Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Public Defense Blogs -> A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

Public Defense

: A Public Defender's Life in Alaska

So, it is really, really sad. I did a trial call today and 100% of the cases were alcohol related. What makes it worse is that there is no residential treatment here in Kotzebue. The DA is taking the unfortunate position that jail is the only remaining option. I say unfortunate because I know jail will not solve a thing. It is a vicious circle that just goes around and around and around. The problem is that many of the people here drink to really drink. Like blowing a .24 at 9 in the morning. I don't have a solution. I know that Kotzebue recieves millions of dollars in grant money each year. I know that the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations have money. Why there is not a treatment facility here blows my mind. I wouldn't be surprised if the vast majority of the population has a severe alcohol problem. Caging them is not an answer. On the other hand, if they are committing assaults, sexual assaults and DUI when severely intoxicated, the State is not going to look the other way. It is tough. Last night I went for a walk on the beach. Found this whale vertebrae. Saw salmon hanging. The only thing that I can't understand is the amount of junk that many houses have around them. I guess it might go hand in hand with the alcohol problem that plagues this place.

Full post as published by A Public Defender's Life in Alaska on September 01, 2009 (boomark / email).