Portland: Multnomah County DA will not prosecute cases where most serious charge is city ordinance violation

PORTLAND, Ore. — Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced a new policy Tuesday that dictates how his office will prosecute those arrested during the ongoing protests in Portland.

Schmidt said the district attorney's office won't prosecute protesters arrested for city ordinance violations that don't include property damage, theft or the use or threat of force against another person.

Arrest charges for crimes that allege "intentional physical violence against community members and/or law enforcement" will be handled by general office policies, Schmidt said. This includes charges for assault and arson.

"If you are out there committing violence or damaging property, you will be prosecuted," Schmidt said.

But the district attorney's office won't prosecute charges where the most serious charge is a city ordinance violation, which includes:

-Interfering with a peace officer or parole and probation officer

-Disorderly conduct in the second degree

-Criminal trespass in the first and second degree

-Escape in the third degree

-Harassment

-Riot (unless accompanied by a charge outside of this list)

Schmidt clarified that if a riot charge is accompanied by a charge for crimes involving physical violence or property damage, the office will prosecute that riot charge.

The new policy applies to protests starting May 29 and is specific to these protests, Schmidt said....(Read more)

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