with and educating Legislators about the history and importance of Measure 11 sentencing guidelines.    Thankfully, SB 401 did not pass.  Common Sense for Oregon will continue to work to make sure the voices of crime victims are heard. 

The 12 Lessons About Measure 11

Emails sent to Legislators during the 2021 Legislative Session

Lesson 1

Dear Senators and Representatives,  

 

Up to 1989, Oregon law appeared to give judges wide sentencing discretion for felonies. Felonies were divided into three classes, separate from murder.  Judges could impose up to the following maximum sentences: 20 years for Class A felonies, 10 years for Class B felonies, and 5 years for Class C felonies. However, the discretion of judges was actually significantly limited because a parole board appointed by the governor could reduce sentences and release convicted felons early. It routinely did so. This was “reformed” by the adoption of felony sentencing guidelines in 1989. Felony sentencing guidelines will be the subject of my next message.  

  

Sincerely,  

Kevin L. Mannix  

President, Common Sense for Oregon  

Author of Measure 11  

 

Lesson 2

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

 

In 1989, Oregon was confronted with a shortage of prison beds and a lack of “truth-in-sentencing” because the parole board had broad authority to reduce sentences imposed by judges, and often did so.  A comprehensive reform package was passed by the Legislature to establish a felony sentencing guideline system.  Judges were constrained from imposing felony sentences outside the guidelines. They could only go outside the guidelines for “substantial and compelling reasons.”  At the same time, sentences imposed by judges could only be reduced by up to 20 percent for good behavior in prison.  Accordingly, the parole board power was restricted for sentences imposed under the new system.  

The problem with the sentencing guidelines is that they were written to reflect Oregon’s limited prison facilities, not a determination as to the appropriate sentence from the perspective of justice.  The felony sentencing guidelines were resource-driven rather than justice-driven.  Proponents of the guidelines promised that additional prison facilities would be established, and the guidelines could be strengthened as the facilities came online.  Between 1989 and 1994, no legislation was passed to provide additional prison resources or to enhance the sentencing guidelines.  This led me to author Measure 11, which passed by a 66% favorable vote, in November 1994.  Measure 11 established mandatory minimum prison sentences for the 16 most violent crimes. Measure 11 will be discussed in my next message.  

  

Sincerely,  

Kevin L. Mannix  

President, Common Sense for Oregon  

Author of Measure 11  

 

Lesson 3

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

 

Oregon voters placed Measure 11 on the ballot on November 1994 and it passed with a 66% favorable vote. Measure 11 went into effect in April 1995. 

Measure 11 establishes mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for criminals who have been convicted of 16 specific violent and sexual crimes. Measure 11 does not involve sentences for property crimes or drug crimes. 

Measure 11 only addresses the worst levels of violent and sexual crimes. For example, there are four levels of criminal assault and Measure 11 only applies to Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree; there are three levels of robbery, but Measure 11 only applies to Robbery in the First Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree. 

There are 16 crimes – out of the scores if not hundreds of crimes defined in Oregon statutes – which are covered by voter-passed Measure 11:

Murder  

First Degree Manslaughter 

Second Degree Manslaughter 

First Degree Assault  

Second Degree Assault 

First Degree Kidnapping 

Second Degree Kidnapping  

First Degree Rape 

Second Degree Rape 

First Degree Sodomy 

Second Degree Sodomy 

First Degree Unlawful Sexual Penetration  

Second Degree Unlawful Sexual Penetration 

First Degree Sexual Abuse 

First Degree Robbery 

Second Degree Robbery 

 

In my next message, I will provide you with a comparison between the mandatory minimum sentences established by Measure 11 with the still existing sentencing guidelines.  

 

Sincerely,  

Kevin L. Mannix  

President, Common Sense for Oregon  

Author of Measure 11  

 

 

Lesson 4

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

 

Proponents of the elimination of Measure 11 argue that it is sufficient to rely on the felony sentencing guidelines system. So, it is helpful for current legislators to compare the mandatory minimum prison sentence under Measure 11 with the guideline sentence range.  

