Getting a DUI in Kentucky
It goes without saying that none of us should drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs – it is illegal in every state and its effects are devastating, to say the least. That said, here is what you need to know about driving under the influence (known as a DUI) as well as what you should expect if you get caught doing this irresponsible act.
In Kentucky, motorists cannot exceed a legal limit of .08% Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). That means, if a motorist is: 1.) pulled over by law enforcement in Kentucky under the suspicion of driving under the influence; 2.) is tested by authorities for driving under the influence; and 3.) registers a BAC of .08% or higher…then that motorist is more than likely going to face DUI charges. If that motorist is eventually convicted of a DUI in Kentucky, they will face criminal charges.
Kentucky is known as an ‘Implied Consent’ state (which means licensed drivers are legally obligated to submit to a Chemical Blood Alcohol Content test anytime they are asked to by law enforcement). Refusing to take one of these tests will lead to a suspended license for at least 30 days and the confiscation of your driver’s license by law enforcement right then and there.
If convicted of DUI in Kentucky, drivers face a number of penalties, including:
- Criminal charges.
- Jail time.
- Loss of driver’s license.
- Fines.
- Potential placement into a Drug and Alcohol program.
Below is a list of penalties for driving under the influence:
First Offense:
- Jail: 2 – 30 days.
- Fines: $200 – 500.
- Suspended license: 1 – 4 months.
- Substance abuse program: 90 days.
- Community service: 48 hours (optional; court-determined).
Second Offense:
- Jail: 7 days – 6 months.
- Fines: $350 – 500.
- Suspended license: 12 – 18 months.
- Substance abuse program: 1 year.
- Community service: 10 days – 6 months.
Third Offense:
- Jail: 30 days – 1 year.
- Fines: $500 – 1,500.
- Suspended license: 2 – 3 years.
- Substance abuse program: 1 year.
- Community service: 10 days – 1 year.
Fourth Offense:
- Jail: 120 days without probation.
- Fines: $1,500 or higher.
- Suspended license: 5 years.
- Substance abuse program: 1 year.
- Community service: 10 days – 1 year.
The bottom line: Do NOT get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking alcohol or doing drugs. Not only could you be convicted of a crime, but also you could lose your life and/or take the life of another. You cannot go back in time to repair the damage done.