Alaska DWI Arrest
Reader’s Question:
Driving home late last Saturday night, I was stopped for DWI by a police officer here in Anchorage, Alaska. He asked me to step out of the car and was requested to take a breathalyzer test and some field sobriety tests. I was then taken to the police station and charged with DWI. My breathalyzer result was just a little over the legal limit of .08. Is there a way for me to escape conviction?
Courtney
Anchorage, Alaska
We all know the seriousness of a DWI case and how it affects not only your insurance but you as an individual. It’s not surprising that many people feel helpless when facing a DWI charge because a majority of DWI-related arrests do lead to a subsequent conviction in court.
However, with so many laws requiring DWI suspects to submit to test after test, and wide use of breathalyzer devices despite fierce ongoing controversy over its reliability, impossible as it may seem, you’re not that helpless after all.
Every state, with the exception of Massachusetts, considers a DWI offense as a crime. DWI is usually defined as having a blood/alcohol level that is either above or at a predetermined level, normally 0.10. Some states set the legal limit lower; most of these are at 0.08 percent.
If a solid justification to pull you over is not presented by the police officer to the courts, your DWI case in Anchorage, Alaska will most likely be dismissed. If the initial arrest was made without probable cause, prosecutors cannot obtain a conviction. The standard probable cause means that, in order to pull you over, a police officer must have a reasonable belief that you have or are committing a crime (driving while intoxicated). This is a violation of your Constitutional rights and it immediately voids any evidence against you resulting from the arrest. So, it is important that you note the following details during the arrest:
- The place where you’re going
- The level of your own level of intoxication (if any)
- The reason given to you by the police officer why you’re stopped
-The things you’re asked to do by the police officer
Should I Use an Alaska DUI Lawyer – Or Do it Myself?
Reader’s Question:
I was recently charged with DUI. I am unsure whether or not I will get a lawyer because I was told that I can just represent my own case. But I am just curious, how will retaining a lawyer assist me?
Kim
Anchorage, AK
The issue of drunk driving in Alaska is a very extensive matter and can be difficult to follow. The sentences are becoming increasingly severe and dealing with a case include an array of administrative license, evidentiary, sentencing, constitutional, and procedural affairs.
A general practitioner will do nothing or possibly even hurt your case because they are, more often than not, unqualified for such a particular field. The best Alaska DUI lawyer, on the other hand, can do many things to help improve your situation. A DUI lawyer could acquire measurements and maintenance records of the breath machine and have blood samples reanalyzed. They can also review the case for possible flaws, control evidence, debate reduced penalties and sentences, obtain expert witnesses for the case, contest the administrative license suspension, etc. In the end, getting an experienced Alaska DUI lawyer can be very beneficial to your case.
What is an AV Rated DUI Lawyer
READER QUESTION:
Can you tell me what an AV rated DUI lawyer is?
Jean
THANKS FOR YOUR QUESTION, JEAN.
I’m very glad you asked this, because this is definitely a point of confusion for many people, as ratings can go either way, good or bad. Many companies and lawyers have a rating or an endorsement or accomplishment that they will tout in order to get customers or clients, and at times it is difficult to tell whether or not they are being given the thumbs up by the weirdo at the corner or by someone who should actually be listened to.
As for an AV rated Kenai AK lawyer, they are definitely being given the thumbs up by someone who should be listened to. AV ratings are determined by their fellows on the Alaska bar, not just by anybody, but by people who practice law and went to law school, so it’s coming from the right place.
Since these lawyers are often very good, it’s typical for them to charge more, which may put them out of your reach. If your case is pretty bad, though, you may want to take on that debt and work out a payment plan, though.
–Fashun.
Cost of Alaska DUI Attorney
As you arrange the fee agreement to determine the cost of Juneau Alaska DUI attorney, consider the possibilities which may be hidden between the lines. A few of the following charges may be important to keep an eye out for and don’t forget to inquire about them as you talk over pricing with your attorney.
- There may be fees assessed within the cost of Juneau Alaska DUI attorney for worker costs, such as a secratary who does routine phone calls for your case, or someone who interviews the people who witness for you.
- Office operation and material costs, like the use of a fax machine or simple paper and writing utensils.
- Cost of gas, taxi, whatever for your lawyer to journey to court and back when handling your case, as well as for the witness if there are any.
- Overtime.
- Fees assessed for filing paperwork with the courthouse.
- The cost of having an optional jury trial.
- Fees for sending mail and shipping other things.