 

Crime 

1994 Sentencing Guidelines in Months 

Measure 11 Mandatory Minimum Sentence in Months 

Murder  

120-269 

300 

Manslaughter in the first degree 

58-130 

120 

Manslaughter in the second degree 

16-45 

75 

Assault in the first degree 

34-130 

90 

Assault in the second degree 

16-45 

70 

Kidnapping in the first degree 

58-130 

90 

Kidnapping in the second degree 

34-72 

70 

Rape in the first degree 

34-130 

100 

Rape in the second degree 

16-45 

75 

Sodomy in the first degree 

34-130 

100 

Sodomy in the second degree 

16-45 

75 

Unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree 

34-130 

100 

Unlawful sexual penetration in the second degree 

16-45 

75 

Sexual abuse in the first degree 

16-45 

75 

Robbery in the first degree 

34-72 

90 

Robbery in the second degree 

Probation or up to 30 months in local jail 

70 

 

            

My next message will point out the reality of the sentencing guidelines as they were actually carried out in 1994, the last year before Measure 11 went into effect. Be prepared to see that the low range of the sentencing guidelines was the norm. 

 

In fact, in many cases convictions for very serious crimes lead to sentences under sentencing guidelines of probation rather than incarceration in state prisons. For example, in 1994 60 persons were convicted of Rape in the First Degree.  Five of these 60 convicted rapists were sentenced to probation rather than prison under the complex formula of sentencing guidelines. This was the case even though the lowest guideline sentence for Rape in the First Degree was supposed to be 34 months.  

 

Sincerely,   

Kevin L. Mannix   

President, Common Sense for Oregon   

Author of Measure 11   

 

Lesson 5

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

 

In my last message, I provided you with a chart which pointed out the Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentences and compared them with the range of sentences provided under the Sentencing Guidelines, the baseline sentencing system which will control if there is no Measure 11. 

Thanks to a comprehensive 1997 Oregon Criminal Justice Commission report, we can take a look at the actual prison sentence imposed under Sentencing Guidelines throughout 1994, in 34 out of the 36 counties in Oregon (two counties did not submit data). 1994 is the last year in which Measure 11 did not exist. 

Here are some reality checks, all based on real world data of Oregon courts in 1994: 

  • 60 persons were convicted and sentenced for Rape in the First Degree; 5 of the rapists were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 
  • 20 persons were convicted and sentenced for Rape in the Second Degree; 11 of these rapists were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 
  • 88 persons were convicted and sentenced for Sodomy in the First Degree; 13 of these criminals were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 
  • 21 persons were convicted and sentenced for Sodomy in the Second Degree; 9 of these criminals were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 
  • 21 persons were convicted and sentenced for Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree; 8 of these sex offenders were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 
  • 253 persons were convicted and sentenced for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree; 153 of these sex offenders were not sent to prison but were placed on probation. 

The criminal justice system, sadly, under Sentencing Guidelines, fails to provide justice to victims of some of the worst violent and sexual assault crimes. This is the same sentencing system which opponents of Measure 11 want to return to. 

In my upcoming messages, I will provide you with the actual statutory description oof many of the 16 crimes covered by Measure 11. This will help people understand why I have often said “the crime defines the time” regarding the mandatory minimum Measure 11 prison sentences. 



Sincerely,  

Kevin L. Mannix  

President, Common Sense for Oregon  

Author of Measure 11  

Lesson 6

Dear Senators and Representatives, 
 
I understand that many legislators are receiving postal mail letters from inmates, and families of inmates, discussing “good time” sentence reduction benefits which are not available to these inmates due to their conviction of a Measure 11 crime. 
 
“Good time” is not available for mandatory minimum sentences under Measure 11 because the sentences are supposed to establish the absolute minimum amount of time to be served in prison.  Any prison sentence imposed above the mandatory minimum sentence would have that additional sentence time be available for reduction of time due to good behavior, or “good time”. However, the Sentencing Guidelines system is so weak that judges rarely are able to sentence persons convicted of Measure 11 crimes to a higher sentence. 
 
Under the basic sentencing law for Rape in the First Degree, a Class A Felony, a convicted rapist could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.  But this law is limited by the 1989 Sentencing Guidelines, so that the sentence for Rape in the First Degree is lower than 100 months in prison, the Measure 11 prison sentence for this crime. So, for example, if a judge were to sentence a rapist to 15 years in prison, any amount of the sentence beyond 100 months would be eligible for a “good time” credit for up to 20% of the additional sentence. 
 
