Driving under the influence is a serious crime with severe penalties, especially for repeat offenders. Alaskan lawmakers designed the laws to discourage repeat offenses by imposing stricter penalties for those who continue to drive while intoxicated.
If you or someone you know is dealing with repeated DUI arrests, it is important to understand the potential consequences.
Increased penalties for repeat offenses
In Alaska, the penalties for DUI offenses escalate with each subsequent arrest. If the police arrest you for a second DUI within 15 years of the first, you face a minimum of 20 days in jail, a $3,000 fine and a one-year license revocation.
A third DUI arrest within 15 years carries a minimum of 60 days in jail, a $4,000 fine and a three-year license revocation. Penalties continue to escalate with each subsequent arrest, with longer jail sentences, higher fines and longer license revocations.
Personal consequences of repeat DUI arrests
In addition, repeat DUI arrests can have other significant consequences. For instance, your car insurance rates will likely increase. You might even have difficulty finding an insurance company willing to cover you.
Moreover, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record, which can affect employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire someone with multiple DUI arrests.
Ignition interlock device requirement
Another consequence of repeated DUI arrests in Alaska is the mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. An IID is a breath test device installed in a vehicle that prevents it from starting if it detects a certain level of alcohol in the driver’s breath.
For a second DUI conviction within 15 years, the courts will require you to have an IID installed in any vehicle you drive for 12 months following the reinstatement of your driving privileges. For a third and subsequent conviction within 15 years, this period extends to 18 and 24 months, respectively.
Having an IID installed in your vehicle is not only inconvenient but also comes at your own expense. Installation costs, monthly maintenance fees and costs for downloading the data from the device can add up over time, adding another financial burden to the already hefty fines for repeat DUI offenses.
The penalties associated with repeat DUI offenses are far-reaching and can have a big impact on your life. Understanding these consequences underscores the importance of not drinking and driving and making responsible decisions on the road.
