James Christie
Tetlow Christie, LLC
745 West 4th Avenue
Suite 250
Anchorage, AK 99501
Map
Phone: (907) 274-4621 | Fax: (907) 274-4622
http://www.alaskanattorneys.com
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
My practice is dedicated almost entirely to criminal defense work. I take on every kind of criminal matter, from shoplifting and first DUI offenses to complicated federal drug conspiracies and murder charges. I have experience with just about every type of criminal case in Alaska.
Sub-Topics
Automotive
- DUI / DWI
Sex Crimes
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
Bar Admissions
AK
Bar Number: 0311052
Other Court Admissions
United States District Court for District of Alaska, Alaska District Court, Alaska Superior Court, Alaska Court of Appeals, Alaska Supreme Court
Association Memberships
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Alaska Bar Association. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Continuing Education
In addition to always exceeding the minimum requirements for continuing education hours each year, I also teach continuing legal education seminars on Criminal Law, and assist in the training of new lawyers for the State of Alaska. I have been invited to present a seminar to hundreds of lawyers from across Alaska on the topic of effective use of technology in the courtroom at the 2011 Alaska Public Defender Conference, and am also invited to lecture new lawyers on advanced impeachment techniques.
Example Cases
• State of Alaska v. Lord: My client was accused of three counts of Murder in the First Degree. Following a lengthy trial, my client was found Guilty But Mentally Ill.
• State of Alaska v. Street: My client was acquitted following trial on a weapons violation charge.
• Municipality of Anchorage v. Ferrera: My client was acquitted on assault charges at trial where we relied upon self-defense to justify his actions.
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School
J.D.
Madison
WI
2003
Dean's List, Moot Court (vice-president)
University of Alaska
B.A.
Anchorage
AK
1998
History
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Alaska
Firm Focus and History
My firm provides experienced, effective, and thorough criminal defense services in all criminal cases throughout the state of Alaska. My firm handles everything from first DUIs and simple shoplifting through complicated drug conspiracy and murder cases
After providing criminal defense services for small private law firms and the State of Alaska for many years, I desired more independence and freedom, and wanted the discretion to carefully select the specific cases I would defend. To that end, I started my solo practice, dedicated almost entirely to criminal defense, in 2011.
Previous Employment Summary
I previously worked for a small private firm that specialized in criminal defense work, where I represented hundreds of Alaskans in a wide range of criminal cases, and gained valuable experience and insight into the criminal defense practice. I also spent over five years working as a senior felony trial attorney with the State of Alaska Public Defender Agency, where I was assigned the most serious felony trial cases, and took many, many cases to trial. My first job out of law school was as a law clerk to the Honorable John W. Sediwck, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Alaska.
Activities and Awards
I serve on the board of directors for the Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I am a frequent invitee to teach continuing legal education classes on various criminal defense related topics to other attorneys. I also put my years of experience to work by helping train new lawyers for the Alaska Public Defender Agency. I have been honored with an "Excellent" rating by Avvo.com for providing "an unmatched level of transparency, information and guidance" to my clients.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is a great idea. A client who is well-educated on the laws affecting his or her case is better-positioned to realistically assess the strengths and weaknesses of their case, and to assist me (or another attorney) in crafting a defense strategy. A client who is well-educated on the law saves themselves time and money that would otherwise be spent on the attorney. Over the years, I have often been surprised by the creative approaches non-lawyers come up with to attack an issue, and I would do my clients a grave disservice if I refused to listen to their suggestions and ideas. That said, even a client who is well-acquainted with the law is no substitute for the benefit of an experienced criminal defense attorney who is trained and familiar with the law.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am certainly happy to consider reviewing pleadings and other documents prepared by my clients, but it has been my experience that the time and money spent by the client to have me do these tasks is usually much better spent simply having me prepare the documents and pleadings in the first place. I believe it is ultimately more cost-effective and beneficial for my clients for me to prepare the documents or pleadings on their behalf.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I generally do not assist individuals who wish to represent themselves because I sincerely believe that there is no substitute for a trained and experienced criminal defense attorney. In my opinion, the money an individual spends on being coached by an experienced attorney is much better spent simply hiring an attorney.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I went to law school knowing I wanted to become a criminal defense attorney. The opportunity to help people in need, in a career that presents continuous intellectual stimulation, was the primary attraction of the profession. I have never regretted my decision, and I truly love what i do.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Without a doubt the most important work experience in shaping who I am today as a criminal defense attorney came from my half-decade as a felony trial lawyer with the Alaska Public Defender Agency, where I was exposed to every type of criminal case imaginable, and gained an enormous amount of trial experience. There is simply no substitute for the experience that comes from handling dozens and dozens of high-profile, serious felony trials. Learning first-hand the techniques and skills that criminal juries respond to has been an invaluable asset in my career. I ultimately grew tired of the relentless case load that all public defenders carry, and entered private practice so I could invest more time and energy into individual cases.
