Alaska's state statutes define reckless driving as a criminal misdemeanor offense. In turn, convictions under Alaska's reckless driving laws present the possibility of both fines and incarceration for offenders, even first time offenders. Furthermore, administrative action related to retaining a valid license is likely for those convicted under Alaskan reckless driving laws.
Per Title 28 Chapter 35 Section 40 of the Alaska Statutes, reckless driving is defined as any act of operating a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable and unjustified risk to other people or their property. The act of reckless driving in Alaska is specifically defined as conduct that exhibits a gross deviation from the driving conduct a reasonable person would exhibit in a given situation.
|
Offense/Violation |
Classification |
Criminal Penalties |
Points Applied to License |
Other Administrative Penalties |
|
Reckless driving |
Misdemeanor |
Incarceration of not more than one year, with fines not to exceed $1,000 |
10 |
Conviction of reckless driving, as noted in the Alaskan driver's manual, can result in automatic license suspension or revocation |
With any conviction of reckless driving in Alaska, a driver faces the possibility of automatic license suspension or revocation, determined on a case-specific basis. Furthermore, accumulation of 12 points within a one-year period, or 18 points within two-year period, results in automatic administrative action, likely license suspension in Alaska.
With reckless driving convictions carrying 10 points per offense, points-based suspensions are a very real possibility for many offenders. Participation in a state-approved defensive driver program can reduce a driver's point total by two points, but unfortunately, if suspended for point totals, drivers in Alaska are not eligible for a hardship license.
The most effective route of addressing reckless driving penalties in Alaska revolves around using legal counsel to contest the nature of the criminal charges from the outset. This method will entail initially seeking outright dismissal of the reckless driving charges, and if not feasible, ultimately negotiating some form of favorable plea agreement with prosecutors in a given reckless driving case. Plea agreements can range from reduction of the reckless driving charge to a minor traffic violation, reduction to a careless driving conviction, or in certain cases, they can simply involve favorable sentencing terms upon conviction of reckless driving.
Reckless driving in Alaska is a criminal offense; conviction carries the possibility of incarceration, as well as the creation of a misdemeanor criminal record. With such implications on the line, drivers should immediately consult with an Alaska reckless driving lawyer about their legal rights and options, which may be favorable in a given case.
To learn more about your specific pending reckless driving case, including what plea options may be available to you, consult directly with an Alaska reckless driving attorney.