Per Olson

Per Olson is a Portland criminal defense lawyer who represents individuals facing state and federal charges. His practice ranges from misdemeanors to major felonies. He handles DUII, fraud, theft, violent crimes, sex crimes, white collar offenses, drug crimes, and interstate or transnational matters. He has obtained multiple acquittals in state and federal court. His work centers on preparing strong defenses for clients facing serious criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Olson earned his J.D., cum laude, from Lewis & Clark Law School. He received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Willamette University. His academic background provided a strong foundation in legal analysis, criminal law, research, and written advocacy. That training continues to support his work on complex criminal cases involving detailed factual records, constitutional issues, federal statutes, and significant potential penalties.

Olson served as a law clerk to Circuit Court Judge Robert W. Redding and later to Oregon Supreme Court Justice George A. Van Hoomissen. He has handled serious criminal matters in state and federal courts and has secured notable defense results. His experience includes a judgment of acquittal in a commodities fraud case and a not-guilty verdict for a client accused of arranging a murder-for-hire plot. He has handled appellate matters involving suppression and constitutional issues as well.

Per Olson has received sustained recognition for criminal defense work. Best Lawyers named him Portland Lawyer of the Year for Criminal Defense: White-Collar in the 2026 edition. He previously received Lawyer of the Year honors for general and white-collar criminal defense. He is admitted in Oregon and Washington and belongs to the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His professional service includes bar committee work, an ACLU of Oregon amicus brief, and community nonprofit involvement.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Hoevet Olson, PC
• Member, Oregon State Bar Association
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association

Licensed State

• Oregon

Education

• Lewis & Clark Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Willamette University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges