Michael Paul De Muniz

The son of revered criminal defense attorney and retired Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice, Paul J. De Muniz, Mike was born to be a trial lawyer. Due to his steady presence and consistent success in the courtroom, Mike quickly gained the respect of the judiciary and as a result, has been entrusted to represent both judges and their immediate family members. Mike has also been sought out by public figures and professionals with a lot to lose and a need for sound advice and discretion. In addition, Mike represents victims of sexual abuse, police misconduct, and legal malpractice. Mike recently won the acquittal of a Portland business owner accused of manslaughter. Mikes client was charged with killing a homeless man who set fire to the business owners store. Facing a mandatory 120-month prison sentence if convicted at trial, Mike successfully argued that his client was not guilty of manslaughter or felony assault, but was guilty of simple misdemeanor assault. The trial court agreed and sentenced Mikes client to 100 hours of community service. Mike has successfully persuaded prosecutors to dismiss all types of charges, including child sexual abuse and manslaughter charges - protecting those clients from potential mandatory prison sentences and financial ruin. But Mike knows that in some cases trials are inevitable, and he has never shied away from a fight with the government. Mike has prevailed at trial for clients charged with a range of crimes, including DUII, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and manslaughter. Mike is committed to improving the lives of his clients and the community. Former Oregon Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas A. Balmer appointed Mike to the Public Defense Services Commission in 2016, a position Mike held until resigning in 2020 to commit more time to family and clients. In addition, Mike served on the board of The First Tee of Greater Portland from 2015-2023. Mike has also committed his time and energy to coaching t-ball and little league softball since 2021.