Oregon Statutes 147.512 – Plea hearings, sentencing hearings and settlement conferences
(1) Notwithstanding ORS § 147.510, at the beginning of each judicial settlement conference, plea hearing or sentencing hearing, the prosecuting attorney shall inform the court whether the victim is present. If the victim is not present and the case involves a defendant charged with a violent felony or bias crime in the first degree under ORS § 166.165, the prosecuting attorney shall inform the court whether the victim was informed of the conference or hearing.
Terms Used In Oregon Statutes 147.512
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
- Plea agreement: An arrangement between the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for special considerations. Source:
- Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
(2) In any case involving a defendant charged with a violent felony or bias crime in the first degree under ORS § 166.165:
(a) If the victim requests, the prosecuting attorney shall make reasonable efforts to consult the victim before making a plea offer and before entering into a final plea agreement.
(b) Before the court accepts a plea of guilty or no contest:
(A) If the victim is present, the court shall ask whether the victim was consulted regarding plea negotiations, if the victim agrees or disagrees with the plea agreement as presented to the court and whether the victim wishes to be heard regarding the plea agreement.
(B) If the victim is not present, the court shall ask the prosecuting attorney whether the victim requested to be informed and consulted regarding plea negotiations. If the victim made such a request, the court shall ask the prosecuting attorney what reasonable efforts to inform and consult the victim concerning plea negotiations were made and whether the victim agrees or disagrees with the plea agreement.
(c) If the court finds that the victim requested consultation regarding plea negotiations and that the prosecuting attorney failed to make reasonable efforts to consult the victim, the court shall direct the prosecuting attorney to make reasonable efforts to consult the victim and may not accept the plea unless the court makes a finding on the record that the interests of justice require the acceptance of the plea.
(3) Before the court imposes sentence, the court shall ask whether the victim wishes to express the views described in ORS § 137.013. [2009 c.178 § 5; 2011 c.659 § 1; 2023 c.549 § 7]
See note under 147.500.