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About Ryan
Biography
I primarily practice criminal law, both trials and appeals, although I handle post-conviction cases on a very limited basis. Until 2006, I was the chief attorney in the major felony section of Metropolitan Public Defenders. A frequent speaker on criminal defense issues in Oregon, on topics ranging from the Oregon Constitution to motion-writing, I am a 2009 winner of the OCDLA's President's Award for my "legal acumen and willingness to assist other criminal defense lawyers," and the 2020 winner of the Ross Shepard Award for Lifetime Service. I have been recognized as an Oregon Super Lawyer seven times and counting.
Aggressively preparing for trial is the best way to negotiate.
Specializing in major felonies: manslaughter/assault, drugs, ID theft, online sexual corruption
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
80%
31 years
Appeals
20%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Awards
2021
2013
Licenses
Licensed in Oregon for 30 years
State: Oregon
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Ryan Scott
(503) 546-0529
Mobile
1549 SE Ladd Avenue, Portland, OR, 97214-4700
ryanscottlaw.com/Ryan Scott's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
34 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | July 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Guilty
What if you're guilty? You STILL want to hire the best attorney you can find because the criminal justice system cannot be trusted to treat you fairly. I hired Ryan Scott as a guilty defendant, intending to own my guilt fully from the beginning, and he took my case anyway. Having never been in troubl...
Posted by Keith | June 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Absolutely the Best!
Ryan Scott is absolutely brilliant in understanding the law on those that are accused of a false sex crimes! He should be the 1st on your list to interview. He doesn't sugar coat anything. He will layout a plan and advise the best way to spend your hard earned money on avoiding doing the serious time...
Posted by anonymous | March 07, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The attorney you want in a crisis
Ryan was the second attorney we hired after running up against a particularly intense DA who was not willing to negotiate a reasonable plea deal. Ryan knows his stuff. He got the absolute best outcome possible under the circumstances, using his knowledge of the law and willingness to stand up to inti...
Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
Excellent!
Ryan has gone out of his way to help me with my case since it's beginning in 2006, even finding little known laws that would benefit me and standing by my family and my side after the case was long over to help clear my record. He is fantastic, knowledgeable and will work hard on your behalf.
Posted by Melissa B | August 08, 2013 | Criminal Defense
HANDS DOWN RYAN IS THE BEST!!!!!!
STOP...look no future you have found the best criminal defense lawyer in Portland Oregon. I was facing serious felony charges x6 with jail time. I hired Ryan Scott after speaking with a few people out in our community, stating that he will go ALL the way for you to make sure you have the best defense...
Ryan Scott's Lawyer Endorsements
"If I were charged with a crime, I would want Ryan to represent me. His command of case law and related issues is unparalleled. As a criminal defense lawyer myself, one of my standard research steps in novel or complex cases is "call Ryan and see what he thinks." One of the best in Oregon."
"As a criminal appeals attorney, I know that criminal defense at the trial level is challenging work. Hard working, insightful, always on the leading edge of developing legal theory and its application -- it is no wonder that lawyers throughout Oregon look to Ryan Scott for input on their own cases. Anyone accused of a crime deserves the best defense. Ryan Scott delivers."
"I had the opportunity and pleasure to hear Mr. Scott speak at a conference for criminal defense attorneys. His knowledge of the criminal justice system in Oregon is immense; indeed, he stands out as an expert among experts. As a resource for other attorneys, he is indispensable. Any client would be well served by his expertise and confidence in the subject matter. I strongly endorse this attorney."
"Sharpest criminal defense mind in Oregon, hands down. You are in good hands if Ryan is on your side."
"Ryan Scott has a brilliant legal mind, and he uses it to relentlessly pursue justice for his clients. Ryan is known statewide for his cutting edge motion practice. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Ryan for several years, and have witnessed him obtain some remarkable victories for his clients. Ryan has done more than anyone to teach other lawyers about complex legal issues, and “raise the bar” for criminal defense practice in Oregon. There are many good lawyers, but there’s only one Ryan Scott."
"Ryan is an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable lawyer. He has an outstanding legal mind and has thoroughly mastered the details of Oregon criminal law and procedure. I frequently consult Ryan when faced with complex legal issues."
"Ryan Scott is extraordinarily well versed in Oregon criminal law and procedure and is one of the premier sources for guidance to young and old lawyers alike. Protecting the legal rights of the criminally accused and assuring that justice is fairly administered requires a balance of skill, knowledge and creative thinking and Ryan Scott excels in all three."