In essence, the mandatory minimum prison sentence upon conviction of a Measure 11 crime is the least amount of time that a criminal should serve in prison, no matter the “good behavior” of the inmate.  “Good behavior” in prison does not reduce the damage perpetrated on the victims of the most serious violent or sexual assault crimes.  

“Good behavior” in prison can result in privileges within the institution.  This can include better work assignments and access to more educational and vocational programs.  Measure 11 does not eliminate those opportunities.
 
Sincerely,   
Kevin L. Mannix   
President, Common Sense for Oregon   
Author of Measure 11 

Lesson 7

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

            In my last message, I provided the reality of prison sentencing in 1994 under the sentencing guidelines of some Measure 11 sex crimes. In this and additional messages, I will provide the definitions of the original Measure 11 crimes and discuss these crimes to demonstrate that “the crime fits the time” with mandatory minimum prison sentences. 

            The first Measure 11 Crime I will discussion relates to Rape in the First Degree.  Here is the actual statutory definition: 

  • ORS 163.375 Rape in the first degree. (1) A person who has sexual intercourse with another person commits the crime of rape in the first degree if: 

(a) The victim is subjected to forcible compulsion by the person; 

(b) The victim is under 12 years of age; 

(c) The victim is under 16 years of age and is the person’ s sibling, of the whole or half blood, the person’ s child or the person’ s spouse’ s child; or 

(d) The victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental defect, mental incapacitation or physical helplessness. 

(2) Rape in the first degree is a Class A felony. [1971 c.743 §111; 1989 c.359 §2; 1991 c.628 §3] 

             

The classification of Rape in the First Degree as a Class A Felony means that, in the old days, a judge could sentence such a convicted rapist to up to 20 years in prison.  However, under the sentencing guidelines system superimposed on the old sentencing system, the sentence for Rape in the first Degree is 58-60 months (a person convicted with no additional scorable criminal history).  The capability of the judge to impose a lower sentence is reflected in the following: in 1994, the last year in which Sentencing Guidelines were in effect without Measure 11, 60 persons were convicted of Rape in the First Degree.  Eight of these persons were sentenced to probation rather than prison (Source: 1997 Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, Felony Sentencing in Oregon 1994. I am correcting a previous misstatement that five convicted persons were granted probation; the correct number is eight).   

            Under Measure 11, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for Rape in the First Degree is 100 months.  Please take another look at the definition of this crime and decide for yourself whether a person convicted of this crime should receive a sentence of less than 100 months in prison.  

            My next Measure 11 message will address additional sex crimes. 

 

Sincerely,    

Kevin L. Mannix    

President, Common Sense for Oregon    

Author of Measure 11    

Lesson 8

Dear Senators and Representatives, 

            In my last message, I provided the definition and mandatory minimum prison sentence under Measure 11 for Rape in the First Degree. In this message, I will focus on Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.   

Here is the actual statutory definition: 

  • ORS 163.426: Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.  

(1) A person commits the crime of sexual abuse in the first degree when that person: 

(a) Subjects another person to sexual contact and: 

(A) The victim is less than 14 years of age; or 

(B) The victim is subjected to forcible compulsion by the actor; or 

(b) Intentionally causes a person under 18 years of age to touch or contact the mouth, anus or sex organs of an animal for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of a person. 

(2) Sexual abuse in the first degree is a Class B felony. [1991 c.830 §3]           

 

Sexual Abuse in the First Degree carries a Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentence of 75 months.   

In 1994, the last year of Sentencing Guidelines before Measure 11 went into effect, 253 persons were convicted and sentenced for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.  Over half of those convicted were not sent to prison; instead, 153 of these sex offenders were given probation (Source: 1997 Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, Felony Sentencing in Oregon 1994).  Yes, 153 criminals who either sexually abused a child, or sexually abused someone by force, did not go to prison under the Sentencing Guidelines system and were given probation.   

Please take another look at the definition of this crime and decide for yourself whether a person convicted of this crime should receive a sentence of less than 75 months in prison, when the abuse is on a child or when the criminal uses  “forcible compulsion”. 

            My next Measure 11 message will address additional sex crimes. 

