NCJ Number
78162
Date Published
1981
Length
61 pages
Annotation
Written for corrections planners and analysts, this report on the processing of felony offenders in Oregon during calendar year 1977 tracks people arrested for Part I felonies and describes what happened to them with regard to charging, disposition, sentencing, and time to disposition.
Abstract
Information was obtained from the computerized criminal history file maintained by the State police. Only one arrest charge and one judicial charge per individual were used for analysis; these were the most serious arrests and charges. The study shows that of all Part I felony arrests, about one-half result in convictions and about one-third result in conviction on the arrest charge. These percentages are similar or higher when compared to findings in other parts of the Nation. Differences between arrest and disposition charges were found, particularly for violent crimes, and when the arrest charge was modified a higher conviction rate and a less severe sentence resulted. Few of the Part I felonies resulted in acquittal; dismissal or refusal to file was more likely. Murder, rape, and aggravated assault had the highest acquittal rates. Median time from arrest to disposition was greatest for violent crimes and lowest for property crimes; substantial variation in filing and conviction rates and sentencing practices were observed among counties. Concerns raised by the study are mentioned. Data tables, graphs, charts, and footnotes are included.