The first thing you need to do when you are seeking criminal defense in Alaska is to find the best lawyer for your current situation. Find a lawyer that has experience in the field in which you were convicted. For example, there are lawyers and law firms out there that specialize in different area such as DUI. If you are convicted of a DUI, then the best thing you can do is find a lawyer that is experienced in these matters. Often times, a law firm will have different lawyers in it, each specializing in a different area. Now with the Internet, it is possible to find the perfect lawyer for you in minutes. There's no need to schedule different appointments to find the best one, or even worse, going with the first person you call.
One of the more common reasons why somebody would need criminal defense in Alaska is due to getting a DUI. First of all, Alaska's DUI laws are tough. It is very possible that one may find themselves charged with a DUI. After all, if a person has a couple drinks and goes out on the road too early, it is very easy for them to get pulled over and charged with a DUI, especially due to the ‘per se' law. In August of 2005, the state of Alaska updated its laws making operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of .08 or more is considered to be driving drunk and will be arrested. There doesn't even have to be any further proof of impairment. There is also the ‘zero tolerance' law that states that anyone driving a vehicle that is under the age of 21 will be arrested if any trace of alcohol is found in their blood. The state offers some heavy penalties as well. For example, on your first offense there is a mandatory license revocation for 90 days, an alcohol education and assessment class, and a possible ignition interlock device may be installed.
While it's not possible to list all of Alaska's lawyers here, the following are two of the state's better known law firms: The Law Offices of Dan Allan & Associates, Wade, Kelly & Sullivan; and Rex Lamont Butler & Associates, Inc., P.C. Hopefully, this brief overview has helped you in your search for criminal defense in Alaska.
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