DUI Law in Kentucky
What is a DUI?
Are you facing a costly DUI in Kentucky?
DUI, which refers to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is a criminal offense that can lead to weighty consequences. Also known as DWI, the process of going to court to face either conviction or exoneration can change the course of your life forever.
Learn more about your DUI law defense options below, and then talk to a local attorney who will help you in this delicate situation. You don’t have to stare down consequences alone. You can take wise steps today to protect your interests.
Possible Consequences of a Kentucky DUI Conviction
Where you live, the severity of the incident, and your criminal record determine the sentencing for a DUI. The punishments can drastically increase if you have had previous DUIs, so be mindful of that. If this is your first DUI, do not go at it alone and risk costly mistakes. Get a Kentucky law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Here are some of the possible high costs and common punishments you may experience if convicted following a DUI arrest.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Kentucky, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. In Kentucky, the fines for a DUI can range from a minimum of $200 for your first DUI to $1,000 for a 3rd offense. However, there is also a mandatory $375 service fee. However, other factors can drastically increase the amount you must pay, including:
- Any damage to property while driving under the influence
- If someone suffered injuries as a result of your intoxicated driving
- Cases that include child endangerment
- Any court costs associated with your case
The fines you owe following a conviction can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on your case. Will you face costly jail time?
Jail Time
In several states, jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in jail. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can receive a sentence of several months to over a year in prison. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.
Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet stipulates that DUI offenses can typically receive four types of penalties. Specifically, a first offense can receive fines of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, a 6-month license suspension, and a 90-day substance abuse treatment program. Repeat offenses will generally receive higher fines, longer suspensions, and jail time. In fact, a 3rd offense could result in a year in jail. You should keep in mind that a DUI offense remains on a driver’s record for 10 years in Kentucky.
Probation
If you do not face jail time, you will likely be on probation, with the sentencing judge determining the duration. You will pay monthly fees, and you cannot commit any more criminal offenses, including traffic violations. If you violate the terms of your probation, count on facing time behind bars.
In Kentucky, you are eligible for a substantial reduction in your license suspension period if you enroll in the Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program. Specifically, you are restricted to driving only motor vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device. You must be violation-free for 90 or 120 consecutive days, based on your offense. KIIP violations, such as failure to take a breath alcohol test, or failure to pay interlock provider fees, will result in a stoppage in the consecutive day requirement.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a Kentucky DUI sentencing, the law states you must complete a drug and alcohol education program. This will teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence. These programs cost more fees besides the legal costs you already have to pay.
The education programs also include a DUI evaluation. An evaluator asks you questions about how alcohol and drugs affect your life. If they believe that you are dependent, you may have to enter a substance abuse treatment program before reinstating your license.
Suspension or Loss of License
No matter where you may face a DUI conviction, you have to undergo a license suspension period, at the very least. If it is your first DUI, you may have a license suspension for a few months while you go through probation and the drug and alcohol education program.
If this is not your first DUI, you may have your license suspended for much longer, or you could have it taken from you permanently.
What Should You Do When Charged With a DUI in Kentucky?
If you’re facing a felony DUI charge, you must take the following steps to protect yourself:
Step 1: Contact an Attorney Familiar With Kentucky DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Kentucky DUI attorney. Your attorney can help prepare for your arraignment and prepare a defense to vindicate yourself or reduce the sentencing.
Step 2: Learn About Your State’s DUI Laws
Each state, including Kentucky, has unique laws for DUI or DWI charges. Your lawyer will work with you to help you better understand your state’s laws on driving while intoxicated. It is critical to understand what charges you face and the potential outcomes of your case.
Step 3: Request a DMV Hearing
In Kentucky, you have a short amount of time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license leading up to your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension. You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest.
In Kentucky, you have only 20 days to request a hearing with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. If you do not request a hearing within that time frame, your driver’s license will be automatically suspended. In addition, a $40 reinstatement fee may be required. Hearings will be scheduled as early as possible within 20 days of receipt of your request.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your court appearance and arraignment. If you plead “not guilty,” your DUI defense attorney represents you in court, and a judge and jury oversee the DUI law case.
Step 5: Receive Sentencing or Exoneration
You will either be “not guilty” of the charges brought against you and walk free, or you will receive sentencing for a guilty verdict.
Work with an Experienced Local DUI Lawyer in Kentucky
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Kentucky lawyer who can stand up for you in court. You cannot clear your name of the charges or reduce the consequences without help. Your life and future depend on having great legal representation during your DUI case. Contact an attorney near you in Kentucky today. We can even help you connect with legal help across Kentucky state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
