The Measure 11 Oregon Guide: Crimes & Sentences
Updated August 2026
Key Takeaways
Measure 11 in Oregon requires mandatory minimum prison sentences for many serious violent and sex crimes.
The law limits a judge’s ability to impose a sentence below the required minimum in most qualifying cases.
Measure 11 applies only to specific offenses, including crimes such as murder, robbery, assault, kidnapping, and certain sex crimes.
Although Oregon has made changes to Measure 11 over the years, it’s still in effect and continues to apply to several serious criminal charges.
Some defendants might qualify for limited exceptions or alternative sentencing, but these are only available in certain situations.
If you’ve been charged with a Measure 11 offense, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney early on can help you understand your rights and legal options,
Measure 11 in Oregon has had a major impact on the state’s criminal justice system since voters approved it in 1994. The law took effect in 1995 and established mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain serious violent and sex offenses, requiring judges to impose at least the minimum sentence set by law when someone is convicted of a qualifying crime.
Even though lawmakers have made several changes to Measure 11 over the years, at its core, its purpose basically remains the same. In this guide, we’ll explain how Measure 11 works, what changes have been made, the crimes it covers, the penalties it requires, and what it means for anyone facing criminal charges in Oregon.
What is Measure 11 in Oregon?
Since it became law, Measure 11 has remained one of the most talked-about parts of Oregon’s criminal justice system. Those who support it say it helps create more consistent sentences for serious crimes, while critics argue that mandatory minimums can take away a judge’s ability to consider the unique facts and details of each case.
Because the stakes are so high, Measure 11 cases are often handled differently than other criminal cases. Prosecutors and defense attorneys typically spend more time reviewing the evidence, negotiating potential plea agreements, and preparing for trial when necessary. Whether Measure 11 applies ultimately depends on the specific charges, facts of the case, and how the case is resolved.
Measure 11 Timeline
Measure 11 has been part of Oregon's criminal justice system for more than 30 years, but it’s evolved quite a bit since it was first approved. Here's a look at some of the most significant milestones in the law's history:
1994: Oregon voters approve Measure 11, establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain serious violent and sex crimes.
1995: Measure 11 officially takes effect and begins applying to qualifying criminal offenses across the state.
2020:Senate Bill 1008 changes how juveniles charged with many Measure 11 offenses are handled, with most cases starting in juvenile court rather than adult court.
2023:Senate Bill 1013 makes additional changes by removing some offenses from Measure 11, expanding judicial discretion in certain cases, and increasing access to second-look hearings for some individuals.
Today: Measure 11 remains in effect and continues to require mandatory minimum prison sentences for many of Oregon's most serious violent and sex offenses.
Measure 11 Crimes in Oregon
Keep in mind that Measure 11 doesn’t apply to every felony in Oregon. It only applies to a specific list of serious violent and sex offenses. If someone is convicted of one of these qualifying crimes, the mandatory minimum sentencing rules under Measure 11 might apply, depending on the offense and other factors involved.
These crimes are chosen because they involve conduct that Oregon lawmakers and voters considered especially serious. In a lot of situations, a conviction for a Measure 11 crime can mean a very lengthy prison sentence with fewer sentencing options than are available in other felony cases.
List of Measure 11 Crimes in Oregon and Mandatory Minimum Sentences
| Measure 11 Crime | Mandatory Minimum Sentence |
|---|---|
| Murder in the Second Degree | 25 years (300 months) |
| Murder in the First Degree | 30 years (360 months) |
| Attempted or Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Murder | 10 years (120 months) |
| Attempted or Conspiracy to Commit Murder | 7 years, 6 months (90 months) |
| Manslaughter in the First Degree | 10 years (120 months) |
| Manslaughter in the Second Degree | 6 years, 3 months (75 months) |
| Assault in the First Degree | 7 years, 6 months (90 months) |
| Assault in the Second Degree | 5 years, 10 months (70 months) |
| Kidnapping in the First Degree | 7 years, 6 months (90 months) |
| Kidnapping in the Second Degree | 5 years, 10 months (70 months) |
| Robbery in the First Degree | 7 years, 6 months (90 months) |
| Robbery in the Second Degree | 5 years, 10 months (70 months) |
| Rape in the First Degree | 8 years, 4 months (100 months)* |
| Rape in the Second Degree | 6 years, 3 months (75 months) |
| Sodomy in the First Degree | 8 years, 4 months (100 months)* |
| Sodomy in the Second Degree | 6 years, 3 months (75 months) |
| Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree | 8 years, 4 months (100 months)* |
| Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the Second Degree | 6 years, 3 months (75 months) |
| Sexual Abuse in the First Degree | 6 years, 3 months (75 months) |
| Using a Child in a Display of Sexually Explicit Conduct | 5 years, 10 months (70 months) |
| Compelling Prostitution | 5 years, 10 months (70 months) |
| Arson in the First Degree When It Poses a Threat of Serious Physical Injury | 7 years, 6 months (90 months) |
| Aggravated Vehicular Homicide | 20 years (240 months) |
*Certain circumstances may affect the sentence that applies. This table is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice.