 

Sincerely,   

Kevin L. Mannix   

President, Common Sense for Oregon   

Author of Measure 11   

Lesson 9

Dear Senators and Representatives,

 

My office follows the hearings on public safety legislation.  On March 23, 2021 Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Floyd Prozanski refused to allow the Union County District Attorney to read to the Senate Judiciary Committee two letters from crime victims which had been provided to the District Attorney by the victims to be read to the committee.  The victims specifically wanted the letters read to the committee in leu of their personal testimony. Chair Prozanski refused to allow the letters to be read to the committee and insisted that they be submitted as part of the written record.  He did allow the District Attorney to summarize the letters. But the victims wanted their own words to be heard by the policy makers regarding SB 401, which guts the Measure 11 sentencing system, among other cutbacks to the public safety system.   

 

Crime victims deserve to be heard on their own terms.  I cannot speak for them but I can at least present to you the words that they wanted legislators to hear, even if it is not in the manner they desired for you to hear it.  

 

One victim’s letter is presented below, with permission. 

 

“3/18/2021 I never expected the worst to happen. I never pictured myself taking my 9-year-old daughter to the police station to report that my husband had abused her. I never imagined what would come after: our lives in pieces, a daunting and humiliating public court trial, being left as a single mom to 4 young kids, and definitely not the years of pain that have followed. I don’t think that anybody ever really expects something like that to happen. I certainly had always hoped and prayed that my children would be protected from the evils of sexual abuse. The truth is that people do bad things, they hurt others, and we can’t always predict it or prevent it. But when it does happen, it’s important to know that those responsible will be held accountable. The minimum sentence ensured by Measure 11 was a huge relief to me as the mother of the abuse victim. Knowing that the perpetrator will be safely incarcerated for at least 25 years means that I can rest assured knowing that my daughter can grow up without always looking over her shoulder. She can feel safe and free and not have to stress or worry about him trying to come back into her life. She can have the childhood that he tried to steal from her. I never expected the worse to happen, but when it did, Measure 11 helped us get through it. In such a difficult time, it was everything just to know that justice was being rightly served, and that my daughter, and all other children, were being kept safe from a true sexual predator. If he is locked up in prison, he can’t do this to anybody else. That is, maybe, the biggest relief of all. Now that we know that he’s gone for a long long time, my family can live in peace, without fear, and with a hope that we wouldn’t be allowed had he gotten a lighter sentence. Thank you for doing what’s best for the victims of the worst of the worst crimes, those awful things nobody ever imagines happening to them. Thank you for Measure 11 and minimum sentencing. It’s the reason that my daughter doesn’t live life afraid and feeling like a victim anymore, but instead, she’s a survivor.  

Tessa Pomerlea” 

 

It is important that crime victims’ voices are heard and that they are not stifled or filtered.  The spirit of Measure 11 reflects the anguished voices of crime victims who did not see justice under the Sentencing Guidelines system, which is all that will remain should Measure 11 be set aside.   

 

Sincerely,   
Kevin L. Mannix   
President, Common Sense for Oregon   
Author of Measure 11  

Lesson 10

Dear Senators and Representatives, 



It is important to review the weakness of the underlying sentencing structure so that we can understand what effect there would be if the Measure 11 mandatory prison sentences were set aside. The Sentencing Guidelines system, which has existed since 1989, was based on limited prison resources at the time and was not justice-driven. The Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentences were superimposed over the Sentencing Guidelines system. This is why it is important to take a look at 1994, the last year when Sentencing Guidelines were in effect without Measure 11.  This gives us a sense of where we would be today without Measure 11. 

We can turn to Rape in the Second Degree as another demonstration of the weakness of Sentencing Guidelines. 

In 1994, 20 persons were convicted and sentenced for Rape in the Second Degree. Under Sentencing Guidelines, 11 out of these 20 sexual predators were sentenced to probation. The mandatory minimum prison sentence, under Measure 11, for Rape in the Second Degree is 75 months. 

Here is the statutory definition of rape in the second degree:  

 

ORS 163.365 Rape in the second degree:

(1) A person who has sexual intercourse with another person commits the crime of rape in the second degree if the other person is 

under 14 years of age. 

(2) Rape in the second degree is a Class B felony. [1971 c.743 §110; 1989 c.359 §1; 1991 c.628 §2]

 

            In 1994 there was a “buffer” statue as to the age of the offender so this only applied to significantly older offenders.  Today, the offender would have to be 18 years of age or older for Measure 11 to apply.  The philosophy of Measure 11 is that the crime defines the time. Please take a look of the definition of Rape in the Second Degree, above. That crime calls for at least 75 months imprisonment to hold the sexual predator accountable, to protect society for at least 75 months, to possibly rehabilitate the predator through prison programs, and –most importantly – to provide justice to the victim of this sexual predator.   

