This measure desperately needs reform; it is unjustified. Every case should be handled case by case. Some cases have special circumstances and should be considered in sentencing. The mandatory minimums are too harsh in many cases and judges need to have discretion.
Why is this important?
I am starting this petition because my family has been negativly effected by measure 11. My children will not have there father in their lives for the next 6 years. We are having a difficult time coping without him and it will be even harder to cope after all the time we lose. Our case had special circumstances, one of those being self defense which I witnessed with my own eyes. Now he will be locked up for six years for protecting himself physically and his family's well-being. His being taken away from us for just acting out of fear is unjustified, maybe time is owed but not six years. Something needs to be done about the strict laws in Oregon. A man should have the right to protect himself and his family. Unfortunately, in court, our story was downplayed and not taken seriously. Any support is greatly appreciated we need to give our judges back their power and defendants' right to a fair trial.