Oregon Measure 11 Sentencing Guidelines
Oregon’s standard sentencing guidelines give judges flexibility to consider factors such as a person’s criminal history and other specific facts of the case. Under Measure 11, where mandatory minimum sentencing is required, the judge generally must impose at least the minimum sentence established by law, regardless of mitigating circumstances.
In most cases, a person sentenced under Measure 11 must serve the mandatory minimum prison term before becoming eligible for release. Although Oregon has made some changes to Measure 11 over the years, including creating limited exceptions for certain offenses in specific situations, the law continues to require mandatory minimum sentences for many of the state’s most serious violent and sex crimes.
Is Measure 11 Still in Effect in Oregon?
Even though the Legislature has made changes over the years, Measure 11 has not been repealed and remains an important part of Oregon's criminal justice system. One of the biggest recent changes happened in 2023, when Oregon passed Senate Bill 1013. The law removed certain crimes from Measure 11, added more opportunities for judicial discretion in certain cases, and expanded the use of second look hearings for some people who committed offenses when they were younger.
What To Do After Being Charged With a Measure 11 Crime in Oregon
Because a Measure 11 charge is one of the most serious offenses in Oregon, taking action quickly and making informed decisions right from the start is certainly in your best interest. The steps you take early in the process can affect how your case moves forward and what legal options may be available.
If you've been charged with a Measure 11 offense, we recommend you do the following:
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Exercise your right to remain silent and avoid discussing your case with police or anyone else without your lawyer present.
Follow all court orders and release conditions, including appearing at every scheduled hearing.
Preserve any evidence that could support your defense, such as text messages, emails, photos, videos, or witness information
Avoid contacting the alleged victim if a no-contact order or other restriction is in place.
Work closely with your attorney to understand the charges, evaluate the evidence, and discuss the best strategy for your case.
Can You Get Bail After Being Charged With Measure 11 in Oregon
Yes, you can get bail after being charged with a Measure 11 crime, but it isn’t a guarantee. Whether you’re released before trial depends on factors including the offense you’re charged with, the facts of the case, and the court's assessment of public safety and flight risk. In many Measure 11 cases, a judge might set bail or order release with certain conditions while the case is pending.
However, not everyone charged with a Measure 11 offense is eligible for pretrial release. For some of the most serious charges, such as murder, prosecutors may ask the court to keep the defendant in custody, and Oregon law allows judges to deny release in certain circumstances if the legal requirements are met.
When Does the Measure 11 Escape Clause Apply?
Although Measure 11 is known for its strict mandatory minimum sentences, there are still a few limited situations where a judge might be allowed to impose a different sentence instead.
The “escape clause” generally refers to situations where:
The offense is one that Oregon law specifically allows to be sentenced outside of Measure 11.
The defendant meets all of the legal requirements for the exception
The judge determines that sentencing under Oregon’s standard felony sentencing guidelines is appropriate instead of imposing the mandatory minimum prison term.
It’s important to understand that even when an "escape clause” is available, it doesn’t apply automatically. The court must have legal authority to use it, and many Measure 11 offenses remain subject to mandatory minimum sentences with no exception.
Why You Should Hire a Lawyer When You’ve Been Charged
If you’re facing a Measure 11 charge, the stakes are incredibly high. There are complex legal issues involved and the outcome can affect the rest of your life. An experienced Oregon criminal defense lawyer understands how these cases are prosecuted and can identify legal issues or opportunities that might not be obvious to the average person. Having this kind of knowledgeable representation can help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
A lawyer will carefully review the prosecutor’s evidence, interview witnesses, file important legal motions, and negotiate with prosecutors when needed. Depending on the specific circumstances, they might be able to challenge the evidence, seek a reduction in the charges, or determine whether any exceptions or alternative sentencing options could apply.
If you’ve been charged with a Measure 11 crime in the Beaverton or greater Portland area, our team at Powell Law can help you understand what you’re facing and guide you through every stage of the process. We take the time to evaluate all the facts in your case, explain your legal options, and build a strong defense strategy tailored to your situation. Don’t try to navigate the legal system on your own. Having an experienced legal team in your corner can make all the difference.
FAQs
What is Measure 11 for juveniles in Oregon?
Measure 11 can apply to juveniles, but Oregon law has made some changes over time. Today, most juveniles charged with a Measure 11 offense begin their case in juvenile court rather than adult court. Depending on the circumstances, however, some cases have the potential to be transferred to adult court, where Measure 11's mandatory sentencing rules may apply.
What types of offenses are included in Measure 11?
Measure 11 covers a specific list of serious violent and sex offenses. These include crimes such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration, sexual abuse, compelling prostitution, and several other qualifying offenses.
Does every Measure 11 conviction result in a mandatory minimum sentence?
In many cases, yes. However, Oregon law now includes limited exceptions for certain offenses and situations. Whether a mandatory minimum sentence applies depends on the specific charge, the facts of the case, and the laws in effect at the time the offense was committed.
Can Measure 11 charges be reduced or dismissed?
Yes. Depending on the evidence, a prosecutor could agree to reduce the charges, or a court may dismiss them if there are legal or factual issues with the case.
Can a first-time offender be charged under Measure 11?
Yes. A prior criminal record isn’t required for Measure 11 to apply. If a person is convicted of a qualifying offense, they may still face Measure 11's mandatory sentencing requirements, even if they’ve never been arrested or convicted before.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
