Leniency for defendants in Portland clashes could affect Capitol riot cases

“Federal prosecutors’ show of leniency for some defendants charged in the long-running unrest in the streets of Portland could have an impact on similar criminal cases stemming from the Capitol riot, lawyers say.

In recent weeks, prosecutors have approved deals in at least half a dozen federal felony cases arising from clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Oregon last summer. The arrangements — known as deferred resolution agreements — will leave the defendants with a clean criminal record if they stay out of trouble for a period of time and complete a modest amount of community service, according to defense attorneys and court records.”

“prosecutors in D.C. can argue that what happened there is more serious even if the physical actions of the defendants were comparable.

“Attacking the Capitol is sui generis— it’s in a category of its own,” Levenson said. “One is the seat of government and the other is not.””

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/14/portland-capitol-riot-cases-481346

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