If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), knowing what steps to follow afterwards can help ensure that your case processes smoothly. In 2014, 24,764 DUI convictions were made in the state of Kentucky. Knowing the steps to take after a DUI in Kentucky, and what the legal process entails, may help you to reduce the negative consequences of a DUI, mitigate possible damages from a conviction.
Contact Your Attorney Before Submitting to Breath or Urine Tests
It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher or while under the influence of drugs, in Kentucky. If you are pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence, your BAC can be determined through a chemical test of your breath, blood, or urine. In Kentucky, operating a vehicle implies consent to submit to a chemical test when requested by an officer. This means that refusing to take the test can result in penalties separate from the DUI charge, such as license suspension and required use of an ignition interlock device. In Kentucky, officers are required to offer you up to 15 minutes to contact a DUI attorney before you take a chemical test. Use a local law firm experiended with DUIs in Kentucky, that takes calls 24 hours a day to ensure that you are not left legally defenseless.
Potential Consequences of a DUI
If this is your first DUI charge, you will most likely be released from police custody on your own recognizance after you officially document your intention to appear in court. The penalties for a first time DUI charge in Kentucky are:
- $200 – 500 Fine
- Up to 30 Days in Jail
- A Court Ordered Alcohol or Substance Abuse Program
- 30 to 120 Day License Suspension
- Possible Community Work Service
If this is not your first DUI charge, the jail time and fees can increase with each additional charge. After being charged with a DUI, you should contact an attorney. Contact an attorney as soon as you are released. A knowledgeable DUI attorney may be able to identify legal issues that can prevent you from being convicted. A DUI lawyer can also evaluate your case and help you decide if a trial is in your best interest. No one should ever plead guilty to a DUI without consulting an experienced DUI lawyer.
If you have been charged with a DUI, contact the Edwards & Kautz Law Firm Law Firm to speak with an experienced, Kentucky DUI attorney at 270-908-4914. *Photo courtesy of myfuture.com through Flikr