Cell phones contain a lot of personal information. Hence, they are one of the first things a police officer may want to look at if they believe you have committed a crime. Do you have to consent to an officer’s request to unlock your phone so they can look through it?...
Last year, more Alaska residents lost their lives to opioid overdoses than in any time in history – with at least 342 people dead. That was up 45% from just the year before. Fentanyl is one of the leading causes of opioid deaths, as is heroin. Most people aren’t alone...
When a resident or a visitor is arrested in Alaska, the process of posting bail allows them to be released from custody prior to required court appearances. Bail is an amount of money set by the court that must be paid to release a defendant from custody. The purpose...
There are few situations more serious than facing criminal charges. A conviction can have serious repercussions in terms of liberty, employment and family life. However, the law also recognizes that those accused of a criminal offense are not automatically guilty. The...
With many crimes, intent itself plays a big role. The actions have to be taken intentionally for them to be illegal. Often, this is how these crimes are defined and intent is something that must be shown by the persecution to get a conviction. The act itself is not...
Eagle-eyed citizens certainly have a role to play in keeping our streets safe. Many a guilty person has been convicted thanks to the testimony of an eyewitness. However, some eyewitnesses are not beneficial to society. They help the police and prosecution secure a...
There is a legal doctrine known as the fruit of the poisonous tree. It has to do with the way that the police gather evidence. If they do so incorrectly, it may mean that some of that evidence cannot be used in court. Generally, this doctrine sees the “poisonous tree“...
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...
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...
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...
