AK HB2

Establishes a DUI diversion program within the Alaska Court System for first-time offenders charged with driving under the influence (AS 28.35.030) or refusal to submit to a chemical test (AS 28.35.032), allowing eligible defendants to avoid conviction by completing treatment requirements

Eligible defendants must have no prior DUI convictions, no pending DUI charges, no accident involving death or injury to others, and must not have held a commercial driver's license or operated a commercial vehicle during the offense

Participants must file a petition with a $490 filing fee within 30 days of first court appearance, plead guilty or no contest, complete alcohol/substance abuse screening and treatment, abstain from alcohol and controlled substances, and pay restitution if ordered

Diversion agreements last one year with possible 180-day extensions; successful completion results in dismissal of charges with prejudice, while failure results in entry of the guilty plea and sentencing

Indigent defendants are entitled to court-appointed counsel for program participation, and victims of property damage have the right to be present and heard at diversion hearings