Alaska legalized recreational marijuana back in 2015. This made it one of the first states to do so. Many other states have followed suit in the decade since, but Alaska has always been on the forefront of this movement, along with states like Colorado and...
Can police legally search your vehicle during a traffic stop?
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...
Do you know your rights if you’re charged with a crime?
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...
Even a search warrant has limits
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...
I missed my court date. How do I explain myself to the court?
If you are arrested and charged with certain offenses, like first-time DUI, the court may release you on bail while awaiting the outcome of your case. However, this is not an acquittal. Bail comes with certain conditions, and one of these involves appearing in court...
Should you accept a plea deal?
Plea deals are popular for one main reason -- they save the court time. Plea deals also save defendants from going through protracted and publicized trials. Whether you should accept a plea deal or not boils down to the circumstances of your case. One thing, however,...
Can the police lie to witnesses?
People sometimes assume that the police are going to be held to a strict moral standard. When talking to suspects, for instance, they assume that the police have to tell the truth. They think of things like lying or deceit as morally questionable, so they assume...
Protecting your legal rights during a police interrogation
The entertainment industry and mainstream media perpetuate some misconceptions about police interrogations and exercising your rights. Understanding the facts about your rights in interrogation will help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. There are a few key...
What happens if you hurt someone who tries to kidnap your child?
If someone attempts to kidnap your child, instinctively, you might resort to violence to prevent the crime. Yet, you might also wonder if this act of protection could result in your incarceration. Understanding Alaska's laws regarding self-defense, specifically, as...
Is it possible to get a job after a criminal charge?
Finding a job might feel impossible when you have a criminal background. Fortunately, with the right approach and some tenacity, you can improve your chances of a successful interview. Your criminal past does not have to define the success of your career. Keeping...