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

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

R. James Christie III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

70 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Staff & Support

Posted by anonymous | September 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Truly Caring and Knowledgeable Attorney

I first contact Mr. Christie when I wasn’t sure what hope I had for my future. I was certain my chances against an overly aggressive prosecutor were slim, I would end up with a criminal record, and the future of my career would be destroyed. I didn’t even know the next time I would be allowed to see ...my family. Mr. Christie was a voice of reason, hope and certainty when I had none. He helped guide me through the distorted legal system and show the true character I possessed. I don’t know if there really are any other attorneys that care about their clients and see the good in them. Prior to contacting Mr. Christie, I contacted several other attorneys, who did not seem to care about my side of events, but instead about my ability to pay their fees. Mr. Christie comforted me and my family even when we could not speak to each other; He went above and beyond what any of us expected. In the end, my case resulted in a dismissal. I cannot state how impossible this result seemed at the beginning due to treatment from the judicial system. If you have any hesitation about your situation, I urge you to contact Tetlow Christie and talk to them about your situation. I cannot recommend this attorney and his team enough.

Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best DUI Lawer in the STATE

James Christie came highly recommend by a friend. So glad I listened to them. I had four major changes against me. These all occurred were I live in rural Alaska. James was able to work outside of Anchorage with the Palmer Court System. He worked hard with the Muncipal Prosecutor with good arguments ...and was able to settle with a plea agreement and a fine on a lesser charge, which I gracefully accepted. He saved me time and money working with me as well as the Palmer Court over the phone and through emails, thus saving me his travel and time expense fees. The services rendered did not exceed the retainer fee. In fact I only showed up once at his office to met James in person and pick up my retainer refund amount check!! Awesome and shout out to his office staff!!!

Posted by Susan | June 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense

You Can Trust James Christie

James helped out my son in a charge that was brought up against him. James spoke with my son and me about what we may encounter along the way throughout this process. James was very honest and answered any questions we had. He did have to be out of town when my son had to appear in court to enter ...a plea, but he had his partner, Wally Tetlow, stand in for him. We felt very comfortable with Wally as well. James kept my son's best interest out front and worked with the D.A. to get a deal settled. James kept us informed when we needed to be, but he didn't contact us when it was not necessary, (not contacting us just to charge the retainer). I always felt comfortable and confident in James's hands. I would recommend him to anyone needing a criminal lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Lawyers can be compassionate

Working with Mr. Christie was very helpful for us during a tough time in our lives. He sat down with us and explained the legal parameters of our case, followed up on a regular basis regarding our case, and was always available via phone or in-office meetings to go over any of the questions that we ...had during the process. His staff and partner were always very helpful and cheerful when we would visit his office, and he was honest with us throughout the process we were facing in a way that allowed us to be aware of what lay ahead and what to be aware of moving forward. He has a very professional, yet warm and understanding presence that helped get us through a tough time in our lives as easily as has been possible.

R. James Christie

Replied last February 01, 2013

Being charged with any impropriety involving children is tough; being accused of sexual misconduct with children is about as serious as any crime in Alaska, and the potential penalties are absolutely horrendous. But beyond the potential jail and fines, the collateral consequences of a child abuse conviction are almost as bad, if not worse. In this case, a thorough investigation performed under our direction revealed no credible evidence of any wrong doing by our client, and the state was eventually convinced to not even file charges against our client, who now has his freedom, his reputation, and his entire life to look forward to. A great outcome.

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

Criminal defense lawyer

Cynthia L. Strout headshot
Cynthia Strout

Criminal defense lawyer

Melissa A Weinberger headshot
Melissa Weinberger

Criminal defense lawyer

Philip E. Shanahan headshot
Philip Shanahan

Criminal defense lawyer

Evan Barrickman headshot
Evan Barrickman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Gretchen L. Staft headshot
Gretchen Staft

Family lawyer

John P. Cashion headshot
John Cashion

Criminal defense lawyer

Darrel J. Gardner headshot
Darrel Gardner

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Harris Bieber headshot
Brian Bieber

Criminal defense lawyer

Anthony Nicholas Banker headshot
Anthony Banker

Personal injury lawyer

Margaret D. Stock headshot
Margaret Stock

Immigration lawyer

Wallace Tetlow headshot
Wallace Tetlow

Criminal defense lawyer

Jacob A. Sonneborn headshot
Jacob Sonneborn

Family lawyer

Dafna Haya Hopenstand headshot
Dafna Hopenstand

Employment and labor lawyer

David Z. Rice headshot
David Rice

Unknown lawyer

Nathan J. Wautier headshot
Nathan Wautier

Business lawyer

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution