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Mary Sofia

also known as Mary Sell
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Avvo Rating10
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed for 9 years
  • Free consultation
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About Mary

Experienced, Thoughtful, Aggressive Criminal Defense

Call for a Free Consultation

I am an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is passionate about fighting for the underdog, and I bring multiple years of experience representing adults and juveniles facing serious crimes.

Over the past ten years, I have spent my career working within the criminal justice system to make it more equitable through litigation as well as through policy and law reform. I have practiced in multiple counties throughout the state, and I have significant experience representing people in court.

In addition to fighting for people's rights in the courtroom, I spent three sessions as a policy advocate at the Oregon legislature pushing for criminal justice reforms including amending the constitution to make all jury verdicts unanimous, requiring prosecutors to finally record grand jury proceedings, limiting the imposition of the death penalty in Oregon, and significantly revising the punitive and outdated Measure 11 laws unfairly impacting Oregon's youth.

I believe in a just criminal justice system, and that is why I do this work.

 

 

Practice areas

OtherDomestic violenceSex crimeDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 20%

    Assault DUII Drug Crimes (Delivery, Possession, Manufacture) Domestic Violence Probation Violations & Warrants Theft & Property Crimes Expungement Sex Crimes Unlawful Use of a Weapon Unlawful Possession of Firearms Reckless Endangerment

  2. DUI and DWI: 20%

    DUII (Alcohol, Marijuana, and/or controlled substances) Reckless Driving Criminal Mischief Reckless Endangerment Assault License Suspension Breath Test Refusal Breath Test Failure

  3. Sex crime: 20%

    Rape Sodomy Child Pornography Sexual Assault Unlawful Sexual Penetration Using a Child in a Display of Sexual Conduct Encouraging Child Sex Abuse Sexual Harassment Luring a Minor Online Sexual Corruption of a Minor

  4. Domestic violence: 20%

    Assault Harassment Strangulation Coercion Menacing Criminal Mistreatment

  1. Expungement: 20%

    Setting Aside Convictions Setting Aside Arrests Reinstatement of Gun Rights

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

4075520 1574814957

4075520 1578447110

Contact

1050 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 1415
address map

{SofiaLaw}

1050 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 1415
Portland, OR, 97204

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ORActive201101/09/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Owner and Attorney at LawSofia Law LLC2019 - Present
Legislative DirectorOregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association2017 - 2019
AttorneyMetropolitan Public Defenders, Inc.2016 - 2017
Associate AttorneyHillsboro Law Group, PC (Formerly Known As Garland, Burton, McCaffery, PC)2015 - 2016
Associate AttorneyThe Arneson Group2012 - 2015
Associate AttorneyAaby Family Law2011 - 2011
Law ClerkThe Washington County District Attorney's Office2008 - 2010
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Multnomah County Bar AssociationMember2020 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2017 - Present
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember2012 - Present
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationPublication Committee Member2016 - 2019
Douglas County Bar AssociationVice President2014 - 2015
Oregon Women Lawyers (Roseburg Chapter)President2013 - 2014
Oregon Women Lawyers (Roseburg Chapter)Founding Member2013 - 2015
Douglas County Bar AssociationMember2012 - 2015
Douglas County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember2012 - 2015
Oregon Bar Family Law SectionMember2011 - 2015
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
The Oregon Defense Attorney JournalFrom the Desk of Mary Sofia: An Update on HB 3145: Legislation to Fix the Broken Public Defense System2019
The Oregon Defense Attorney JournalFrom the Desk of Mary Sofia: Short Session Success!2018
The Oregon Defense Attorney JournalFrom the Desk of Mary Sofia: Budget Update2017
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Lewis & Clark Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2010
University of Nevada-RenoBA - Bachelor of Arts2006
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
OCDLA's Annual Summer Conference 2019Legislative Update on Passing Juvenile Justice Reform & Fixing the Broken Public Defense System in Oregon2019
Lewis & Clark Law School's Criminal Justice Reform ClinicLegislative Advocacy in the Criminal Justice World2019
Juvenile Law Training AcademyJuvenile Justice Sentencing Reform: Requiring the Government to Treat Youths like Youths2019
Annual Juvenile Law ConferenceLimiting the State's Power to Remove Children & Requiring the Recording of Juvenile Interrogations2019
OCDLA's Annual Summer Conference 2018Changing the Law to Allow the Reinstatement of Parental Rights after Termination2018
OCDLA's Annual Summer Conference 2017Grand Jury Recording in Oregon and the Safety & Savings Act2017
Lewis & Clark Law School's Criminal Justice Reform ClinicLegislative Advocacy in the Criminal Justice World2017
Clackamas County Criminal Defense Bar Association Meeting2017 Legislative Update for the Clackamas Indigent Defense Consortium2017
Douglas County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationRepresenting Clients with Diminished Capacity2014
Douglas County Bar AssociationHow to comply with Rule 7: Information about Legal Services2012
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Criminal CaseMotion to Supress Illegally Obtained Evidence Granted; All charges dismissed

Reviews

(8)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review Mary Sofia

Choose this lawyer!

