Alaskan DUI Lawyers
The Best DUI Defense
…starts with the right attorney. With five decades of combined experience, Alaska DUI lawyers Wally Tetlow and James Christie are committed to aggressively defending the rights of Alaskan residents, military personnel, and visitors facing DUI charges across the state. At Tetlow Christie, LLC, we can help maximize your chances of avoiding conviction, retaining your driving privileges, and staying out of jail.
We are absolutely dedicated to protecting our clients' rights, reputations, and driving privileges. We will do everything in our power to minimize the impact a DUI charge has on your life.
We Can Help.
In Alaska, Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or Refusal to Provide Breath Sample—even for a first offense—carry significant penalties:
Minimum 3 days and up to 1 year of jail
Minimum $1,500 fine
Loss of driving privileges—90 day minimum
30 day impound of vehicle
Court-ordered alcohol treatment
Ignition Interlock Device (IID)—6 months minimum
Having helped thousands of Alaskans with their DUI cases, we are ready to help you.
“Hired Mr. Tetlow to represent me in my 3rd DUI. He was professional and provided great client support service. Reckless Driving, Not a felony and suspended jail time. One of the best lawyers I worked with.”
—Sergei, May 2020
“Many times during the DUI process, Mr. Christie was the only one providing me with clear, accurate and helpful information. It’s an investment in a chaotic time that will help you down the road.”
—Anonymous, June 2019
OUI or DUI Questions? We have answers.
What’s the difference between “OUI” and “DUI”?
Alaska law goes beyond prohibiting driving under the influence (DUI); it is against the law merely to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OUI); you don’t need to actually be driving in order to be charged with DUI in Alaska.
What’s a DMV Administrative hearing?
It’s a mini-trial where the DMV decides whether to revoke your driving privileges. You only have 7 days after your arrest to request this hearing or you will lose your license. Our DUI attorneys can help you request a DMV hearing, prepare a defense, and fight to keep your driving privileges intact.
How do I protect my driving privileges?
If you provide a breath alcohol sample in excess of the legal limit within 4 hours of driving, the Alaska DMV will suspend your license in 7 days unless you or your attorney requests an administrative hearing immediately.
Do I have to go to jail if I’m convicted of DUI?
Not necessarily. While every case is unique, most of our DUI clients never set foot inside a jail cell. First, we will do everything we can to ensure you aren’t convicted. If you are convicted, we will assist you in applying for and securing a house arrest sentence—which allows you to satisfy a sentence in your own home.
Wait, the DMV suspends my license too?
Yes. There are two separate attacks on your privilege to drive when charged with DUI; if convicted of DUI, the judge will suspend your license for 90 days. But before that the DMV will suspend your license for 90 days—usually before you even go to court!
What’s this “Wet Reckless” I hear about?
“Wet Reckless” is the term used to describe a DUI charge that is reduced down to Reckless Driving—which is still a criminal offense, but one with considerably less severe penalties than DUI—no mandatory jail time, no mandatory fine, no mandatory alcohol treatment, etc.
“My wife and I had a consultation with Mr. Christie pertaining to a DUI. From first contact I could tell he was genuinely honest, and cared more for the client and what was best for them.”
—Tim, May 2018