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Alaska Criminal Lawyer

In the state of Alaska alone, 4,610 violent crimes were reported in 2006. Across the United States, roughly 89,110 rapes and 12,658 murders occur each year.

Criminal law is a term used to describe prosecution by the government, whether local or federal, of a person for any activity that is classified as a crime. A crime is defined as an offense against a public law. Punishment, deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation are the four basic theories of criminal justice. These theories derive from the notion that if penalties are associated with specific crimes, society will be able to attain a peaceful existence.

There are many different types of crimes, but the majority of them can be split into two categories, misdemeanor and felony.

A felony is the most serious crime within the penal system. The general definition of a felony is any crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison, or by death. If a crime is a felony there are specific procedures that take place, usually including a trial by a jury of one's peers. In some instances, however, an accused person can waive their right to a jury trial.

People who are convicted of felonies often have their natural rights restricted more severely than those who are charged with lesser crimes. For example, they may not be able to vote, practice in certain professions such as law or teaching, or even serve on a jury. They may also be restricted from owning firearms or from serving in the military. They will usually be placed on some sort of parole or probation program, under which they will be restricted in their travel and activities, may be required to hold down a job or undergo some sort of treatment, and be required to consult periodically with a parole officer.

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime, and is usually punishable by a fine or incarceration of less than one year. Those who have been convicted of a misdemeanor will not have their rights as constricted as those who have been convicted on felony charges.

If you reside in the state of Alaska and have been accused of a crime, whether you are guilty or not, you will need to hire an Alaska criminal lawyer or attorney to help you with your case. Alaska criminal lawyers and attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes by arguing their cases in courts of law. An Alaska criminal lawyer or attorney will typically have a private practice concentrating on criminal law.

If you are charged with committing a crime in Alaska, you have three options. You can enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. In the matter of the crime, both pleas of guilty and no contest normally carry the same punishment. The court will proceed with your sentencing as if you plead guilty. However, there may be sound advantages to entering a plea of no contest should other events occur. Your attorney can advise you of those advantages, given the specific circumstances of your case.

If you have been involved in a crime and you have been arrested, you must request an attorney or contact a private criminal lawyer or attorney immediately. There are many things to look for when hiring an Alaska lawyer or attorney.

Alaska attorneys will also be familiar with Alaska court customs and procedures that you may not be fully aware of. In order to successfully defend you, they will spend significant amounts of time on your case, hire and manage investigators, and also research and gather vital information from prosecution witnesses.

If you are suing a convicted criminal for damages resulting from a crime, you will need to hire a civil lawyer or attorney. Even if the person was not convicted and you feel they should have been, and you want to sue them for damages, you should hire an Alaska civil lawyer or attorney.

If you are ready to contact an Alaska criminal lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association. The ABA offers free access to their lawyer locater, which can help you search for a criminal lawyer or attorney in Alaska.