The legislature defines crimes and sets out permissible punishments. Sentencing statutes for adults are located primarily in Title 12, with probation and parole in Title 33. Juvenile procedure and sentencing are different from adult, and those laws are found in Title 47. Felonies are serious offenses, for which the sentence can include imprisonment for a year or more.
Misdemeanors are less serious crimes that still can lead to imprisonment for up to one year.
Violations are minor infractions that cannot be punished by imprisonment, and generally are punished by fines. Most traffic tickets and health code violations fall into this category. Sentencing Judges must impose sentences within the ranges set by the Alaska Legislature. The criminal code sets mandatory minimum sentences for the most serious offenses, murder and kidnaping. The code also has mandatory minimum sentences for drunk driving, refusing a breath test, driving with a suspended license, some domestic violence cases, and a few other offenses.