1. Tetlow Christie, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense and DUI/OUI defense throughout Alaska, including representation in DMV administrative revocation proceedings, criminal appeals, and post-conviction relief.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OUI offenses, drug crimes, violent offenses, federal crimes, sex offenses, appeals, post-conviction relief petitions.
Legal Services: Trial defense, DMV administrative hearings, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, sentence appeals, merit appeals, applications for post-conviction relief to overturn wrongful convictions and illegal sentences.
Background: Tetlow Christie, LLC has been named a Tier 1 firm in Alaska for Criminal Defense in the 2024 edition of Best Law Firms. Both Wally Tetlow and James Christie are rated by Super Lawyers, an honor awarded to only the top 5% of attorneys, in recognition of their peer recognition and professional achievements. The firm has been included in Expertise.com’s list of “Best DUI Lawyers in Anchorage” for 2023.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Contact: https://www.alaskanattorneys.com
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation information.
2. Law Offices of Robert Herz, P.C.
Practice Focus: Criminal defense with particular emphasis on federal court representation, federal white collar cases, and federal drug felonies.
Case Types Handled: Federal felonies, state felonies and misdemeanors, white collar crimes, drug trafficking, federal drug offenses, game violations.
Legal Services: Pre-charge investigation representation, federal court trial defense, state court trial defense, plea negotiations, grand jury representation, suppression motions.
Background: Robert M. Herz has been practicing criminal defense in Alaska since 1987, with more than 30 years of experience. The firm has focused for more than 20 years on providing representation in federal court, with particular expertise in federal white collar cases and federal drug felonies. Mr. Herz has intimate knowledge of Alaska’s state and federal criminal justice systems and has provided representation in some of the most difficult criminal cases tried in Alaskan courts.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Contact: (907) 277-7171 | https://robertherzlaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available by contacting the firm.
3. The Law Office of Joshua P. Fink, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including DUI/OUI charges, assault cases, and criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OUI, assault in all degrees, domestic violence, theft, drug offenses, weapons charges.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, bail hearings.
Background: Joshua P. Fink is dedicated to defending individuals during difficult times. The firm has years of experience handling various criminal charges from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The firm utilizes a strategic approach to build strong defense strategies suited to each client’s unique situation. The firm serves local Anchorage clients and extends expertise to clients across the United States who may require legal assistance for matters that occurred in Alaska, including vacationers and visitors.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Contact: (907) 274-0493 | [email protected] | https://joshfinklaw.com
Consultation: Contact for consultation.
4. Strong Law, LLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense including assault, DUI/DWI/OUI, burglary, theft, forgery, criminal mischief, and alleged crimes of domestic violence including protective order violations.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, assault in any degree, DUI/DWI/OUI, burglary, theft, forgery, criminal mischief, domestic violence, protective order violations.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, bail hearings, representation in all four of Alaska’s judicial districts.
Background: Kael MacMaster founded Strong Law, LLC after a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his military service, he served on multiple deployments, gaining experience in high-pressure environments requiring quick thinking and resolve. He brings leadership, discipline, and communication skills developed during military service to the courtroom. The firm practices throughout Alaska including Sitka, Juneau, Nome, Utqiagvik (Barrow), Fairbanks, Palmer, Anchorage, Kenai, Seward, Kotzebue, and Kodiak.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska (serving all four Alaska judicial districts)
Contact: (907) 770-7007 | https://thestronglaw.com
Consultation: Confidential consultation available.
5. Law Office of Blake Fulton Quackenbush
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI defense, family law including divorce, and white collar crime defense.
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/OUI, white collar crimes, domestic relations matters.
Legal Services: Trial defense, preliminary hearings, suppression motions, plea negotiations, ADR proceedings.
Background: Blake Quackenbush graduated from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. He competed nationally in ADR moot court, interned for the Governor of Utah, and researched and wrote for two federal court judges. Mr. Quackenbush is a published author and has engaged in many public speaking events.
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Contact: Contact through Justia or Avvo legal directories
Consultation: Contact firm for consultation availability.
Criminal Defense Regulations in Alaska
Bar Admission Requirements: Attorneys must pass the Alaska Bar Examination or qualify under UBE transfer provisions, complete character and fitness review, and be admitted by the Alaska Supreme Court. The Alaska Bar Association regulates the legal profession under supervision of the Alaska Supreme Court.
Public Defender System: The Public Defender Agency of Alaska provides representation to indigent defendants charged with criminal offenses. The Agency operates under the Alaska Department of Administration. When the Public Defender has a conflict of interest, cases are assigned to the Office of Public Advocacy (OPA), which provides attorney representation to indigent clients in criminal matters including felonies, misdemeanors, and petitions to revoke probation. OPA has offices in Anchorage, Palmer, Kenai, Fairbanks, Bethel, and Juneau. Additionally, the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (AKACDL), established in 2009, is an affiliate member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Specialty Certifications: Alaska does not have a state-specific criminal law specialist certification program. Attorneys may hold certifications from national organizations.
Attorney Advertising Rules: Alaska attorneys must comply with Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1 through 7.5 governing advertising and solicitation, requiring truthful and non-misleading communications.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Alaska Rule of Evidence 503 protects confidential communications between attorneys and clients made for purposes of legal representation.
Continuing Legal Education: Alaska requires attorneys to complete 12 CLE hours every year, including at least 1 hour of ethics. New attorneys have additional requirements during their first three years of practice.
Arraignment and Initial Appearance: Defendants must be brought before a court without unnecessary delay after arrest. At the initial appearance, the court advises the defendant of charges, constitutional rights, and sets bail conditions.
