Alaska Criminal Defense Lawyer
Alaska is the largest state in terms of area in the United States. However, that space is largely filled with tall mountains, meandering rivers, and packs of large animals. Of course, the breathtaking views are what help to drive the state’s thriving tourism sector. Alaska is unique in that it shares a border with Canada and is also in close proximity with Russia. In fact, America and Russia share the Bering Sea, where crab, lobster, and other creatures are fished commercially.
If You’re Contacted by Police
If you are contacted by police, you should say as little as possible. Generally speaking, the only thing you need to do is provide an officer with a valid identification such as a driver’s license. However, once you do that, there is no obligation to say anything else such as how much you had to drink prior to a traffic stop or what is in your car.
You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle or any of your belongings. However, officers may have the right to conduct a search if there is reason to believe that you have contraband. Alternatively, a search may be conducted if a judge signs off on a warrant to do so.
Finally, you have the right to an Alaska criminal defense attorney. All questioning must cease after you ask for an attorney to be present. If you are coerced into making a statement without counsel, that statement may be ruled inadmissible at trial. It may also result in other evidence obtained based on your statement to be ruled inadmissible.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
Why You Should Hire an Attorney from Our Firm
The Criminal Defense Firm has a roster of attorneys who have spent time as federal prosecutors. We also have attorneys who have spent time as members of federal agencies such as the IRS, DEA, and DOJ. Therefore, you may have the benefit of working with someone who understands how the government approaches cases. This may be helpful as it relates to deciding whether you want to accept a plea deal or whether you want to take your case to trial. The insight that your attorney is able to obtain from what the government does or doesn’t do may also help you determine if charges might be reduced or dropped before a trial begins.
Other Potential Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
Hiring an attorney means that you have someone who will speak on your behalf to the media, to the government, or to anyone else who wants to hear about your case. This is important because your advocate will have a better idea of how to answer questions without saying anything that might undermine your position.
Your attorney may also be able to help set and manage your expectations throughout the legal process. For instance, this person might tell you that the case is unlikely to be dropped because of your prior criminal history. Alternatively, you may be told that you can continue to run your business while the case unfolds or that it’s unlikely that the government will monitor your phone or computer.
While your advocate cannot guarantee any type of outcome in your case, knowing what might happen may make it easier to sleep at night. It may also make it easier to get your affairs in order in the event that jail or prison time is likely in your case.
The Types of Cases The Criminal Defense Firm Might Handle
Our firm will help with just about any type of criminal charge that the state might throw at you. We may also be able to help if your case involves both state and federal charges. Therefore, whether you are charged with drunk driving, drug possession, or attempted murder, you can feel good coming to us either for advice or to serve as your legal adviser throughout your case. Let’s take a closer look at the types of charges typically pursued by state authorities.
Drunk Driving
You could be charged with drunk driving if you show any signs of impairment while behind the wheel. Signs of impairment may include driving the wrong way on the highway or stopping at a green light. Other signs of impairment may include slurred speech, an inability to stand, or bloodshot eyes. It’s worth noting that you can be charged with impaired driving if there is reason to believe that you are under the influence of drugs or prescription medication.
Drug Possession
If you are found with any quantity of drugs in your possession, you could be charged with a felony. Additional charges may apply if you are found to have a significant amount of a controlled substance in your car, in your backpack, or anywhere else within your control. More charges may apply if you have baggies, spoons or other items that are typically used to consume or divide product for distribution.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes such as murder, robbery, or aggravated assault are almost always tried as felonies. This is because they tend to cause serious bodily harm or death. Additional charges may apply if you use a weapon to commit a robbery or engage in other violent crimes such as sexual assault. Penalties might be enhanced in your case if you use a weapon to commit a crime as a convicted felon.
Larceny
If you take something that doesn’t belong to you, you may be charged with either petit or grand larceny. The severity of the charge depends on how much you steal and whether you take it from a person or a retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of penalties might I face if convicted?
A conviction on a misdemeanor charge may result in penalties such as jail time, a fine, or community service. You may also be placed on probation either in lieu of jail time or in addition to any time served. If you’re convicted of a felony charge, you may spend many years in prison, pay a fine, or spend time on probation or supervised release after serving your prison sentence. Other penalties may include paying restitution to victims, the loss of professional licenses, or the loss of a driver’s license.
Can I appeal a conviction?
If you are convicted of a crime, you are allowed to appeal the outcome of your case. The appeal documents will likely be created and submitted to the court by your Alaska criminal defense attorney. It’s important to note that the appellate court will not consider any new evidence. Instead, they will review the record from the trial court to determine if there were any material errors that impacted the outcome of your case. In the event that such errors are found, the court may remand the case back for a new trial. It’s also possible that the charges will be dismissed or that other actions might be taken. In the event that the appellate court agrees with the trial court, you may have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
How long is the initial consultation?
You should expect the initial consultation to take about 15 to 30 minutes to get through. The exact timeframe will depend on how much you want to tell us and how much you want to know about our firm before you make a hiring decision. It is important to point out that you don’t have to hire us simply because you got in touch with our staff.
Furthermore, the consultation itself is free, which means that all you have to lose is a few minutes of your time. Anything that you decide to say during this initial conversation is likely covered by attorney-client privilege. Therefore, you should feel free to provide as many details about your case as possible as this will help us select an attorney who best meets your needs.
Contact Us Today for Representation in Alaska
If you are in need of an Alaska criminal defense attorney, call The Criminal Defense Firm’s national intake hotline at 866-603-4540. You can also reach out through our online contact form.