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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Anchorage, AK: 2026 rankings

27 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Anchorage: Eric Derleth Trial Lawyer, LFR Score 67/100; 5.0★ from 91 Google reviews.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): Law Office Of Leigh Ann Bauer, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 27.

  3. 10

    Most-reviewed: Law Offices of Blake Fulton Quackenbush, 194 Google reviews at 4.9★, the most of 27 ranked; ranked #10.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

27 Anchorage criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 1 is open 24/7, 1 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.4★ across 27 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Eric Derleth Trial Lawyer675.0★ (91)Anchorage—Top score
2Law Office Of Leigh Ann Bauer673.6★ (69)AnchorageOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3Dresner Zelinsky LLC635.0★ (20)Anchorage——
4The Law Office of Joshua P. Fink, LLC634.4★ (30)Anchorage——
5Law Office of Dattan Scott Dattan624.2★ (29)Anchorage——
6Law Office of Jocelyn C. Stewart624.6★ (19)Anchorage——
7Rex Lamont Butler & Associates Inc623.9★ (36)Anchorage——
8Tetlow Christie, LLC615.0★ (10)Anchorage——
9Lucas Wagner Law LLC614.1★ (14)Anchorage——
10Law Offices of Blake Fulton Quackenbush604.9★ (194)Anchorage—Most reviews

All 27 criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  1. Ranked #1 in Anchorage

    Based in Anchorage

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 91 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 91 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    805 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
  2. Based in Anchorage

    67/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 69 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.6★ from 69 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    821 N St Ste 202, Anchorage, AK 99501
  3. Based in Anchorage

    63/100LFR Score

    Ranked #3 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1016 W 6th Ave Unit 306, Anchorage, AK 99501
  4. Based in Anchorage

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–2:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 W 4th Ave Ste 250, Anchorage, AK 99501
  5. Based in Anchorage

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #9 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 14 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8240 Sandlewood Pl Ste 102, Anchorage, AK 99507
  6. Based in Anchorage

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.2★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    431 W 7th Ave #107, Anchorage, AK 99501
  7. Based in Anchorage

    59/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.4★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.4★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    750 W 2nd Ave #207, Anchorage, AK 99501
  8. Based in Anchorage

    56/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 86 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 86 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    705 W 2nd Ave Ste 106, Anchorage, AK 99501
  9. Based in Anchorage

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.0★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 6 Google reviews
    Address
    310 K St #200, Anchorage, AK 99501
  10. Based in Anchorage

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    731 I St #101, Anchorage, AK 99501
  11. Based in Anchorage

    52/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 6 of 9 factors; bar status, recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    101 Christensen Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501
  12. Based in Anchorage

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.6★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Family law attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.6★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    700 Hollywood Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501
  13. Based in Anchorage

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Law firm”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    510 L St #300, Anchorage, AK 99501
  14. Based in Anchorage

    51/100LFR Score

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 3.9★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 3.9★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    750 W 2nd Ave #203, Anchorage, AK 99501
  15. Based in Knik-Fairview, 29 mi away

    50/100LFR Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 77 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 77 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Wed closed · Thu 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Fri 8:30 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    800 E Railroad Ave Ste 300, Wasilla, AK 99654
  16. Based in Eagle River, 13 mi away

    49/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Estate planning attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM · Fri 9 AM–1 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    11723 Old Glenn Hwy #208, Eagle River, AK 99577

All 27 criminal defense lawyers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #27, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.

criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage, ranks 26 to 27
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Denali Law Group484.3★ (63)29 mi
27Law Office of Gregory S. Parvin464.3★ (16)29 mi

Also serving Anchorage

20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Anchorage
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Aglietti Offret LLC4.5★ (48)In Anchorage
Alaska Immigration Law Center4.9★ (248)In Anchorage
Alaska Immigration Lawyers Nations Law Group4.8★ (119)In Anchorage
Chicklo Law Group5.0★ (146)In Anchorage
Crowson Law Group4.9★ (518)In Anchorage
Dillon Findley & Simonian, P.C.4.0★ (21)In Anchorage
Family Law Center for Men4.5★ (22)In Anchorage
Henshaw Law, Anchorage AK4.7★ (25)In Anchorage
Kara A. Nyquist, Nyquist Law Group LLC4.4★ (49)In Anchorage
Kelley and Canterbury5.0★ (53)In Anchorage
Law Office of Jason Skala, LLC4.9★ (73)In Anchorage
Law Office of John Roberson III4.7★ (48)In Anchorage
Law Offices of Taylor Thompson5.0★ (31)In Anchorage
McQuillan & Hohman Law, LLC4.9★ (50)In Anchorage
Phyllis Shepherd Law Firm4.6★ (31)In Anchorage
Schlehofer Law Offices, P.C4.6★ (117)In Anchorage
Shortell Law LLC4.6★ (37)In Anchorage
The Law Offices of David Henderson4.3★ (17)In Anchorage
Thompson Law Group4.4★ (51)In Anchorage
Vellum Legal4.8★ (32)In Anchorage

How we ranked Anchorage criminal defense lawyers

We scored 27 Anchorage criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Anchorage data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Anchorage?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Anchorage, AK is Eric Derleth Trial Lawyer with an LFR Score of 67/100. It has 5.0★ from 91 Google reviews. Law Office Of Leigh Ann Bauer (#2) and Dresner Zelinsky LLC (#3) follow. We ranked 27 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Anchorage?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 27 criminal defense lawyers serving Anchorage, AK. 23 of them are based in Anchorage; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage are open 24/7?

1 ranked criminal defense lawyer in Anchorage posts 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked is Law Office Of Leigh Ann Bauer (#2). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage work on weekends?

1 of 27 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Law Office Of Leigh Ann Bauer (#2). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Anchorage criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 27 rated criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage is 4.4★, with a median of 19 reviews. Law Offices of Blake Fulton Quackenbush has the most, 194 reviews, and ranks #10. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside Anchorage count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Anchorage city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage, AK charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Anchorage, AK ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Anchorage?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Anchorage

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 27 criminal defense lawyers serving Anchorage.