Alaska, known for its stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit, takes a firm stance against drunk driving. The state enforces some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States, with consequences that extend beyond typical expectations. Alaska has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over. This aligns with the national standard. However, the state also enforces a zero-tolerance policy for underage drivers (under 21). This means that any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can result in a DUI charge. Furthermore, state laws apply to physically c ..read more

When people generally think about getting a DUI, they assume they would be driving their car when they get pulled over by the police. Maybe they made a mistake like swerving in their lane, running a stop sign or causing a car accident. But they were clearly driving the vehicle while under the influence. It’s important to note that the law technically says that drivers can be arrested if they are under the influence while “driving or operating a motor vehicle.” This makes a distinction between driving the vehicle and operating it. As long as it appears that you are in control of the vehicle in ..read more

Domestic violence cases can move fast. Courts can quickly issue orders for one party to stay away from the other and, perhaps, the house they share. They do this because sometimes, failing to take immediate action could result in one party inflicting serious harm on the other. Unfortunately, for those who are wrongly accused, it can mean they are unfairly penalized. If someone accuses you of domestic violence, it’s crucial to understand what to do next. Getting it wrong could make a difficult situation even more difficult for you. Do not try to contact the alleged victim or any witnesses Tryin ..read more

In the dimly lit atmosphere of a crowded public place, tensions can escalate quickly. This is especially true when alcohol is part of the gathering. Alcohol consumption often plays a significant role in fueling bar fights, leading to potentially dangerous situations for everyone involved. Additional aggression One of the primary ways alcohol influences bar fights is by heightening aggression levels. When individuals consume alcohol, it can impair their judgment and lower their inhibitions, making them more likely to react impulsively to perceived threats or provocations. Reduced rational think ..read more

Most people have some idea about their rights if police show up at their door. We’ve discussed them here in the past. They may even know that the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects them from unreasonable searches and seizures. Yet, it isn’t always clear how far these protections extend. Does this protection extend to traffic stops? If a police officer pulls you over for speeding or other suspected wrongdoing or maybe because you have a broken taillight, do they need a warrant to search your vehicle? Vehicle searches aren’t addressed in the Constitution The writers of the U.S. C ..read more

Being charged with a crime can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Your mind is likely juggling many questions. What should I do? What are my rights? How can I protect myself? The following information can guide your next steps after being charged with a crime in Alaska. Understand the charge Before you can mount a proper defense, you must understand the charge against you. What are you accused of, and what are the possible penalties if convicted? Knowing specific details about your case can help you make wise decisions. Remember, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a ..read more

When police ask to come into your home, you don’t have to give them consent. But if you do not consent, they may go to a judge and get a search warrant. This means that they can enter your home whether you would like them to or not, as they have the legal right to execute that search warrant. But a search warrant itself doesn’t mean that the police can do anything that they please. The warrant is going to have certain limits or restrictions that have to be observed. As a general rule, police officers are only allowed to search for items that the warrant lists and go into the location that is s ..read more

In Alaska, operating under the influence is a serious offense. Evidence plays an important role in OUI cases. Understanding the types of evidence and how defendants can challenge them is necessary for those facing such charges. Breath tests One common form of evidence in Alaska OUI cases is the breath test. Law enforcement often employs devices to measure blood alcohol concentration. However, these devices are not infallible. Defendants may challenge the accuracy of the equipment or question whether officials properly calibrated and maintained it. Field sobriety tests In Alaska, 2.6% of people ..read more

Drunk driving accidents cause numerous deaths across the state of Alaska and the United States. For this reason, clamping down on impaired driving is a top priority for police officers, and the law reflects this.  Police officers can stop you if they have reasonable suspicion to believe you may be impaired. Essentially, this means that if there is anything unusual about your driving, they can pull you over. Upon being stopped, if there is further evidence to suggest impairment, you could face DUI charges.  How can you reduce this risk?  Designated drivers  One popular metho ..read more

Police officers have a duty to keep their patrol areas safe. One duty they have is to try to spot drunk drivers to get them off the roads. While this might seem simple, there are many things that must come together for this to occur.  It’s possible for officers to make errors when they’re trying to keep the streets safe. In order to minimize the chance of this and to keep their powers limited, police officers are bound by certain points.  Officers need reasonable suspicion for the stop A police officer can’t stop a vehicle without having a valid reason to do so. While some traffic st ..read more