DUI Hit-and-Run Charges in Alaska

Hit-and-run accidents result in criminal charges against the driver of the car that caused the accident. When DUI comes into the mix, the case becomes more serious the penalties are even worse, especially in Alaska.

If you or a loved one has been hit by a drunk driver in Anchorage, you are entitled to compensation compensated. The first step is to find an experienced and skilled Anchorage DUI attorney to assist you in filing a claim against the at-fault party.

What You Should Know About Hit-and-Run Laws

It’s illegal to leave an accident scene in all states in two situations:

• If you caused an accident that resulted in property damage or
• if someone was injured in the accident. The two situations are covered under Alaska’s Traffic Code

The above two situations are considered hit-and-runs, but they attract different penalties. A hit-and-run accident involving property damage without injuries is viewed as a misdemeanor, while a hit-and-run that involves injury or death is considered a felony.

Examples of DUI Hit-and-Runs

The following are some examples of hit-and-run DUI cases:

• A driver drinks two pints at a bar before heading home. She hits a stationary vehicle and drives away because she knows the police will detect alcohol on her breath once she takes a breathalyzer test.
• A driver with a suspended license due to a previous DUI is involved in an accident. Although the accident is not her fault, she drives off because she knows the consequences of driving on a suspended driver’s license.
• A driver who has been smoking marijuana decides to drive. Along the way, he hits something but doesn’t see anything or anyone when he looks in the driver’s mirror. He assumes he hit an animal, only to realize later that he had hit a pedestrian.

It doesn’t matter who is responsible for the accident as long as it’s a hit-and-run. In other words, the hit-and-run driver is considered guilty even if the other driver, person, or party is responsible or at fault for the accident. So, the best thing to do the next time you hit someone or something in Alaska is to remain at the accident scene. Otherwise, you’ll face a driving under the influence offense.

What to Do After an Accident

The following are the actions you need to take after an accident according to the Alaska traffic code:

• Stop your vehicle and remain at the accident scene.
• Seek medical help if anyone injuries are involved. You can do this by calling 911.
• Cooperate with law enforcers by providing your personal, insurance, and vehicle details, such as your registration number.
• Provide the details of the vehicle owner if you don’t own it.
• Show your driver’s license to the police.
• Notify law enforcement about the accident immediately, especially if injuries or death are involved.

The above rules apply to all car accidents or collisions, regardless of damage or the subject. For instance, you should report to the police if you hit an animal or damage an electricity pole, even if a human being was not involved.

What Are the Penalties for a DUI Hit-and-Run?

Your case will likely attract two penalties if you get convicted of a DUI and hit-and-run offense:

1. The general penalties for DUI and
2. The penalties for a hit-and-run.

A hit-and-run in Alaska becomes a misdemeanor if death or injuries are involved or a felony if injuries or death are not involved. These two penalties will put a strain on your life in the following ways when combined:

• Your family’s financial situation will be badly hit;
• Your prospects, such as future employment and higher education, can be affected
• You’ll never qualify to serve in the disciplined forces.
• Higher insurance premiums; or
• Difficulties in obtaining loans from financial service providers.

The penalty for a felony hit-and-run involving injuries from DUI in Alaska includes:

• A fine of $1,000 to $10,000;
• A maximum of four years in state prison if the accident involved serious injury or death;
• A maximum jail time of one year in county jail if you caused minor injuries.

Penalties for a misdemeanor hit-and-run involving property damage and not death or injuries can either be:

• A maximum fine of $1,000
• A maximum jail time of up to six months in a county jail

Note You only face the penalties if you’re successfully convicted. Also, you can o defend a hit-and-run charge even if it involves driving under the influence. Prosecutors are known to drop these cases when the accused person or suspect engages a skilled defense lawyer.

How Do I Defend Against a Hit-and-Run Charge?

The prosecutor bears the burden of proof in hit-and-run and DUI cases because they are considered criminal offenses. That said, the following three facts must exist to sustain a conviction in a hit-and-run accident case:

• The accused or suspect is the same person involved in the accident.
• The accused person was aware of the accident but decided to flee the scene of the accident.
• As we discussed earlier, you willfully refused to perform the duties required by law after an accident.

The duties required after an accident include pulling over, exchanging information, and ensuring that the injured get medical help. You cannot be convicted if the prosecutor fails to prove the above three points.

What Are Your Defenses?

The following are some of the defenses you can use to defeat a hit-and-run DUI case:

• You did not know about the accident
• You did not leave the scene wilfully
• You were the only one injured

Other advanced defenses can include:

• You were injured, and your passenger pushed you out of the car before driving off;
• The accident happened in a place where there are no accident lanes, and you decided to drive to the next exit ramp to contact the police;
• Another driver hit you during road rage, and stopping could jeopardize your safety;

Dui hit-and-runs are criminal offenses in Alaska; that’s why you should hire the services of a skilled and experienced DUI attorney if you’re facing these types of charges.