DUI Defense

Alaska DUI Defense and Drunk Driving Attorney

DUI arrests do not always result in DUI convictions. At the Law Offices of Dan Allan & Associates in Anchorage, Alaska, we focus on details related to your arrest to determine the defenses available to you.

First-time DUI Criminal Offenders

At the Law Offices of Dan Allan & Associates, many of our clients are first-time offenders, particularly in the area of DUI. A police officer can exploit the fact that you are not a seasoned criminal and naïve to your Constitutional rights during an arrest. Hardened criminals are more accustomed to the system and the procedures involved. We advise not to say anything to the police officer before you know your rights. The "right to remain silent" is an often-used term, but applies particularly when you are pulled over for suspicion of a DUI or are the subject of any police investigation. Never wave your valuable right to remain silent no matter how trivial the charge, or how anxious you are to set matters right. Insist on talking to a lawyer first.

Field Sobriety Testing Is Not Mandatory in DUI Arrests

In spite of what the officer might tell you, field sobriety testing is not mandatory. Given the climate and terrain of Alaska, we advise our clients not to submit to field sobriety testing. The middle of winter brings little sun to our state, with the ground being icy and uneven. Crashes caused by the weather and not alcohol are frequent. Clients already injured or shaken prior to the officer pulling them over would likely not pass a field sobriety test in any condition.

Mandatory Breath Testing and the Consequences of Refusal

Breath tests using the Datamaster are mandatory. Refusing it can result in the same penalties you would receive if you blew over the limit and were convicted of a DUI. Part of your DUI defense may include challenges to the accuracy of the test based on poor maintenance or a lack of calibration needed for the machine to work properly.

Contact a Seasoned DUI Attorney for a Free Consultation

In our opinion, the best way to avoid being pulled over for a DUI and subjecting yourself to testing is to not drink and drive. Alaska is a no-tolerance state, and the consequences of a DUI conviction are severe. Safe, sober driving of a mechanically sound car with an awareness of the speed limit and a secured license plate will minimize your police profile on the street. To get more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced DUI defense lawyer, please contact us.