Criminal Defense in Badger, AK

Are you concerned that you or a loved one in Badger will have to spend time behind bars?

Due to criminal law reforms in Alaska, fewer people convicted of minor crimes serve prison time. As a result, your odds of probation over incarceration have increased. However, you will need ardent and competent legal counsel to achieve this result. You can learn more about how the law works and what an attorney can accomplish in this guide today.

What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Having a criminal conviction on your record can lead to severe consequences. Accordingly, a highly-qualified Badger, Alaska attorney on your side is crucial. 

One of the most crucial aspects of their work is to research the facts of your case. Their investigation into the circumstances of your arrest can get you into a better position to negotiate with prosecutors. As a result, your attorney can negotiate a better deal with downsized charges. Furthermore, they can secure a lower bail amount, reduce sentencing time, and even get the charges dismissed.

In short, hiring a Badger, AK defense attorney is the most effective way to defend your rights.

The criminal process in Alaska can result in costly fines, jail time, and incarceration. However, there are opportunities for your legal counsel to work the system. For instance, jails are overcrowded, and defense attorneys can use that fact to reduce the time spent behind bars.

Your lawyer accomplishes these feats by completing the following tasks:

• Formulating a plea
• Gathering evidence
• Reviewing search and seizure procedure
• Questioning witnesses
• Assessing the sentencing guidelines  
• Investigating the prosecutor’s case

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Badger, Alaska

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Badger professional obligated to defend you with zeal. As a result, you will have much more than someone to stand next to you in court. Contact us today to talk to a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Badger, AK.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Badger you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is an alternative to jail or prison that a judge can order a defendant to serve. If you are on probation, you must obey a specific set of guidelines. Furthermore, you will remain under strict supervision by an officer of the court. Because of this requirement, Alaska laws say you must allow a warrantless search anytime and without probable cause. 

When you receive probation, a judge should allow you to show that you have an interest in rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. 

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions. Some requirements include participating in rehabilitation, following a curfew, and random drug testing.

In Badger, Alaska, you may need to pay restitution, court fees, a fine, and any other costs. The time you are on probation will vary depending on the initial crime and your previous history. 

A judge in the Alaska Court System has significant discretion over how long you are on probation. Depending on the severity of your crime, they could order six months to fifteen years of supervised release.

Probation Revoked

You must follow the instructions from the judge without error, or the judge may revoke your probation. When this happens, you can almost guarantee that incarceration will follow. Moreover, depending on the severity of the violation, you can receive another sentence for more prison time.

You can find the conditions of probation for Badger residents in the Alaska Code of Criminal Procedure. Some of the expectations apply to all probationers, like random drug testing. But a judge can also include the following at their discretion:

• Inpatient treatment

• Restitution payments

• Regular polygraph sessions

• Participation in community service

A probation officer has the responsibility of managing your case. They must ensure you are in compliance and monitor your progress.

Accordingly, the judge will find out if you fail to respect the terms of your supervised release. If they take action, a Badger, Alaska criminal defense attorney can organize your defense.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer will outline any expectations you are to meet.  In addition to the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is a term to refer to the period of time that comes after a release from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole. 

Alaska Statutes say prisoners serving a two-year sentence or more can be eligible for parole. An attorney from the Badger area may be able to help you get approval from the Alaska Board of Parole. If you are fortunate enough to get released, a few of the restrictions include:

• You cannot possess a firearm

• You cannot change your address without giving notice

• You cannot have correspondence with an incarcerated person

• You cannot possess, distribute, or sell controlled substances

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Badger, AK criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Badger, Alaska Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Badger criminal defense attorney can negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to find a beneficial outcome. In most cases, you do not have the option to make a deal without a lawyer.

An experienced Badger, AK criminal defense lawyer can also get you a plea deal or affordable bond. They accomplish these goals by using every resource and relationship available to their firm. In some circumstances, they can even get the charges dismissed.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!