Third Offense DUI in Alaska

If you have been charged with a DUI in Alaska for the third time in 10 years, you will have a Class C felony on your record. If it has been more than 10 years since your last DUI, however, it is considered a misdemeanor. Either way, the penalties are harsh in this state, so get a lawyer to help you fight the charges.

Criminal Penalties

If this is your third DUI in Alaska within 10 years, you face at least 120 days in jail, though you could spend up to 5 years incarcerated. Of course, you will also have a felony on your record. If the last DUI offense was over 10 years ago and you have been charged with a misdemeanor, you can spend 60 days to 1 year in jail.

The minimum fine associated with felony DUI in Alaska is $10,000, in addition to a $200 surcharge. A misdemeanor carries a minimum fine of $4000, in addition to a $1000 incarceration charge and a $125 surcharge. Since these are just the minimum fines, it is possible that you will have to pay more, especially if you do not use a lawyer to try to reduce them.

Administrative Penalties

Being charged with a Class C felony means that you will never get your license back, making it illegal for you to ever drive again. Your car will also be seized by the authorities in Alaska. A misdemeanor results in your license being revoked for 3 years, though you can request a limited license to get to work or school during this time. However, it is up to the judge to decide whether you qualify for this kind of license, and you will have to pay about $100 for it if you do get one.

After you have served your jail time for your third DUI in Alaska, you will need to complete an alcohol treatment program, which will include an evaluation to determine whether you are dependent on alcohol. You will have to pay out of pocket for the program.

You will need to show proof of an SR22 insurance policy before you get your license back. You will need to keep this policy for 3 years after the offense. In most cases, you will also have to pay to install an ignition interlock device on your car for 3 years.

Talk to an Attorney about Plea Options

In Alaska, you are allowed to plea the DUI down to a charge that carries fewer penalties. For example, you can get it reduced to a wet reckless charge, which has less severe penalties despite the fact that it indicates the involvement of alcohol. A dry reckless charge is even better since it signals that no alcohol was involved, carrying even fewer consequences. If you want a chance to do anything other than pleading guilty to your third DUI in Alaska, you will need the help of a lawyer.