The Team
Benjamin Dresner
Benjamin Dresner has represented hundreds of individuals charged with criminal offenses across every judicial district in the great State of Alaska. His courtroom experience extends from initial arraignment through trial & sentencing, having served as lead counsel in cases ranging from misdemeanor DUI and domestic violence assault, up to unclassified offenses, such as sexual assault and first-degree murder.
While Mr. Dresner has achieved numerous full acquittals of felony charges brought before Alaskan juries, his aggressive advocacy early on in the case has led to dismissals of every level of criminal offense, including first degree murder. Even in cases where a dismissal hasn’t been achieved, Mr. Dresner’s motion practice has led to the successful suppression of evidence under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
The reality of criminal representation is that not every case is jury viable, and the majority of cases result in plea deals. Having personally negotiated hundreds of Rule 11 agreements gives Mr. Dresner a firm understanding of the considerations that go into crafting an agreement with the State, and the ability to counsel his clients effectively on that process.
Prior to opening this firm, Mr. Dresner spent almost six years as a felony trial attorney at the Alaska Public Defender Agency, where he litigated all levels of offenses, but was primarily responsible for unclassified and sex offenses. Mr. Dresner was also the agency’s representative for the Anchorage Wellness Court program, a therapeutic court designed to address the treatment needs of criminal defendants. Before moving up to Alaska, Mr. Dresner was an attorney with Covington & Burling LLP, a multinational law firm headquartered in Washington, DC.
Education:
New England School of Law | 2013
American University | 2010
Bar Admissions: NY, DC (inactive membership)
John Zelinsky
John Zelinsky is a founding partner at Dresner Zelinsky, with over 11 years of experience as a Public Defender in a Criminal Trial Unit and more than a decade of dedicated service in Veterans Court. A proud U.S. Army Veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, he earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his service in Afghanistan. His legal career is guided by a deep respect for justice and a commitment to defending the rights of his clients—especially those who have served our country.
Originally from Pennsylvania, John moved to Alaska to embrace its rugged beauty and independence—getting as far from Washington D.C. as possible while still being on American soil. Outside the courtroom, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his two German Shepherds, Gunther and Hanzo, as well as fishing, hunting, shooting, watching movies, playing chess, and making contacts over amateur radio.