About ABD Martin Law, LLC — criminal defense St Helens Oregon
ABD Martin Law, LLC handles criminal defense St Helens clients trust when charges are filed in Columbia County Circuit Court at 230 Strand Street. Founded by Aaron Martin, a U.S. Army combat veteran with two Iraq deployments and prior service at Public Defender Services of Lane County, the firm focuses heavily on trial-ready criminal defense. Specifically, the practice serves St Helens, Scappoose, Rainier, Clatskanie, and Vernonia. Because Aaron grew up in Scappoose, he brings local familiarity with Columbia County prosecutors and judges that out-of-county counsel often lack.
Anyone weighing options can review additional Columbia County defense lawyers through the criminal defense attorney directory. The firm offers online scheduling through Calendly and a direct line at 503-558-7833. Therefore, defendants can book a consultation without phone tag during a stressful first week after arrest.
What Clients Say
Endorsements describe Aaron as a sharp legal scholar and a fierce litigator. Other peers note dedication to client rights that is, in their words, second to none. In addition, clients praise straightforward communication about likely outcomes. As a result, those facing felony or DUI exposure get a clear picture of trial versus plea trade-offs.
criminal defense St Helens Oregon — Practice Areas & Services
- Misdemeanor and felony criminal defense in Columbia County Circuit Court.
- DUII defense, including DMV implied-consent hearings under ORS 813.410.
- Restraining and stalking order representation in St Helens and Scappoose.
- Expungements under ORS 137.225 to clear eligible Oregon convictions.
- Probate, guardianship, and conservatorship matters serving Columbia County families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my St Helens criminal case be heard?
Most criminal matters in St Helens are heard in Columbia County Circuit Court at 230 Strand Street. However, traffic and minor offenses can be cited into municipal court. Specifically, jury trials in felony matters are conducted at the Circuit Court.
What does a DUII case in Columbia County typically cost?
DUII representation often involves both the criminal case and a separate DMV hearing. For example, flat-fee structures are common for first-offense matters, while trial-track cases shift to hourly billing. Therefore, requesting a written fee agreement before payment is critical.
How long do St Helens criminal cases usually take?
Misdemeanor matters often resolve within 90 to 180 days. In contrast, felony cases in Columbia County Circuit Court can extend six to twelve months because of grand jury and discovery. Additionally, contested suppression motions can add several weeks.
Quick Facts: Criminal Defense in St Helens, Oregon
- Oregon arrests (2024): 142,922 individuals arrested statewide, up 13.1% from 2023 — Oregon State Police UCR
- Felony conviction trend: Oregon felony convictions peaked near 16,000 per year in 2016–2017 before declining — Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, 2024 Felony Convictions Report
- Demographics of conviction: 79.4% of felony convictions over the past decade involved male defendants — Oregon Criminal Justice Commission



