My son is not a criminal, he is mentally ill. Why is the state prosecuting him?

Tragically, your situation is not unusual. Far too many people with cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses are in jail or prison, even though they don’t belong there. You can read how America’s criminal justice system became the country’s mental health system here.

Anna Sammons is a compassionate and highly experienced criminal defense attorney in Eugene, Oregon, who specializes in representing clients with mental illness, autism, and other developmental disabilities state-wide. If a person is facing sex crime charges or other serious charges in Oregon and has autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or a serious mental health condition, Sammons Law can provide the specialized representation they need.

From Mental Health Professional to Criminal Defense Attorney

Before becoming an attorney, Anna Sammons worked as a case manager and, later, as a counselor. She chose the University of Chicago Law School specifically for its renowned Mental Health Law Project, where she gained advanced training. As a former public defender in two different offices — including the Lane County Public Defender’s Office — she worked extensively with mental health teams and has successfully represented hundreds of clients with significant disabilities. Her holistic, client-centered approach focuses on achieving the best possible outcomes while protecting her clients’ dignity and rights throughout the criminal justice process.

Anna Sammons regularly collaborates with with social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and forensic experts, encourages clients into treatment to improve their bargaining position, and makes winning mitigation arguments to obtain favorable resolutions.

The Law Office of Anna P. Sammons does not condone sexual violence.

But we offer every client, no matter their past or what they are accused of, unflagging support.

We know how much is at stake– sentences frequently include mandatory minimums or even life imprisonment. Many sex offenses require the convicted offender to register as a sex offender.

Sex crime defense is an area where experience pays off. Defending such cases requires a thorough knowledge of federal and state constitutional law, an understanding of the relevant science, and a familiarity with the evidentiary issues that recur in almost every case. Negotiating against that backdrop is an art and a science that takes years to learn. Emotions run high. Prosecutors sometimes refuse to plea bargain, and clients are often reluctant to accept even the most favorable offers due to the huge stigma involved. Sammons Law knows how to patiently maneuver such cases toward resolution, and if a case has to go to trial, we go to war on your behalf.

We will pursue your cause with complete commitment. Contact the Law Office of Anna P. Sammons today.

Many individuals charged under ORS 163.433 are first-time offenders with no prior record. Police sweep them up in undercover internet sting operations. There is no real minor victim. The charge rests solely on online messages with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Even one misinterpreted conversation can trigger felony charges, potential prison time, and mandatory sex offender registration.

Why So Many Clients Choose Sammons Law for These Cases

Attorney Anna Sammons has deep expertise defending ORS 163.433 cases. She has helped many individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, who are disproportionately affected by this statute. She understands that these situations often stem from challenges with social communication, difficulties interpreting context and unspoken rules, and gaps in sexual education, not predatory intent.

Aggressive Defense Strategy

In every ORS 163.433 case, Anna acts quickly and methodically. She partners with top digital forensics experts at Unique Wire to thoroughly analyze all electronic evidence and pursues suppression of evidence where constitutional violations exist. Anna also builds compelling mitigation packages, combining expert evaluations, risk assessments, and personalized narratives to achieve the best possible outcomes for each client she represents.

Proven Results in ORS 163.433 Cases

Anna has successfully represented numerous clients in ORS 163.433 cases. She has kept many out of jail with probation-only outcomes, prevented sex offender registration, and secured complete dismissals with full arrest expungement. Contact Sammons Law today for a confidential consultation.

Anna Sammons has years of of experience and has won multiple cases in New York and Oregon appellate courts. She handles criminal, administrative and civil appeals.

Anna P. Sammons maintains a small case-load of complex cases to ensure that she is able to provide each client with the quality of representation that they deserve. If she is not able to take your case, she will make sure to follow through with referrals to the best possible attorney for your situation.

Google Reviews

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mario J 
 
 
 
  
Between the mess my previous attorney left me in and the changing laws, I found myself trapped in a nightmarishly confusing legal situation. Anna Sammons guided me through those Kafkaesque times with confidence and clarity. At one point a member of the parole board remarked that I was in good hands and actually asked Anna how something worked. To me, that highlighted the well of Anna’s knowledge and also the board's experience with her consistently achieving positive outcomes for her clients. Anna’s extensive legal expertise was matched by her ability to remind the state that I wasn’t just a case number. She skillfully weaved legal precision with human compassion created the positive end results that change my life.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Greg Kaminski 
 
 
 
  
Anna helped answer questions for my brother and spent her own time.  Thank you
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Cheryl Cullen 
 
 
 
  
My sister was charged with a class A misdemeanor. I hired Anna Sammons, who was fantastic. She believed the charge was overly punitive and the case should be dropped. However, the DA was determined to take it to trial  She worked hard to make sure that the case was dismissed and it was! And she was kind and helpful throughout the whole process.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Bryan & Brooke White 
 
 
 
  
I would have to say she is dedicated to her clients and will help as much as she can and has been a big help if you néed a lawyer she is a good one to have she will go beyond and help also her assistant Carey is also very helpful and is a great person and really cares about the clients to so if you need a lawyer definitely give them a call
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Edward Schlageter 
 
 
 
  
I would highly recommend Mrs. Sammons for anybody looking for legal representation. she represented me on a complicated DUI case with serious injuries involved. Through her diligence and dedication to my case I was able to stay out of jail. My family and myself will always be grateful for her hard work.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Nick Costa 
 
 
 
  
I called three offices before hers. They all had more reviews and more ratings. They all had to call me back 24hrs later. Anna’s receptionist picked up I told her my situation and her receptionist transferred me to Anna’s cell phone right away. Anna was able to give me advice on what to do with my situation moving forward. I really needed to know what to do as I was getting pressure. She helped me calmly think about my next step without me feeling like I was needing to rush off the phone since at this time it was essentially free legal advice. At this point moving forward if my situation needs a lawyer (which likely I will) I will be using Anna.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Judd Smith 
 
 
 
  
Anna was so nice and did such a nice job litigating my domestic violence case. Her professionalism and attentive demeanor shows that she really does care a lot about her clients and a positive resolution with their cases. Thanks Anna
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Celeste Tesoriero 
 
 
 
  
This attorney is really knowledgeable and was tremendously helpful in our case.  I highly endorse her!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 James Wells 
 
 
 
  
Got all my charges dropped absolutely amazing.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Ty Amelung 
 
 
 
  
Anna was great to work with and has become a trusted friend of mine. Thank you Anna for everything you are an amazing person who I will always trust for help and advice.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 36 reviews 
 
   
 
 

Client Cases

• Client was convicted of multiple sex offenses and sentenced to life in prison. Successfully obtained post-conviction vacatur of all convictions.
• Client was charged with DUI that resulted in serious injuries and made a full confession. Working with accident reconstruction experts and an expert on false confessions, Anna Sammons was able to get the case dismissed.
• Client was charged with felony online corruption of a minor and related offenses. All sex crimes charges dismissed just prior to trial.
• Client was falsely accused of first-degree rape and potentially faced years in prison. By effectively cross-examining his accuser at a college disciplinary proceeding, Anna Sammons was able to prove his innocence.
• Client was unjustly convicted of kidnapping her own children. Conviction vacated on constitutional grounds.
• Client was convicted of multiple sex crimes. Complainant had falsely accused someone else in the past, however, and that man was prepared to testify. The trial court did not permit it; Anna Sammons got the case reversed.