1st time dui with 2 minor offenses- advice
I recently got charged with a first time DUI in Alaska. The 2 minor offense citations were consumption by minor and open container. I was in a single vehicle accident in which no one was involved or injured including myself- my vehicle was wrecked and is most likely going to be a claimed as a total loss. I was arrested and blew a .118% at the station. I’m still processing how insanely lucky I am to still be on my two feet and how easily I could’ve hurt someone from my actions.
I’ve already made progress on the insurance side of things having already gotten the vehicle released from the impound and into my insurance companies hands for evaluation.
The two most important things to me is getting the whole thing over as soon as possible so I can get on with my life and also getting the minimum charges.
Court is next month and I’m wondering what would be the best route to get the minimums in Alaska. Would pleading not guilty to consult with a PD be the best option or just pleading guilty. I’d like to refrain from getting a lawyer as I’m unemployed. Even if I did hire a lawyer I’m not sure if there were any faults made by the police department they could pursue as there was a crash so they had reasonable suspicion for investigating- and I failed the FST.
My other concern would be the 2 minor offense citations. Should I pay the fines thus admitting no contest? Would that affect my main DUI trial at all if I end up pleading not guilty? Or do they not affect each other. I was told they are separate so if I plead not guilty on the minor offenses that is another hearing I would have to attend which I would love to avoid.
Any advice would be much appreciated