ATTORNEYS AT LAW



1009 W 7TH AVENUE



ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501



TELEPHONE: (907) 279-4529



FAX: (907) 279-9223

If you are charged with committing a crime in Alaska, one of the most difficult decisions you must make is the attorney who may be hired or appointed to represent you. You have a right to have a lawyer help you. A lawyer is a person who has studied the laws of Alaska and passed a test. A lawyer can explain about the law and your case. A lawyer will talk with you in private and is not allowed to tall anyone what you say unless you tell your lawyer to do so. A lawyer will go to court on your behalf, and speak with the prosecutor for your. A lawyer will explain your legal documents to make sure they are correct. A lawyer may find mistakes and file documents on your behalf. A lawyer can insure that no improper evidence is presented in court and that your rights are protected. A lawyer will advise you whether you should have a trial, and present your case in the most favorable way. A lawyer can question witnesses and present evidence on your behalf. Even of you want to admit the charges against you, the attorney can present favorable evidence to the court and assist at your sentencing.

You have the right to ask the court to appoint a lawyer to represent you if you cannot afford one. The court will investigate your finances and ask questions. If you receive a court appointed attorney you are normally required to repay part of the cost if you are convicted, and none of the cost if you are not convicted. There is a schedule used to determine the amount you are required to pay on the back of the form used to request an appointed lawyer and there is a brochure which explains this available at the court house.

Failure to choose an attorney who will effectively abide by a client's desires and properly represent a you in a legal proceeding can be devastating. Therefore, it is important to take the time to properly select an attorney who you believe will act in your best interests. This article will explore steps that may be taken in the process of selecting an attorney.

There are many resources available which can assist you in locating a lawyer. Friends and relatives who have been through a legal matter can refer you to an attorney who they believe was beneficial in representing them. The Alaska Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service will provide the names, free of charge, of three attorneys who practice in the specific area of criminal law. The telephone number of the Alaska Lawyer Referral Service in Anchorage is (907) 272-0352, or toll free from points outside of Anchorage: (800)770-9999.

The Yellow Page listing of a telephone directory is another place where criminal law attorneys can be located. Review the Criminal Law section of the Fields of Practice portion of the directory at the end of the listings under Attorneys. The list is overwhelming, and it is difficult to determine who to call based on the advertisements placed therein. If you know an attorney in Anchorage or have hired one for another purpose it may be helpful to ask for a recommendation.

Regardless of how a lawyer is located, it is important to interview an attorney at the start of the process to ensure that he or she has the qualifications and experience that you desire. It is helpful to remember that you are hiring the attorney to work for you.

It may be useful to prepare written questions for an attorney in advance of your appointment to get the most out of your meeting, and to insure that all of your important issues are discussed.

Attorneys often provide a consultation which can last for a half hour or more. Attorneys who are referred by the Bar Association may not charge more than $50.00 for a one half hour consultation. At a consultation, you can question the attorney to determine whether he or she can assist you with your legal problems. You can also inquire regarding the fees charged and services that the attorney provides.

Many attorneys ask for a retainer from potential clients which is required to be given to the attorney prior to performing any work for a client. A retainer is a deposit of money which is placed in a special trust account until fees are actually earned by an attorney. Find out before or during the consultation whether or not the retainer is refundable. If it is, you will be billed for services provided, and at the end of the representation, if the retainer is not exhausted, any money remaining in the trust account will be returned to you. If the retainer is non-refundable, the attorney may keep the entire amount regardless of the extent of the services provided. Some attorneys charge an hourly fee, and others charge a flat fee. Ask the attorney how you will be charged for the services provided.

If you are able to afford more than one consultation, it may be wise to consult with two or more attorneys and compare their services and rates. Also, it is important to choose an attorney who you feel comfortable speaking with, who appears to be interested in your particular case, and one upon whom you believe that you can rely to speak to the court on your behalf. Find out how long the attorney has practiced law in Alaska, and how much of the attorney's practice includes domestic matters.

Finally, it may be important to seek out an attorney who will act in a manner that is consistent with your desires in your particular case. If you believe that the case will be complex and require an aggressive approach, you may want to seek an attorney who has demonstrated a willingness to be aggressive when necessary. Similarly, if you believe that your attorney should work toward settlement, look for someone who agrees with this approach.

Steven Pradell is an Anchorage Attorney with a practice emphasizing criminal law, family law, and personal injury.

© 1998 by Steven Pradell. This article is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied on for that purpose.