Kentucky DUI

A Kentucky DUI is a serious crime and requires the advice of a lawyer specialized in Kentucky DUI cases, don't make the mistake of seeking representation from any lawyer whose practice is not solely focused on KY DUI cases.

In Kentucky there is a special provision (different from most other states) that grants you the right to contact a lawyer before submitting to your blood or urine test. You have ten to fifteen minutes to attempt to get a hold of a lawyer before you will be required to take the chemical test. 

First Offender Penalties For Kentucky DUI

To be considered a first offender in a Kentucky DUI case, you will need to have a clean DUI record that goes back at least 5 years (5 years is considered the 'look back period' in Kentucky).  If you are considered a first offender, you'll most likely face the following consequences:

• Between $200 and $500 in fines

• Jail time of 2 to 30 days

• Substance Abuse Program attendance for 90 days

• Possible community service

• License revocation for 30-120 days.

Your first time offense can be subject to aggravating circumstances, which give you more jail time. These circumstances include:

• Speeding more than 30 mph over the posted speed limit

• Going the wrong way on the highway

• Alcohol level of .18

• Refusing the BAC tests

• Causing an accident that harms or kills someone

• Having children under the age of twelve in your car.

If you are guilty of one of the above conditions, Kentucky DUI law says that you must spend up to four days in jail. You cannot be released until those four days are served.  

Kentucky Repeat DUI Offenders

Repeat Kentucky DUI offenders face stiffer consequences. For example, a second offender faces a one-year suspension of his driver’s license, and must attend a year of treatment and education classes. The jail time also increases to seven days. A third offender must spend a month in jail and will lose his license for two years. 

Here is a summary of the punishments faced. 

KY Second Offense Punishments

• Fines between $350 and $500
• Jail time of 7 days to 6 months
• Alcohol assessment and treatment program for 1 year
• Drivers license suspension for 12 to 18 months

KY Third Offense Punishments

• Fines between $500 and $1000
• Between 30 days to 1 year of jail time
• Drivers license suspension for 2 to 3 years
• Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment program for 1 year

Third Offense Punishments

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines between $1500 and $2500
• Loss of Drivers license  for 1 year
• Mandatory Alcohol Evaluation and Treatment
• Ignition interlock device required

Other Kentucky DUI Considerations

Also, keep in mind that your insurance company is going to require what's known as a SR22 insurance policy in order to continue to cover you.  There are special companies known as high risk auto insurance providers that specialize in issuing insurance policies to people with prior DUI offenses.  Get a free Kentucky SR22 insurance quote here.

Kentucky DUI News Headlines