Oregon Statutes - Chapter 132 - Grand Jury, Indictments and Other Accusatory Instruments - Section 132.540 - Matters indictment must import; previous conviction not to be alleged; exception; use of statutory language.

(1) The indictment is sufficient if it can be understood therefrom that:

(a) The defendant is named, or if the name of the defendant cannot be discovered, that the defendant is described by a fictitious name, with the statement that the real name of the defendant is to the jury unknown.

(b) The crime was committed within the jurisdiction of the court, except where, as provided by law, the act, though done without the county in which the court is held, is triable therein.

(c) The crime was committed at some time prior to the finding of the indictment and within the time limited by law for the commencement of an action therefor.

(2) The indictment shall not contain allegations that the defendant has previously been convicted of the violation of any statute which may subject the defendant to enhanced penalties, except where the conviction constitutes a material element of the crime charged.

(3) Words used in a statute to define a crime need not be strictly pursued in the indictment, but other words conveying the same meaning may be used. [Amended by 1957 c.657 §1; 1973 c.836 §57]

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Last modified: August 7, 2008