R. James Christie III

R. James Christie III

also known as James Christie

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 22 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Anchorage, AK
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

745 W. 4th Ave, Suite 250, Anchorage, AK

About R. James

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 500-600 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Alaska for 22 years

State: Alaska

Acquired: 2003

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Wisconsin for 21 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2004

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Tetlow Christie, LLC

745 W. 4th Ave, Suite 250, Anchorage, AK, 99501

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R. James Christie III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

70 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 15 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Derek | February 12, 2026 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

James is the real deal, and will keep things honest and clear with you. I highly recommend!!!

James thoroughly talked me through my options with a DUI, and was very helpful and direct with how my situation would likely go. He was honest, and didn’t feed me false hope like some people will do. He explained what options I had, and the potential outcomes for each. I made a poor decision, and ...dealt with the consequences of my actions. I’m lucky no one got hurt, and have been sober since this embarrassing situation occurred. Alaska is a state that is pretty firm on these cases, and rightfully so. In hindsight I 1) should’ve never been driving and should’ve called a cab, 2) would not have performed a field sobriety test (this will be used against you as evidence), 3) limited what I said, and 4) just took the breathalyzer and not over shared. (In Alaska if you don’t take this it can be much worse.) I was wrong however you look at this, and didn’t help myself by doing a field sobriety test, and behaving poorly. Everything said, as someone that has learned from this difficult experience. James was very helpful to guide me through the process, recommended services that I was able to quickly work through, and not only be supportive but also available with any questions or concerns. He’s very kind and easy to talk to, and won’t misguide you or tell you what you want to hear. I highly recommend him if you want honest, direct, and professional legal advice.

Posted by Ben F | July 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Case Dismissed!

I came to James after researching successful DUI lawyers online. He does a flat rate to deal with all of the court appearances and dmv hearings. It was very freeing to know that everything is being dealt with in the most professional manner and I had nothing to really do. He was able to keep my licen...se throughout the whole process, and after all the information from the prosecutors came through we decided to fight it. The second part was an additional cost, but well worth the money. The very next day I got a call from James with the two best words in the English language “CASE DISMISSED”.

Posted by Laura | February 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Outstanding Legal Services

I consulted Mr. Christie for legal advice because the attorney I had on retainer was not capable of handling my complicated cases and I had reached out to a couple of other attorneys who declined to take my case due to the complex nature. Mr. Christie agreed to take my case and was immediately able ...to make progress. He crafted a plan to resolve my cases to the best possible outcome. There were hurdles along the way and Mr. Christie was able to work through him using astute legal knowledge and his brilliant understanding of the Alaska Court System. I can't imagine where I would be had I not contacted Mr. Christie and I only wish I would have done so earlier. He is intelligent and well spoken and he truly cares. He could have easily settled for a less satisfactory outcome but he never gave up and worked relentlessly to succeed in resolving my cases. Mr. Christie deserves the highest recommendation and I am truly appreciative of the assistance he provided.

Posted by Katherine | February 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Boy was I sunk!! Or at least I thought so!!

I couldn't have felt anymore ashamed. I spoke with James and he laid it out for me. It wasn't going to look good BUT he would do his best. He was amazing, he saw so many cracks in my case and did so much research that when he talked with the prosecuter even they had to agree. So what we thought d...oesn't usually happen, did, and I was given a second chance. I would strongly recommend James Christie if you need a criminal attorney!!

Posted by FK | February 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Defense Attorney

James Christie III is an avid criminal defense attorney, from the time you walk into his office to after you case is closed, James will make ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible. As a client, know that you will have to take accountability & responsibility to make sure you do your part.... If you find yourself in a pickle, he doesn’t judge because we’re all human. This is part of your story to improve yourself. We all make mistakes, we learn from them. If you’re looking for a criminal defense attorney, I’d certainly recommend James.

See All Client Reviews

R. James Christie III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse R. James
Patrick N. Bergt headshot
Patrick Bergt

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"During my time as an Assistant District Attorney, I worked across from James on a number of cases. I always found him to be well-prepared, knowledgeable, and professional. I endorse James without reservation."

Brian M. Doherty headshot
Brian Doherty

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly recommend James Christie and have referred many clients to him in State of Alaska Superior Court matters."

Cynthia L. Strout headshot
Cynthia Strout

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Christie is an outstanding defense lawyer, with excellent trial skills. I have personally observed his dedication to defense work, his strong work ethic and his personal commitment to his clients. I highly recommend him."

Philip E. Shanahan headshot
Philip Shanahan

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you need an attorney for any criminal matters, you could not go wrong hiring James Christie. He's dedicated, aggressive and well-respected throughout Alaska."

Evan Barrickman headshot
Evan Barrickman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to witness Mr. Christie represent his clients on numerous occasions. Not only does he provide a compassionate side to his clients outside of the courtroom, Mr. Christie is a zealous advocate in the courtroom. Mr. Christie is hands down one of the best criminal defense lawyers in Alaska."

John P. Cashion headshot
John Cashion

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a leader of the criminal defense bar in Alaska. His trial skills are superb. He is a relentless advocate. I highly recommend Mr. Christie to anyone seeking the services of an experienced, aggressive and successful criminal defense attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Clayton Harold Walker Jr. headshot
Clayton Walker

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Christie."

Anthony Nicholas Banker headshot
Anthony Banker

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Alexander Bernitz headshot
John Bernitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wallace Tetlow headshot
Wallace Tetlow

Unknown lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Christie is bright, aggressive and compassionate. Unlike most of the attorneys that I know, he is big-hearted, down to earth and completely approachable. I reccomend James to anyone in need of an excellent attorney."

Christine S. Schleuss headshot
Christine Schleuss

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Shawn B Alexander headshot
Shawn Alexander

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I was asked to find a top-notch criminal defense lawyer in short order for a client's family member. Mr. Christie was honest and direct about the circumstances and took the time to investigate the real issues. He is a credit to the profession and I refer to him with absolute confidence."

Dafna Haya Hopenstand headshot
Dafna Hopenstand

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Friend

"Mr. Christie and I attended law school together, and I found him to be highly intelligent and very practical. We have remained in touch during the course of our legal practice. Mr. Christie is clearly devoted to his practice and is an exceptional attorney. I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer."

David Z. Rice headshot
David Rice

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Amanda J. Harber headshot
Amanda Harber

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2014

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2013

Alaska Champion of Liberty Award, Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2013

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2012

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2012

Clients' Choice Award, AVVO

2011

Certifcation of Appreciation for Service to Alaska, Gov. Sean Parnell, State of Alaska

1998

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Appreciation Citation, University of Alaska Anchorage

1998

Phi Kappa Phi, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

1997

Oustanding Sholastic Achievement and Excellence, Golden Key International Honour Society

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Partner, Tetlow Christie, LLC

2006 - 2011

Felony Trial Attorney, Alaska Public Defender Agency

2003 - 2005

Law Clerk to Hon. Chief Judge John W. Sedwick, U.S. District Court for District of Alaska

Associations

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2003 - Present

Alaska Bar Association

Member

2010 - 2010

Alaska Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Founding Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Johnson, 3AN-09-6363CR

Client acquitted of Murder and Tampering charges following jury trial

State v. Lord

Found Guilty But Mentally Ill of Murder following trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

NACDL Seminar Defending the Unthinkable: Zealous Advocacy in Sexual Assault and Child Victims Cases

Sexual Assault Defense

2006

National Criminal Defense College - Macon, GA

Trial Practice Institute

2003

University of Wisconsin Law School

Juris Doctor, cum laude

Speaking Engagements

2014

Guest lecturer at UAA criminal justice class

Trial Procedure in Alaska

2013

Guest Lecturer at UAA Substantive Criminal Law Class

The Law of Murder in Alaska

2013

AKACDL CLE

Technology in Courtroom Advocacy

2012

Guest Lecturer at UAA Substantive Criminal Law Class

The Law of Insanity & Mental Illness in Alaska

2012

Alaska Public Defender Young Lawyer Trial School

Preparing Effective Closing Arguments

2012

Alaska Public Defender Young Lawyer Trial School

X-Exam and Impeachment Technique

2011

Alaska Public Defender Young Lawyer Trial School

Preparing Effective Closing Arguments

2011

Alaska Public Defender Young Lawyer Trial School

X-Exam and Impeachment Training

2011

2011 Alaska Public Defender Conference

Information Technology for Criminal Investigators and Paralegals

2011

2011 Alaska Public Defender Conference

Effective Utilization of Technology in the Courtroom

2010

Guest Speaker at UAA Criminal Justice Class

Insanity Law in Alaska

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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