Kentucky DUI Laws, Penalties, and License SuspensionKentucky drunk driving laws have become more and more complicated and the penalties are more harsh that ever. The amount of alcohol a person can consume is becoming less and the effort to crack down on DUI's is rising. Most people arrested for drunk driving have never been in trouble with the law before, this will be the first time they were handcuffed, put into the back of a police car, and tried by the state in court.
The DMV and court process is confusing and there is no room for even the slightest error. Knowing the laws, penalties, fees and process is extremely important. The biggest mistake you can make is assuming that you don't need to speak to a lawyer. DUIs are very complex and a lot is at stake. If you plead guilty to a DUI, your guilty. No reducing, no plea bargaining, just guilty. Give your case a change, talk to a lawyer. You can schedule a free, no obligation consultation with an attorney today by calling (877) 678-5640.
Kentucky Laws
The following driving actions are illegal in the State of Kentucky:
- All drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher.
- Under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher.
- Commercial Vehicle Driver with a BAC of .04 or higher.
Kentucky Penalties
First Drunk Driving Conviction
The first time you receive a drunk driving conviction in Kentucky you will be fined from $200-$500. You will also spend a minimum 2 days to 30 days in jail or receive from 2 to 30 days of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 30 to 120 days. If you were involved with an aggravated DUI you will spend 4 days in jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Second Drunk Driving Conviction
For your second drunk driving conviction in the State of Kentucky you will pay between $350-$500 fine and spend from 7 days to 6 months in jail. You may also be ordered to serve from 10 days to six months of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 months - 36 months. If aggravated circumstances are present, you will serve 60 days in Jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Third Drunk Driving Conviction
If you are convicted for a 3rd a DUI in Kentucky you will be fined from $500-$1,000. You will also be ordered to 1 year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment. You will spend anywhere from 7 days to 6 months in jail and from 10 days to 6 months of community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 to 36 months. If aggravated circumstances were involved you will receive 14 days in Jail. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Fourth Drunk Driving Conviction
The fourth time you are convicted of drunk driving in Kentucky you will be charged with a Class "D" Felony. You will be ordered to a 1 year alcohol or substance abuse treatment program and spend a minimum of 120 in jail without probation. You may also be sentenced to 10 days to 1 year community service. Your drivers license will be suspended from 24 months to 36 months. You will also spend 60 days in Jail if aggravated circumstances were involved. An aggravated DUI means you commit one of the following acts while you are driving drunk; Speeding 30 MPH over the limit, Driving the wrong direction, Being involved in an accident and driving with a child under the age of 12 years old. Driving with a BAC of .18 and above or refusing to submit to a chemical test.
Kentucky Drivers License Issues
The implied consent law in Kentucky means that all drivers are willing to submit to a chemical test of their Blood, Breath or Urine if the officer involved has reason to believe that a driver is impaired. Refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in a drivers license suspension for 30 to 120 days. A second refusal will suspend your drivers license for 12 to 18 months and your 3rd refusal to submit to a chemical test will result in a 24-36 month drivers license suspension.
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