My prestigious federal clerkship immediately after law school was also instrumental in shaping me as a lawyer. The opportunity to view cases from the perspective of the court and to personally assist a judge make his rulings provided me with valuable insight into the inner-workings of a judge's chambers, and taught me to appreciate how courts make decisions and enter rulings. This experience has greatly improved my effectiveness as a criminal defense lawyer.
I've also been very fortunate to have worked with incredibly talented and experienced lawyers during my career, and have gleaned as much of their wisdom and experience as possible.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose to focus my practice on criminal defense work primarily for the challenge of the work. There are no higher stakes at play in the legal system than a person's liberty. Civil cases can involve millions of dollars in damages, but a criminal defendant stands to lose something much more valuable: His or her freedom. Helping individuals protect their liberties, rights and freedoms against the state, which has virtually unlimited resources at its disposal, is extremely challenging, but ultimately very satisfying to me on a personal level. I take a great deal of pride in my role as a criminal defense attorney, and I can't imagine any other field of legal practice providing the same level of challenge and personal satisfaction. The two greatest words in the English language are "not guilty."
What do you like best about your career?
I love the challenge of the work, and the David vs. Goliath nature of standing up for an individual's rights, liberties and freedoms against the all-powerful government. The state has virtually every advantage in a criminal case: unlimited resources, a police investigative force at its disposal, forensic crime labs and experts. An individual accused of a crime has few assets: his or her constitutional rights, and an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend them. In many cases, this is all a person needs to beat a criminal case, and I take an enormous amount of satisfaction assisting others in my role as a criminal defense attorney.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, although I share office space with a number of other bright and capable attorneys. I have a small stable of private investigators and paralegals I have personally selected over the years for their experience and professionalism, and who often assist me on my cases. All of my clients deal directly with me, and can expect that I will be the attorney who performs the legal work on their matters.
What are your strengths and style?
There is really no substitute for experience and hard work in this field. I pride myself in always outworking the prosecutor, and have the breadth and depth of experience required to effectively resolve any challenges or issues that arise, and to handle any type of criminal matter, from a simple shoplifting charge to 1st degree murder cases. My greatest strength is a strong familiarity with Alaska's laws, rules of criminal procedure and evidence, and my significant trial experience. A mentor once told me that the only "real" lawyers were trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases. I enjoy the preparation required in anticipation of trial, the adrenaline of the trial day, and the incredible feeling of hearing the jury say "not guilty."
Personal Interests:
Having been born and raised in Alaska, I enjoy most of what our great state has to offer. Fishing, camping, kayaking, rafting, skiing (cross-country and downhill), and hiking are my outdoor passions. I enjoy cooking and traveling, and spending time with the woman who lets me live with her. I also have a wonderful dog named Daisy.
Office Manager/Assistant
Yes. Renee Devall - she is awesome!
Fax
(907) 274-4622
Office Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. I understand that my clients' work and personal schedules are sometimes incompatible with my office hours, and am willing to meet on evenings and the weekends if that's what works for them.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Sometimes. I generally don't accept flat fees because I believe the only party to benefit from a flat-fee arrangement is the lawyer. In my opinion, my clients are better off paying me for the actual time I invest towards their case.
Hourly Rates
$225-$325, depending on the case.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes. It has been my experience that I can usually learn the relevant facts and answer general questions in a half-hour.
Typical Retainer
No. I handle a wide-variety of cases, from simple DUIs and shoplifting to complicated federal drug conspiracies and murder. Each case is unique. My typical retainer in low-level cases is $2,500.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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