If you face a DUI charge, it is helpful to understand what could happen in court if the judge finds you guilty. Knowing what to expect can make it much easier for you to plan for how you will handle your case. This is especially true if this is not your first DUI charge as penalties increase with each subsequent charge.
If you are looking at a third DUI charge, according to the Alaska Court System, then it becomes a felony as long as all your convictions were within 10 years. You will face administrative penalties, which is the loss of your license. You will also have a sentence by the judge in court with criminal penalties. Sentences include mandatory and non-mandatory penalties.
Mandatory penalties include loss of the vehicle involved in the accident, paying for costs and expenses associated with emergency response service, loss of registration for all vehicles you own, use of an ignition interlock device for at least 60 months, lifetime disqualification from holding a commercial driver’s license, incarceration of at least 120 days and a minimum fine of $10,000. You will also have to attend drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment.
The judge may also make you pay for any damages you caused, put you on probation, make you take medications that stop the use of alcohol and order you to do community services. These are non-mandatory options and completely up to the judge to impose.
If this is your third DUI, but not within 10 years, then it is only a misdemeanor. You will still face some mandatory and non-mandatory penalties. They involve smaller fines, shorter jail time and fewer restrictions.