Posted by

Mary was the last of 6 attorneys I consulted with for my case, and I instantly knew she was the right one. She expertly navigated the challenges COVID-19 presented us with getting our day in court, and kept me involved every step of the way. Not only is she not afraid of a trial like other attorneys, but she delivers results. I was incredibly impressed with her poise, agility, and tenacity in the court room. I'll definitely be recommending her any chance I get.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best ever and ive had a lot of them

Posted by

She was a fire cracker very aggressive . She always went the extra mile . no DA.scares her. This is from Leon. Great job Mary and thank you
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Mary Sell

Posted by

Mary Sell is probably the best Attorney I have ever had. She always seemed concerned over my feelings about the case. She is articulate, polite and is not condescending to us low income people. I do believe her speech to the judge is what saved me a prison term. She stated the facts of my case clearly and in an understandable chronology that showed my serious intent for Recovery. I cannot praise her enough.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Mary A. Sell best criminal lawyer in Oregon

Posted by

I ended up getting in a little bit of trouble in Oregon over a year ago when up on vacation for a wedding. Mary helped protect me in court so I did not have to drive from my hometown in California 8 hours away. Through the process she got me a smaller penalty of diversion instead of a DUI. Since there were a lot of court ordered tasks from the judge Mary helped me understand what I had to do and she even got me off of one of the big tasks of driving with a breathalyzer for a year. This helped me out since I just bought a new car and had to drive business associates around. The breathalyzer would have been bad for business and should not have been a penalty since I was not caught driving under the influence of alcohol nor did I ever driver while drinking. She kept in contact with me and my counselor through the process which helped since the counselor did not communicate well and was some times asking the impossible from me. Overrall Mary was not expensive like most lawyers and went up and beyond to serve me. I would recommend her to anyone in the Oregon area that needed defense. She works hard for you and is super polite and understanding. Go with Mary and you won't regret it.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

GREAT LAWYER

Posted by

She helped me out BIG time. I would be without a license and a lot of money in debt if it was not for her. She did an amazing job and paid attention to a lot of detail. Especially for being a court appointed attorney. I was very impressed!

Couldn't have been any better!

Posted by

Mary Sell was very helpful with my case she never hesitated and got the ball rolling immediately. She came up with a parenting plan that I totally agreed on and told me everything about custody battles and the way to go about it so everything would work out in my favor. I was over satisfied with all her hard work on helping me to get the things I wanted done. It was all done in a reasonable time too. She made a short time in my life that I thought was going to be rough really smooth and I really appreciate everything she did. She really is the best choice when seeking professional help!

Good Communication

Posted by

Mary had a very effective communication style and was very attentive to the important aspects of my concerns. She also managed her time during our appointments well and was trustworthy with the information I divulged to her about my case and my past. Her motivation is easily apparent and her energetic and focused response to the case shows she is in it to assist her clients the best she can. I would absolutely recommend her services and would return if the need ever arose again.

One of the good ones

Posted by

Mary helped me brainstorm and navigate my way through a legal matter concerning custody. Mary never insisted on one option, instead, she helped me explore a few different options and promptly saw to it that it was clearly and concisely placed in writing when an agreement was obtained. She also gave me free legal advice on another matter. Mary was always clear about fees and timelines and the communication was always open. I never felt left out of the loop, actually, I felt quite engaged in the process.

Attorney endorsements

(15)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Richard McBreen, Criminal defense Attorney on May 19, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is a highly talented and passionate criminal defense attorney. Her experience and skill make her an excellent advocate, and I would not hesitate to recommend her services to anyone in need of a great criminal defense attorney.

Ashley Vaughn, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 27, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Mary for over ten years as a colleague, and she is a force. Mary is everything a client could want in a criminal defense attorney. She is a fierce advocate and adversary, and has a deep understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system through her varied work experience. She brings a personal flair to her work that shines through seeking justice for her clients. I highly and wholeheartedly endorse Mary and her firm.

Westbrook Johnson, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 22, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As a colleague, Mary has impressed me with her attention to detail and her commitment to her clients inside and outside of the courtroom. Mary is skilled at helping other, clients and colleagues alike, understand what may otherwise be incomprehensible to some. When she served as the Legislative Director for the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association she was able to explain the procedure, the importance and the outcome of legislative process to the organization in a way that not only was clear but also concise. I’d recommend Mary in any field of law as she has knowledge in many fields that she can bring to her clients to help them navigate the treacherous battlefield that is the court system and a legal environment that too often is overwhelming for those unfamiliar with it (and some that are).

John Schlosser, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Oberdorfer, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 7, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Mary works hard. She cares deeply for her clients, and for justice writ large.

Jeffrey Siefman, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is a knowledgable and passionate attorney who fights tirelessly for her clients.

Brook Reinhard, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary has been a fearless advocate since I first met her 9 years ago in Douglas County. She's always been able to see the best side of any situation, and find the weak points in an opponent's case and advocate for a client's best interest. I've known her as both a lawyer and as the former lobbyist for the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and in both of those roles, she's been a strong advocate. I have no doubt she'll continue that work as a private lawyer in Portland.

Emily Oberdorfer, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is a smart and dedicated attorney. She is always well prepared and ready to fight for her clients. I believe you'd be in good hands with Mary.

Ryan Scott, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is a highly skilled, exceptionally talented attorney.

Thomas Freedman, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 6, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I highly endorse this lawyer for criminal defense. She is creative, passionate and intelligent. Most of all, she cares deeply about her clients and standing up for the underdog. A truly exceptional defense attorney.

Risa Davis, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is an excellent trial lawyer who really cares about her clients. When I refer people to her I am confident she will get the best result possible for them, no matter what their situation. Mary's intellect and sharp wit make her a force to be reckoned with inside and outside the courtroom. She’s as fierce as they come and I highly recommend her.

Grant Burton, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 18, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

Mary is a dynamic, highly-motivated criminal defense and family law attorney.

Chris Burnett, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mary for many years. She is very professional and does great work for her clients.

Peter Castleberry, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary Sell is a smart and fearless lawyer. I endorse her without hesitation.

Rachel Buker, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mary is an extremely smart and dedicated attorney. Her clients are lucky to have her.

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