Alaska DUI Penalties and Fines

The penalties and sentencing for a DUI vary depending on how many times one has been previously convicted of a DUI.  Depending on the circumstances, a DUI can be categorized as either:

1. Class A Misdemeanor
2. Class C Felony

• A First Offense—is a misdemeanor and carries a minimum prison sentence of 72 hours, as well as a minimum fine of $1,500.00
• A Second Offense—carries a minimum prison sentence of 20 days, in addition to a fine of $3,000.00
• A Third Offense—could result in Class C Felony. Two or more DUI convictions since January 1, 1996 and within 10 years of the present offense results in a class C felony.

As a class C felony, there is a minimum $10,000 fine. There are also minimum imprisonment terms: 120 days for two previous convictions, 240 days for three previous convictions, and 360 days for four previous convictions.

(b) Except as provided under (n) of this section, driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance is a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the court shall impose a minimum sentence of imprisonment of:

(A) not less than 72 consecutive hours, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of six months, and impose a fine of not less than $1,500 if the person has not been previously convicted;

(B) not less than 20 days, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of 12 months, and impose a fine of not less than $3,000 if the person has been previously convicted once;

(C) not less than 60 days, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of 18 months, and impose a fine of not less than $4,000 if the person has been previously convicted twice and is not subject to punishment under (n) of this section;

(D) not less than 120 days, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of 24 months, and impose a fine of not less than $5,000 if the person has been previously convicted three times and is not subject to punishment under (n) of this section;

(E) not less than 240 days, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of 30 months, and impose a fine of not less than $6,000 if the person has been previously convicted four times and is not subject to punishment under (n) of this section;

(F) not less than 360 days, require the person to use an ignition interlock device after the person regains the privilege, including any limited privilege, to operate a motor vehicle for a minimum of 36 months, and impose a fine of not less than $7,000 if the person has been previously convicted more than four times and is not subject to punishment under (n) of this section;

The limits listed are for adults who are over the age of 21 years old. There is a zero tolerance for anyone under the legal drinking age.

Consequences of a DUI in Alaska

*Resource—Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles