Alaska has some of the toughest DUI penalties in the nation, which includes the state’s policy on license revocation. Driving under the influence is a serious crime, and a conviction will likely impact your means of mobility for some time.
Here’s a breakdown of the penalties:
- The penalty for a first-time DUI is a 90-day revocation.
- The penalty for a second DUI is one-year revocation.
- The penalty for a third DUI conviction is a three-year revocation if the offense qualifies as a misdemeanor. However, if the DUI is a felony conviction, your license could potentially be revoked for life with the option to apply to reinstatement after ten years.
- The penalty for a fourth and all subsequent DUI convictions is a five-year revocation if it qualifies as a misdemeanor—or life if it qualifies as a felony conviction. You may be eligible to apply for license renewal after ten years, but only after the fourth conviction. Beyond that, you are no longer eligible for license reinstatement in the state of Alaska.
Can you appeal a license revocation?
No, but you can apply for a limited license. Alaska gives misdemeanor DUI defendants only seven days to apply for a limited license in order to continue driving to work without interruption, so time is of the essence. However, the availability of such a license will depend on your criminal history and driving record. In some cases, you may also qualify for a limited license as a felony defendant if you have completed therapeutic treatment for substance abuse.
There is a possibility that the DMV will suspend your license in addition to the court’s decision to revoke your driving privileges. If that is the case, it will be necessary to get a limited license from the DMV as well.
