DUI Penalties In Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I was almost arrested for DUI here in Anchorage, Alaska. I am wondering, what are the possible penalties in terms of DUI law violations?
Jerry
Anchorage, AK
Like almost all states in the US impose a harsher penalty especially on drunk driving or driving under the influence of either alcohol or substance. Here in Anchorage, Alaska, the government had been very keen in implementing DUI laws to prevent road accidents. If a person gets arrested for DUI, he will be subject to additional criminal law penalties such as jail time, fines and community service. The worst would be suspension and even revocation of his driver’s license. Suspension of driver’s license can go from a minimum of 90 days up to a maximum of 3 years based on the gravity of the offense as well as the frequency. There is also a great possibility that your vehicle may get confiscated or having an ignition interlock device. Vehicle ignition interlock is a breath-testing device which measures a vehicle operator’s BAC, prevents operation of the vehicle if more than a minimal amount of alcohol is detected (BAC level of .02). DUI offenders are usually required to pay the costs of installation, rental, and maintenance of an ignition interlock device.
These are at least the most common penalties that are being imposed on DUI offenders in Alaska. Just the same, in case you get involved in such DUI cases, I suggest that you seek the counsel of a knowledgeable lawyer that could defend you during proceedings. I also recommend checking for possible affordable auto insurance that caters pre or post DUI cases.
DWI Arrest – Do I Have To Take The Breath Test in Alaska?
Reader’s Question:
I haven’t been arrested for DWI in Alaska because even though I drive after having some alcohol, I take a lot of care in driving. But in case I get stopped, do I have to take a breath test or any other chemical test or doing so will be a mistake?
Lane
Anchorage, AK
The answer to both your questions would be “yes” and “no,” depending on the circumstances. Unless there is an accident, the police officer could not force you to submit to a breath, blood or urine test. But the State of Alaska has an “implied consent law” which states that as a condition of being given the privilege to drive in the State or upon obtaining your driver’s license, you are required to take a chemical test if there is a reasonable belief that you are violating the alcohols laws.
Thus, if you refuse to take any chemical test if you get arrested for DWI in Alaska, you will generally lose your driving privileges for one year. The prosecutor would have to prove the DWI case without the use of any chemical evidence. This obviously would be an advantage for you as a defendant. But you would be faced with the probable loss of your driving privileges for one year.
Getting Your Drivers License Back After Alaska DUI Conviction
Reader’s Question:
A friend of mine has a DUI conviction here in Alaska and he is getting ready to get his license back. How can he be able to restore his driving privileges?
Blair
Anchorage, AK
Since your friend has a DUI conviction in Alaska, the state has revoked his license or privilege to drive. His driving record shows that Alaska has taken some actions against his license. Because of that, he has to take some steps in reinstating his driver’s license.
To get his driver’s license back, he needs to apply for a new license at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. He has to pass the vision and written tests and he may need a road test as well. He also has to pay the necessary reinstatement and license fees. SR22 form is also needed as a proof of insurance. If he doesn’t have SR22 insurance yet, he can get an online quote for SR22 insurance in Alaska from this website. He would also have to present proof of birth and identity. In most DUI convictions, he might have to contact a local Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). He may need a proof of completion of an approved treatment program from ASAP.
Drunk Driving in Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I have tried drinking and driving several times and it seems very fortunate for me that I haven’t been caught and charge with DUI . But in case that I get pulled over by an officer in the future because of drunk driving, what are the things that I would have to keep in mind?
Jose
Anchorage, AK
If you have already tried drinking and driving several and still thinking about doing this in the future, there a chance that you could find yourself in some trouble. You might just get a traffic ticket and worse, a DUI charge in Anchorage, Alaska. Because of that, you need to know how to get around DUI when you are out there. Obviously, you have to make some smart decisions.
The police officer who pulled you over will conduct some field sobriety tests to see if you can walk or so on. By law, you are not required to take these tests but if you do and you pass, then you are going to have to continue with the rest of the test.
The police officer may take you to the station if he/she is still convinced that you are drunk. They would administer a breath test that you will not be able to refuse. A lot of the alcohol has burned up by this time and you are going to blow a lot less then you normally would.
Don’t answer any question and make sure you ask for a lawyer. You are getting to the right point if you are able to do this. Answering them is the last thing that you want to do when you are under the influence of alcohol because you might answer wrong. You have to wait for your lawyer to get there and that will be when you will be told to speak while you are bonding out.