"I endorse Ryan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Ryan is a valued and respected authority on Oregon criminal law and an unselfish resource for other attorneys who seek a deeper understanding of complex issues. His commitment to defending his clients and helping others is remarkable. I endorse him without any reservation."
"Ryan Scott is the go-to answer man for all things criminal defense in Oregon. There is a reason lawyers seek his counsel on their own cases. Any attempt to describe his knowledge and skills in words will grossly understate them. He is simply the best, and Oregonians know it!"
"Ryan is a brilliant, hard-working and diligent attorney. He possesses one of the best legal minds I have encountered in my years of practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan is an intelligent, creative, and effective advocate who gets good results for his clients. I endorse him without reservation."
"I have known this fellow Oregon lawyer for a considerable time. He is hardworking, ethical and dedicated to his clients. I give him my wholehearted endorsement."
"Ryan has a knowledge and understanding of Oregon Criminal Law that is unmatched."
"Ryan Scott has an uncanny ability to create persuasive legal arguments in otherwise un-winnable criminal cases. His legal jujitsu and motion practice set him apart from all other criminal defense practitioners, leave prosecutors scratching their heads and judges nodding with approval. Ryan is an excellent attorney and devoted advocate for all of his clients no matter how challenging their case."
"Ryan is one of the hardest working and smartest lawyers I know. I always can count on good advice and insight when talking to Ryan"
"Ryan Scott is, without exaggeration, the most influential criminal defense lawyer in the State of Oregon. Ryan's encyclopedic knowledge and a depth of understanding of Oregon and federal law is unparalleled. I cannot think of any recent major development in Oregon law that does not have some measure of Ryan's influence. I do not prepare any major case without relying on Ryan in some way. Ryan Scott is the authority on Oregon Criminal law."
"Ryan Scott is the patron saint of legal motions and aggressive forward thinking legal arguments in Oregon. Any criminal defense lawyer worth their salt in Oregon knows Ryan and can vouch for how fantastic he is as a criminal defense attorney. If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself facing criminal charges or need a great appellate attorney, you should without a doubt consider Ryan Scott. I endorse this lawyer without reservation."
"Ryan Scott is a brilliant criminal defense attorney. His creativity in motion practice and argument is virtually unmatched. I highly recommend Mr. Scott at both the trial level and in the appellate courts."
Sara Foroshani
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Mary Sofia
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Thomas Freedman
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Noah Horst
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Rhett Fraser
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Jeffrey Turnoy
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Bartley Herron
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2020
Ross Shepard Award for Lifetime Service, OCDLA
2019
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2009
2009 President's Award, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Work Experience
1997 - 2007
Chief, Major Felony Section, Metropolitan Public Defenders, Inc.
1990 - 1992
, American Anthropological Association
Associations
2006 - 2010
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationChair, Education Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. James
Reversal
State v. Wells
Measure 11 convictions reversed.
State v. Hickman
Murder conviction overturned
State v. Roper
Suppression of evidence affirmed.
State v. Massey
Conviction reversed.
State v. Ortiz-Rodriguez, 29 Or App 373 (2009)
28 drug counts reversed
Education
1995
Northwestern School of Law, Lewis and Clark College
Juris Doctorate
Speaking Engagements
2014
OCDLA Newport Conference
Challenging Search Warrants
2012
2012 OCDLA Winter Conference
Accomplices
2011
OCDLA 2011 Annual Conference
If You Can't Change the Pieces, Change the Board
2010
New Lawyers Seminar
Writing and Arguing Motions to Suppress
2009
OCDLA Annual Conference
Challenging Search Warrants
2007
OCDLA Annual Conference
Demurrers
Publications
2014
Oregon Search and Seizure Manual
Editor
2010
The Oregonian
Absurdities of the Oregon Criminal Justice System
2010
Major Crimes and Defenses Manual
Murder
2010
Major Crimes and Defenses (OCDLA)
Delivery/Manufacture of Controlled Substances
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Ryan earned significant contribution points in 2013.
Legal Answers
Q&A
If an escort has been texting a cop unknowingly but never meets the cop that was texting can she be arrested at a later date?
18 Dec 2024
Q&A
Can I please get some basic advice about 5 days I have to turn myself in Washington County Oregon?
17 Jul 2024
Q&A
When my ex hit me in my face and made me bleed how can I press charges ?
27 Feb 2024