Discovery Rules: Alaska Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 16 governs discovery. The prosecution must disclose evidence favorable to the defense, witness lists, and expert reports. Alaska follows an open discovery policy.
Speedy Trial Requirements: Alaska Rule of Criminal Procedure 45 requires trial within 120 days of the initial plea of not guilty for defendants in custody and 180 days for defendants released pretrial. Excludable periods include defense continuances and certain other delays.
Bail and Pretrial Release: Alaska uses statewide bail schedules for misdemeanors. Felony defendants receive individualized bail hearings. The court considers flight risk, danger to the community, criminal history, and ties to the community. Bail reform measures have been implemented to reduce pretrial detention.
Felony Classification System: Alaska classifies felonies as Unclassified (most serious) and Classes A through C:
Unclassified Felonies include murder and have variable sentences including life imprisonment.
Class A Felonies carry 5 to 20 years imprisonment (examples: first-degree sexual assault, first-degree assault).
Class B Felonies carry 0 to 10 years imprisonment (examples: second-degree robbery, second-degree burglary).
Class C Felonies carry 0 to 5 years imprisonment (examples: third-degree assault, certain drug offenses).
Misdemeanor Classification: Class A Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year imprisonment. Class B Misdemeanors carry up to 90 days imprisonment. Under AS 12.55.135, misdemeanor penalties range from 30 days to one year in jail depending on the class.
DUI/OUI Penalties: Alaska takes DUI/OUI seriously. First offense OUI carries a minimum of 72 hours imprisonment, fines starting at $1,500, and license revocation for 90 days. Penalties increase substantially for subsequent offenses within 15 years. A fourth OUI offense within 15 years is a Class C felony.
Death Penalty Status: Alaska does not have the death penalty. The state abolished capital punishment in 1957.
Record Sealing and Expungement: Alaska offers limited post-conviction record relief. Only non-conviction cases (acquittals, dismissals, no charges filed) may be sealed under certain conditions. Unlike many states, Alaska does not provide for expungement of criminal convictions. Court records generally remain public. Certain juvenile records may be sealed under specific circumstances.
Domestic Violence Laws: Alaska’s domestic violence laws under Title 18 impose mandatory arrest in certain circumstances and enhance sentencing. Protective orders are available through both criminal court and civil court processes.
Therapeutic Courts: Alaska operates therapeutic court programs for qualifying defendants, including drug courts, mental health courts, and wellness courts that provide alternatives to traditional prosecution for defendants with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens after I am arrested in Anchorage, and how soon will I see a judge?
A: After arrest in Anchorage, you will be booked at the Anchorage Correctional Complex. You must be brought before a judicial officer without unnecessary delay, typically within 24 to 48 hours, for an initial appearance. At this hearing, you will be informed of the charges, advised of your constitutional rights including the right to an attorney, and bail will be addressed. If you cannot afford an attorney, you can request appointment of the Public Defender. For misdemeanors, bail may be set according to the statewide bail schedule. For felonies, an individualized bail determination will be made considering factors such as flight risk, criminal history, and danger to the community.
Q: How does the bail process work in Alaska state courts?
A: Alaska uses a statewide bail schedule for misdemeanor offenses, with preset amounts based on the offense charged. For felonies, bail is set individually by a judge at the initial appearance or arraignment. Factors considered include the seriousness of the offense, criminal history, ties to the community, employment status, flight risk, and danger to the community or alleged victim. You may be released on personal recognizance (no money required), cash bail, surety bond through a bail bondsman, or third-party custodian. Bail conditions may include no contact with alleged victims, travel restrictions, alcohol monitoring, and other requirements. If bail is set higher than you can afford, your attorney can file a motion to reduce bail.
Q: What is the OUI (Operating Under the Influence) process in Alaska?
A: When arrested for OUI in Alaska, you face both criminal charges in court and an administrative license revocation through the DMV. After arrest, you have only 10 days from the date of the stop to request an administrative hearing with the DMV to contest the license revocation. Missing this deadline results in automatic suspension. The criminal case proceeds separately through district court. First offense OUI carries a minimum 72 hours imprisonment (or 80 hours community work service), minimum $1,500 fine, 90-day license revocation, alcohol assessment, and possible ignition interlock device requirement. Penalties increase substantially for higher BAC levels and repeat offenses. A fourth OUI within 15 years becomes a Class C felony.
Q: What are the penalties for drug possession in Alaska?
A: Drug penalties in Alaska vary based on the substance and amount. Marijuana has been legalized for adults 21 and over in limited quantities (up to 1 ounce in public, up to 4 ounces at home), though public consumption remains illegal. Possession of other controlled substances is typically charged as follows: Schedule IA controlled substances (heroin, morphine) possession is a Class C felony carrying up to 5 years imprisonment. Schedule IIA and IIIA substances (cocaine, methamphetamine, certain opioids) possession is a Class C felony. Schedule IVA and VA substances may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on circumstances. Drug courts and therapeutic alternatives may be available for defendants with substance abuse issues.
Q: Can I get my criminal record sealed or expunged in Alaska?
A: Alaska has very limited options for clearing criminal records. The state does not provide for expungement of criminal convictions. Court records generally remain public indefinitely. However, if you were arrested but charges were never filed, the case was dismissed, or you were acquitted, you may be able to petition to seal those non-conviction records under specific circumstances. The process requires filing a petition with the court and demonstrating that sealing serves the interests of justice. Juvenile records may be sealed under Alaska Statutes Chapter 47.12 in certain circumstances. If you were wrongfully convicted and later exonerated, additional remedies may be available. The limited nature of Alaska’s record clearing laws makes it particularly important to vigorously defend against criminal charges from the outset.