Criminal Defense in Fairbanks, AK
Being accused of a crime is no laughing matter .The accusation alone is enough to bring disaster to certain people’s lives, let alone the stress of a trial and possible punishment. If you find yourself accused of a crime in Fairbanks, you do not have to face it alone. You can call on the expertise of an experienced Fairbanks attorney.
What Is A Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Fairbanks, Alaska attorney on your side. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Fairbanks, AK is the most effective way to protect your rights.
Unfortunately, the Alaska criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Fairbanks criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.
Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fairbanks, Alaska
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a Fairbanks professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Fairbanks, AK who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.
What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?
If you are facing criminal charges in Fairbanks 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 typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.
Because of this, Alaska laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.
When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.
Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.
In Fairbanks, Alaska you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on probation may drastically range, depending on the initial crime and your previous history.
Fairbanks residents can face probationary periods for misdemeanors ranging from 1 to 3 years. However, the maximum probation length for a felony sentence is 15 years. The duration of your probation depends on the offense and your criminal record, if any exists.
Probation Revoked
If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.
The Alaska Department of Corrections is responsible for maintaining Fairbanks residents and their probation. These requirements entail such duties as keeping your appointments with your probation officer, abstaining from use of drugs, alcohol, and any form of criminal behavior. If you violate these requirements you may have to come before a judge at the Fairbanks Courthouse. If the judge determines you to be in violation of your probation, it can be revoked and the original sentence imposed.
Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Fairbanks, Alaska criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.
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 declare that paroled individuals in Fairbanks must strictly adhere to the parole guidelines of behavior. These can range from random drug and alcohol screenings, to psychiatric counseling, and maintaining steady employment. You will have to check in regularly with your parole officer, possibly at the Fairbanks Probation and Parole Office. If you violate the terms of your parole, you can be re-incarcerated for up to 15 days pending a hearing. If you are found to be in violation of your parole, you may be sent back to prison.
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 Fairbanks, AK criminal defense attorney.
Work With an Experienced Local Fairbanks, Alaska Criminal Defense Lawyer
A Fairbanks criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced Fairbanks, AK criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.
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!
