July 11, 2024 | DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are illegal in Kentucky. You can be arrested if you have a BAC (blood alcohol level) of .08% or higher, but that factor does not need to be present for you to face charges.
The penalties for DUI in Kentucky can be severe. Many people automatically think about criminal penalties for drunk driving when they wonder about the cost of a DUI. However, DUI costs include collateral consequences of a DUI conviction, which can also be very costly.
Overview of the DUI Penalties in Lexington, KY
When you are convicted of DUI in Kentucky, the court can impose one or more penalties. The cost of a DUI depends on the facts of the case and the charges against you.
The penalties for a first-time DUI include:
- Between 48 hours and 30 days in county jail
- Fines between $200 and $500
- Drivers’ license suspension for 30 to 120 days
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment program of at least 90 days
- Installation of an ignition interlock system (IIS)
The fines described above are the initial cost for a DUI. However, you are also responsible for paying any fees and costs associated with the other penalties. These costs can substantially add to the total cost of a DUI in Lexington, KY.
For example, you are responsible for the cost of installing an IIS if the court requires you to do so. The cost for an IIS includes an initial installation fee, monthly monitoring, calibration fees, and a device removal fee. The total cost could range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the length of time the IIS is in your vehicle.
Additionally, you have the cost of reinstating your driver’s license after the suspension period. You also may experience lost wages (including lost vacation time/sick days) during the time you are in jail or performing community service. You are also responsible for the fee regarding the substance abuse treatment program.
Repeal DUI offenders face higher fines, more jail time, and longer driver’s license suspension periods. Each of these penalties increases the cost of a DUI conviction in Lexington. A fourth DUI and some DUIs with aggravating factors may result in felony DUI charges, which could result in substantial prison sentences.
You also incur the cost of hiring a Lexington DUI lawyer. Hiring an attorney gives you a better chance of beating DUI charges to avoid some of the costs associated with a DUI conviction.
An experienced DUI defense lawyer in Lexington understands how to fight DUI charges. They use the evidence in your case to present a solid defense to the charges, which could lead to dismissal of the DUI charges, reduction in charges, or an acquittal.
Collateral Consequences and Costs of a DUI in Lexington, KY
In addition to the criminal penalties and costs you face for a drunk driving charge, you also have collateral consequences to consider. For example, most car insurance companies increase rates when a driver is convicted of DUI in Kentucky. The increase in your insurance rates depends on many factors, but the amount could be substantial.
Without your driving privileges, you may incur costs for public transportation or paying friends and family members for rides. In some cases, a person may lose their job if they do not have a valid driver’s license.
Some professional licenses could be impacted by a DUI conviction. The licensing board could suspend or revoke a professional license. The DUI on your record could prevent you from obtaining a professional license and some types of jobs.
There could be other collateral consequences depending on your circumstances.
Can I Avoid the Cost of a DUI in Lexington, KY?
The only way to avoid DUI costs is to refrain from drinking and driving. However, if you are arrested for DUI, do not panic. An arrest is not a conviction.
Call our Lexington DUI attorneys for a free consultation. Your case could have one or more valid DUI defenses, and we will explore all of your options.
Contact the Lexington DUI Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the DUI attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (859) 569-4014 or visit us at our Lexington law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Lexington
333 West Vine Street #212
Lexington, KY 40507
United States