DUI Law in Louisville, KY
What Is a DUI?
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 in Louisville, Kentucky 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 Louisville, 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 Louisville law firm on your side to fight for you and your rights.
Paying Fines
If convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Louisville, Kentucky, you can count on fines being a part of your sentencing. According to Kentucky laws, fines for your first DUI can range from $200 to $500. If you are convicted for a second or third DUI, however, you can face fines up to $1000. Fourth or higher DUIs in Kentucky are classified as felonies, with much stiffer penalties.
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
Jail Time
Jail time is mandatory, even for first-time offenders in Louisville. If this is your first DUI offense, you may only have to face a day or two in prison. But if you have previous convictions for DUIs, you can be sentenced to several months or years, depending on the nature of the crime. Know that some circumstances can add even more time in a cell, including injury to other people while driving under the influence.
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.
After a DUI conviction in Louisville, the judge may suspend your jail sentence, and place you on probation instead. DUI probations in Kentucky are typically 2 to 5 years in duration. The terms of your DUI probation can include fines, community service, and substance abuse treatment. Any probation violations can result in additional fines, an extension of the probation period, or even jail time. The Department of Corrections probation office in Louisville is located at 6201-G Preston Highway.
Drug and Alcohol Education Program
Following a Louisville 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.
DUI offenders in Louisville, Kentucky are typically required to complete the Driving Under the Influence Program for treatment or education. The education option is usually only available to first time offenders, and requires 20 hours of in-person classes. In addition, the cost of the education program can range from $300 to $400. This program is regulated by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. There are 17 authorized providers in Lexington, all of which are approved for assessment and either education, outpatient treatment, or both.
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.
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 Louisville, 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 Louisville, KY DUI Law
Immediately following your DUI arrest, you need to contact an experienced Louisville 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 Local DUI Laws
Louisville, 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
You or your attorney should request a hearing as soon as possible following your arrest. In Louisville, Kentucky you only have so much time to ask for a DMV hearing to keep your license until your court appearance. If you do not request a hearing, prepare for a license suspension.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can suspend your license as soon as you are arrested for a DUI in Louisville. If you receive a notification of suspension, you only have 20 days to request a hearing. These hearings are usually conducted at the court handling your DUI case. In Louisville, misdemeanor DUI cases are heard by the district court in the Brandeis Hall of Justice. If your DUI is classified as a felony, the case will be decided in the Jefferson County Judicial Center.
Step 4: Prepare for Court Appearance
You and your attorney will prepare for your appearance and arraignment in Louisville. 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 Louisville, Kentucky
Should you ever find yourself charged with a DUI, you need to work with an experienced Louisville, KY 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 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!
