Charged With A DUI In Kentucky? Here's What You Need To Know

Posted on: 10 August 2016

All it takes is just one drink more than you should have and getting caught behind the wheel could mean serious problems. Being charged with driving while you are under the influence is a serious ordeal that could affect every aspect of your life. DUI laws can vary from state to state when it comes to what degree the charge could affect you. In the state of Kentucky, there are a few things you should know if you are facing a recent DUI charge. 

Your license could be suspended if you refuse to take a blood, urine, or breathalyzer test.

You may think that refusing to take a test that an officer is asking for when they suspect you of a DUI will help you, but in the state of Kentucky (just like many other states), the refusal alone could be grounds for your license to be suspended. If this is your first offense, your driver's license could be suspended for anywhere between 30 and 120 days, depending on what the judge decides. This is due to the Implied Consent Law in the state, which basically says that anyone operating a vehicle gives their consent for testing. 

You could be charged for a DUI without alcohol being a factor. 

The state of Kentucky is one of several states that does recognize other factors as reason for intoxication behind the wheel. For example, you could be charge with a DUI if you are driving

  • under the influence of prescription medications that alter your judgement and perception.
  • while taking over-the-counter medications which cause grogginess, such as sleep aids or nighttime cold medicine.

Even a first-offense DUI could come along with more concerns than just license suspension. 

The state of Kentucky has some pretty strict punishments in place to help reduce problems with DUIs overall. Therefore,if you are charged with a DUI even if it is just your first offense, you may be dealing with way more than just fines or a suspended license. In some cases, the judge will mandate alcohol treatment and rehabilitation, jail time, and even community labor if a driver is charged with a DUI.

The seriousness of a DUI charge in the state of Kentucky could easily mean major problems for you legally. If you have been charged with a DUI recently, make sure you reach out to a criminal defense attorney in your area for guidance and advice. 

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