Those facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge may feel like they are out of options. However, there are several ways that defendants can protect their rights with the help of an experienced defense attorney.

Learn about Alaska's DUI laws and how to handle the aftermath of a DUI charge.

Alaska'S DUI LAWS

Laws regarding DUI charges vary from state to state. However, all drivers in the United States may not operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08%. Those operating commercial vehicles including trucks, buses, taxis, and more may not drive with a BAC at or above 0.04%. Those under the legal drinking age may not drive with a BAC at or above 0.01%.

If caught operating a motor vehicle above your specified legal limit, you will be arrested and charged with a DUI.

The penalties for a DUI in the state of Alaska are severe. A first offense is punishable by nearly $1,500 in fines, 72 hours in jail, six months of driver's license suspension, and the completion of an alcohol education program and you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for 6 months

The penalties for a second, or subsequent DUI within a 15-year period may result in $3,000 in fines, twelve months driver's license suspension, and the completion of an alcohol education program. Additionally, your vehicle may be confiscated, your license will be revoked for a period of 12 months and you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your car for one year.

If you receive a third DUI within a 10-year period, you will be facing a Felony DUI.

Due to the potentially severe consequences for a first-time or multiple DUI charges, it's in your best interest to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney at the Law Offices of Leigh Ann Bauer to increase your chances of getting your charges dismissed or penalties reduced.

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS AFTER A DUI CHARGE

There are several ways that an experienced defense attorney can protect your rights after a DUI charge, such as taking advantage of the common mistakes that law enforcement makes during a DUI arrest. These include the following:

• Not having probable cause before pulling you over: Before police officers can make a DUI stop, they must have probable cause to believe that a crime was committed in their presence. If the police officer did not have probable cause before pulling you over, your charges may be dismissed.
• Inaccurate field sobriety test results: Oftentimes, people perform poorly during field sobriety tests for many reasons other than being intoxicated, such as slippery road conditions, poor lighting, confusing instructions, and more. If it can be proven that this was the reason you failed your test, your charges may be dismissed.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Given the potential consequences surrounding a DUI charge, it's in your best interest to contact a knowledgeable defense attorney who can use the aforementioned measures to protect your rights.

Trying to go it alone may result in monetary fines, jail time, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education courses, vehicle confiscation, the installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, and more. With a DUI conviction on your record, it can prove difficult to secure housing or get a job.

FACING A DUI CHARGE? WE'RE HERE TO HELP

If you're facing a DUI charge in Alaska, it may seem like the odds are stacked against you. However, hiring one of our knowledgeable defense attorneys can greatly increase your chances of getting your charge reduced or dismissed entirely.

Leigh Ann Bauer is who you want on your team when you're facing a DUI charge. Leigh Ann knows the ins and outs of this area of law, and she has gotten numerous clients' cases reduced or dismissed.

Contact the Law Offices of Leigh Ann Bauer  at (907) 770-7007 to learn how we can assist you today.