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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense in Fairbanks and Across Alaska

A Trial Firm, Not a Plea Mill

When you are charged with a crime in Alaska, the decisions you make early can shape the rest of the case. The Law Offices of William R. Satterberg, Jr. has practiced criminal litigation in Fairbanks since 1982. We prepare every matter as if it will go to trial, because that preparation is what gives a client real leverage, whether the case ends in a dismissal, a negotiated resolution, or a verdict.

William R. Satterberg, Jr. has been admitted to the Alaska Bar since 1976 and has spent decades in the courtroom. That experience covers the full range of Alaska criminal practice, from misdemeanors in the District Court to felony matters in the Superior Court.

What We Handle and How We Work

We represent people accused of a wide range of offenses under Alaska law, including assault, theft and property crimes, drug charges, and other misdemeanor and felony allegations. We do not handle family or domestic law matters, bankruptcy, or workers' compensation, which lets us keep our focus on litigation.

Our work begins with the facts. We examine how evidence was gathered, whether your constitutional rights were respected during any search or questioning, and whether the State can actually prove each element of the charge. Mr. Satterberg has handled landmark constitutional cases in Alaska, and that background informs how we look at search-and-seizure, due process, and suppression issues in ordinary cases too.

What a Client Can Expect

You can expect direct, plain answers about where your case stands and what the realistic options are. We explain the charges, the possible penalties, and the steps ahead so you are never guessing. From arraignment through any trial, you deal with a firm that knows the Fairbanks courts and the people who work in them.

Common questions

Should I talk to the police before hiring a lawyer?

In most situations you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. People often unintentionally harm their own case by explaining themselves to investigators. It is generally wise to speak with a lawyer before giving any statement.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Alaska?

Alaska classifies most misdemeanors and felonies by degree. Misdemeanors are generally less serious and carry shorter potential jail terms, while felonies carry longer potential sentences and more lasting consequences. The specific class controls the range of penalties.

Can charges be reduced or dismissed?

Sometimes. Outcomes depend on the evidence, the law, and the facts of each case. A reduction or dismissal may be possible where the State's proof is weak or rights were violated, but no lawyer can promise a particular result.

Do you handle both misdemeanor and felony cases?

Yes. The firm handles criminal matters in both the District and Superior Courts in Fairbanks and elsewhere in Alaska.

Charged with a crime in interior Alaska?

Talk through your situation with a firm that has tried cases in Fairbanks since 1982.

Call (907) 452-4454