Kentucky DUI Laws And Penalties
The State of Kentucky prohibits any adult driver from driving or being in physical control of a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or more. Kentucky also prohibits any driver under the age of 21 to drive or be in physical control of a vehicle with a BAC of 0.02% or more. Additionally, it is illegal for anyone to drive or be in physical control of a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or more in Kentucky. Apart from prohibiting a person from driving or being in physical control of a vehicle with a certain BAC level, Kentucky also prohibits a person from driving or being in physical control of a vehicle while “under the influence” of any substances that impair driving ability.
DUI Penalties in Kentucky
DUI means “driving under the influence.” Generally, this involves a person driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or any substance, which impairs the person’s driving ability. In Kentucky, the penalties for driving under the influence depend on the circumstances of each case and the number of previous offenses (if any) an individual has. It’s important to note that, according to Kentucky law, previous offenses include any convictions in any other state or jurisdiction.
The potential penalties of a first DUI offense or conviction in Kentucky include:
- Fines of between $200 to $500
- Jail term of between 48 hours to 30 days (in county jail)
- 30 to 120 days driver’s license revocation
The potential penalties of a second DUI offense or conviction in Kentucky include:
- Fines of between $350 to $500
- Jail term of between 7 days to 6 months (in county jail)
- 12 to 18 months driver’s license revocation
The potential penalties of a third DUI offense or conviction in Kentucky include:
- Fines of between $500 to $1,000
- Jail term of between 30 days to 12 months
- 24 to 36 months driver’s license revocation
The potential penalties of a fourth or subsequent DUI offense in Kentucky include:
- Jail term of not less than 120 days
- 60 months driver’s license revocation
When it comes to a fourth, considered a felony offense in KY, or subsequent offense or conviction, the court usually determines fines.
For a second, third, fourth, or subsequent DUI conviction, a convicted individual might also be required to only drive restricted ignition interlock vehicles for a certain time after the conclusion of the revocation period.
If an individual under the age of 21 has a BAC of 0.08% or more, they will be treated as an adult under the state laws. On the other hand, a person under the age of 21 with a BAC of between 0.02% and less than 0.08% risks facing the following penalties:
- Fines of between $100 to $500 or 20-hours community service
- 30 days to 6 months driver’s license revocation
Lastly, if, among others, any of the following aggravating circumstances apply to your Kentucky DUI case, increased penalties will most likely apply.
- Operating a vehicle while carrying a passenger under the age of twelve.
- Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.15%.
- Operating a vehicle that results in a crash that causes severe injury or death.
Contact a London DUI Attorney
If you stand charged with driving under the influence, do not panic. Instead, contact the skilled and dedicated London DUI attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm to find out how you may be able to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
drive.ky.gov/driver-licensing/Pages/DUI-Laws.aspx
