“Considering the extraordinary (and extremely prejudicial) circumstances facing criminal defendants in Oregon in direct violation of Gideon, we cannot say that the district court abused its discretion,” the majority opinion said. Gideon v. Wainwright is the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that found U.S. states must provide attorneys to criminal defendants who are unable to afford their own.

A northern California man faces a Measure 11 assault charge on accusations he stabbed a man he didn’t know who was trying to intervene in an alleged domestic violence situation.

Stephen Kristopher Robles, 35, of McCloud, California, is charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with second-degree assault, fourth-degree assault and strangulation stemming from a Thursday night altercation in east Medford.

The stabbing victim called police at 8:54 p.m. Thursday to report that a man he didn’t know stabbed him in the face — specifically, through his nose and septum. His phone GPS signal pegged him in the 2000 block of Commerce Drive, according to an affidavit filed by Medford police.

The stabbing victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was sedated and intubated.

About half an hour later, a woman called to report that her boyfriend had stabbed an unknown man, according to an affidavit filed by Medford police. She told police that the man had intervened in a domestic altercation between her and Robles.

The domestic violence incident allegedly began with payment problems at the liquor store on Delta Waters Road, according to an affidavit filed by Medford police. Police say Robles drove erratically with the woman in the car, screamed at her and choked her to the point she “felt like her neck was separating.”

The woman eventually convinced Robles to pull over. Seeing people in a parking lot nearby, and believing her life was in danger, the woman screamed for help.

The good Samaritan, wearing a motorcycle helmet, approached and police say a physical fight ensued between him and Robles near the vehicle. Robles allegedly attempted to pull a Taser, and fled the scene with the domestic violence victim after stabbing the man.

Hospital staff told police that the stab wound went through the right side of the man’s nose and through his septum, but did not penetrate his skull or brain cavity. He was intubated and sedated overnight Thursday.

Police arrested Robles in the backyard of a residence later that night. Police say they found a Taser on Robles when they took him into custody and a discarded knife nearby.

Robles made his initial court appearance Friday on felony charges of second-degree assault and strangulation, and misdemeanor fourth-degree assault. 

At the hearing, Judge Laura Cromwell ordered no early release from jail unless he posts 10% bond on bail set at $200,000 and appointed Robles an attorney. She further ordered no contact with the victims in the case.

As of midday Tuesday, Robles remains an inmate in the Jackson County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.