 

Sincerely,  

Kevin L. Mannix 

President, Common Sense for Oregon 

Author of Measure 11 

Lesson 11

Dear Senators and Representatives,

 

One of the most common misunderstandings as to Measure 11 is its application to the most violent crimes as opposed to less violent crimes.

First, Measure 11 does not apply to drug crimes.

Second, Measure 11 does not apply to property crimes.  Measure 11 only applies to the sixteen most violent crimes in Oregon.

For example, the crime of assault involves four degrees of assault. Measure 11 only applies to Assault in the First Degree and Assault in the Second Degree. It does not apply to Assault in the Third Degree or Assault in the Fourth Degree.

Those who think Measure 11 applies to all levels of assault mistakenly fail to understand that only the worst levels of assault are covered by Measure 11. The four levels of criminal assault are:

 

ORS 163.185 Assault in the first degree. (1) A person commits the crime of assault in the first degree if the person:

(a) Intentionally causes serious physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon;

(b) Intentionally or knowingly causes serious physical injury to a child under six years of age;

(c) Violates ORS 163.175 knowing that the victim is pregnant; or

(d) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes serious physical injury to another while operating a motor vehicle under the influence of intoxicants in violation of ORS 813.010 and:

(A) The person has at least three previous convictions for driving while under the influence of intoxicants under ORS 813.010, or its statutory counterpart in any jurisdiction, in the 10 years prior to the date of the current offense; or

(B)(i) The person has a previous conviction for any of the crimes described in subsection (2) of this section, or their statutory counterparts in any jurisdiction; and

(ii) The victim’s death or serious physical injury in the previous conviction was caused by the person driving a motor vehicle.

(2) The previous convictions to which subsection (1)(d)(B) of this section apply are:

(a) Manslaughter in the first degree under ORS 163.118;

(b) Manslaughter in the second degree under ORS 163.125;

(c) Criminally negligent homicide under ORS 163.145;

(d) Assault in the first degree under this section;

(e) Assault in the second degree under ORS 163.175; or

(f) Assault in the third degree under ORS 163.165.

(3) Assault in the first degree is a Class A felony.

(4) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection (1)(d)(B) of this section that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the conduct that resulted

in the previous conviction. [1971 c.743 §94; 1975 c.626 §2; 1977 c.297 §1; 2005 c.513 §1; 2007 c.867 §3; 2009 c.785 §2]

 

ORS 163.175 Assault in the second degree. (1) A person commits the crime of assault in the second degree if the person:

(a) Intentionally or knowingly causes serious physical injury to another;

(b) Intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon; or

(c) Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life.

(2) Assault in the second degree is a Class B felony. [1971 c.743 §93; 1975 c.626 §1; 1977 c.297 §2; 2005 c.22 §110]

 

ORS 163.165 Assault in the third degree. (1) A person commits the crime of assault in the third degree if the person:

(a) Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon;

(b) Recklessly causes serious physical injury to another under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life;

(c) Recklessly causes physical injury to another by means of a deadly or dangerous weapon under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life;

(d) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes, by means other than a motor vehicle, physical injury to the operator of a public transit vehicle while the operator is in control of or operating

the vehicle. As used in this paragraph, “public transit vehicle” has the meaning given that term in ORS 166.116;

(e) While being aided by another person actually present, intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to another;

(f) While committed to a youth correction facility, intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to another knowing the other person is a staff member while the other person is acting in the

course of official duty;

(g) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to an emergency medical services provider, as defined in ORS 682.025, while the emergency medical services provider is

performing official duties;

(h) Being at least 18 years of age, intentionally or knowingly causes physical injury to a child 10 years of age or younger;

(i) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes, by means other than a motor vehicle, physical injury to the operator of a taxi while the operator is in control of the taxi; or

(j) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to a flagger or a highway worker while the flagger or highway worker is performing official duties.

(2)(a) Assault in the third degree is a Class C felony.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, assault in the third degree under subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section is a Class B felony if:

(A) The assault resulted from the operation of a motor vehicle; and

(B) The defendant was the driver of the motor vehicle and was driving while under the influence of intoxicants.

(3) As used in this section:

(a) “Flagger” has the meaning given that term in ORS 811.230.

(b) “Highway worker” has the meaning given that term in ORS 811.230.

(c) “Staff member” means:

(A) A corrections officer as defined in ORS 181A.355, a youth correction officer, a youth correction facility staff member, a Department of Corrections or Oregon Youth Authority staff member or

a person employed pursuant to a contract with the department or youth authority to work with, or in the vicinity of, adults in custody, youth or youth offenders; and

(B) A volunteer authorized by the department, youth authority or other entity in charge of a corrections facility to work with, or in the vicinity of, adults in custody, youth or youth offenders.

(d) “Youth correction facility” has the meaning given that term in ORS 162.135. [1971 c.743 §92; 1977 c.297 §3; 1991 c.475 §1; 1991 c.564 §1; 1995 c.738 §1; 1997 c.249 §49; 1999 c.1011 §1; 2001

c.104 §50; 2001 c.830 §1; 2001 c.851 §4; 2009 c.660 §39; 2009 c.783 §3; 2011 c.529 §1; 2011 c.703 §27; 2017 c.658 §1; 2019 c.213 §119]

 

ORS 163.160 Assault in the fourth degree. (1) A person commits the crime of assault in the fourth degree if the person:

(a) Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes physical injury to another;

(b) With criminal negligence causes physical injury to another by means of a deadly weapon; or

(c) With criminal negligence causes serious physical injury to another who is a vulnerable user of a public way, as defined in ORS 801.608, by means of a motor vehicle.

(2) Assault in the fourth degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, assault in the fourth degree under subsection (1)(a) or (b) of this section is a Class C felony if the person commits the crime of assault in the

fourth degree and:

(a)   The assault is committed in the immediate presence of, or is witnessed by, the person’s or the victim’s minor child or stepchild or a minor child residing within the household of the person or

(b)  victim;

(c)   The person has been previously convicted of violating this section or ORS 163.165, 163.175, 163.185, 163.187 or 163.190, or of committing an equivalent crime in another jurisdiction, and the

(d)  victim in the previous conviction is the same person who is the victim of the current crime;

(c) The person has at least three previous convictions for violating this section or ORS 163.165, 163.175, 163.185, 163.187 or 163.190 or for committing an equivalent crime in another jurisdiction,

in any combination; or

(d) The person commits the assault knowing that the victim is pregnant.

(4) For purposes of subsection (3) of this section, an assault is witnessed if the assault is seen or directly perceived in any other manner by the child. [1977 c.297 §5; 1997 c.694 §1; 1999 c.1073

  • 1; 2009 c.785 §3; 2015 c.639 §2; 2017 c.337 §1]

 

Please note that in order to qualify for Assault in the First Degree or Assault in the Second Degree, additional levels of violence and harm are involved.

In essences Measure 11 is based on compassion for the victim, protection of society, and holding a convicted felon accountable for highly violent criminal acts.

 

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Mannix

President, Common Sense for Oregon

Author of Measure 11

Lesson 12

Dear Senator and Representatives,

 

It is important when discussing issues relating to Measure 11, that everyone understand what crimes are actually covered by Measure 11. Measure 11 crimes are the most violent and serious offenses in the criminal justice system. 

 

Robbery in the First and Second Degree are covered by Measure 11, as they are violent person crimes.  Robbery in the First and Second Degree occur when a person takes someone’s property by force with the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon (or what they represent as a dangerous or deadly weapon), or where the criminal causes serious physical injury. 

 

In 1994, the last year of the Sentencing Guidelines System, 102 persons were convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree. Upon sentencing, 52 of these criminals were only given probation without Measure 11.  The Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentence for Robbery in the Second Degree is 70 months.  That is the proper minimum for a criminal who has been convicted of the violent crime described above.

 

A lesser degree of Robbery, involving less violence, is Robbery in the Third Degree, this is not a Measure 11 crime.

 

The Measure 11 mandatory minimum prison sentence for Robbery in the Second Degree is 70 months. 

 

Measure 11 does not include simple theft no matter the dollar amount. 

 

Measure 11 does not include breaking into someone’s home or business if there are no weapons used or injuries caused. 

 

In my upcoming messages I will continue to highlight the truths about Measure 11.

 

Sincerely,

Kevin L. Mannix

President, Common Sense for Oregon

Author of Measure 11

 

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