Were you arrested for a second, third, or subsequent DUI in Lexington, Kentucky? The penalties for repeat offenses are significantly harsher than those faced by first-time offenders. However, you still can fight back with help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers is an experienced law firm that takes repeat DUI cases and helps defendants advocate for their rights and their records. Our Lexington DUI lawyers have 100+ years of combined experience and can make your case a priority from the moment you decide to hire us.
Contact our law offices today at (859) 569-4014 for a free consultation. At that time, we can review your charges and provide some initial legal advice at no cost to you.
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How Suhre & Associates Can Help You After a DUI Arrest in Lexington, KY
The prosecution already believes they have enough to convict you if you’ve been charged with a DUI in Lexington, KY. Nonetheless, the truth of the matter is that your guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, the heaviest burden of proof standard there is in the law.
With former prosecutors and law enforcement on our team, Suhre & Associates knows firsthand how DUI cases are investigated and where the weak points lie.
When you hire our Lexington criminal defense lawyers, we can:
- Examine the traffic stop and determine whether law enforcement had legal grounds to pull you over
- Challenge the accuracy and administration of any tests that were conducted, such as blood tests
- Review your prior convictions to ensure they are being properly counted under Kentucky law
- File motions to suppress evidence or illegally obtained evidence or statements
- Negotiate to have your charges dismissed when possible
- Represent you at all hearings and at trial if necessary
We’re confident we can help you put forth your best possible defense under the law. Contact our law firm today to get started with a free consultation.
Penalties for Multiple DUI Offenses in Kentucky
Kentucky law treats repeat DUI offenses with increasing severity. Under KRS 189A.010, prior DUI arrests within a 10-year lookback period determine how your current charge is classified and what penalties you face.
Offenses include:
- Second DUI: Still a misdemeanor, but carries 7 days to 6 months in jail, fines up to $500, a license suspension of 12 to 18 months, and a mandatory one-year substance abuse treatment program.
- Third DUI: Also a misdemeanor, but penalties jump to 30 days to 12 months in jail, fines up to $1,000, and a license suspension of up to 36 months. Community service requirements increase as well.
- Fourth or subsequent DUI: Charged as a Class D felony, carrying 1 to 5 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 120 days even if probation is granted, fines up to $10,000, and a 60-month license suspension.
Each offense level also carries the possibility of enhanced mandatory minimums if aggravating factors are present.
Aggravating Factors That Can Increase Your Sentence
Kentucky law identifies specific circumstances that trigger enhanced mandatory minimums. If any aggravating factors are present, the minimum jail time for your offense can be doubled and may not be suspended or reduced.
Aggravating factors include:
- Blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15% or higher
- Excessive speeding at the time of the stop
- Refusing to submit to chemical testing
- Causing an accident that resulted in injuries
- Having a passenger under 12 years old in the vehicle
These enhancements apply on top of the standard penalties for each offense level, making an already serious situation far more dangerous without legal representation.
Collateral Consequences of a Repeat DUI Conviction
The damage from a repeat DUI conviction often extends well beyond what the court imposes.
Potential collateral consequences include:
- Difficulty finding employment and housing
- Loss of professional licenses and certifications
- A permanent felony record that follows you for life
- Dramatically higher auto insurance premiums
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens, if applicable
These effects can impact your future for years. Having a qualified Lexington DUI attorney on your side can make all the difference in limiting the damage.
What Are Possible Defenses to Multiple DUI Charges in Lexington, Kentucky?
Being charged is not the same as being convicted. There are real defense strategies that can apply to repeat DUI cases; we will evaluate the facts to determine which ones fit your situation.
Overall, some of the most common defenses in these cases include:
- The initial traffic stop was conducted without reasonable suspicion
- Breath and/or blood test results were unreliable
- Field sobriety tests were administered incorrectly or under poor conditions
- A prior conviction used to enhance your charges doesn’t meet Kentucky’s legal standards for admissibility
- Your constitutional rights were violated at any point during the arrest
Many of these defenses require a Lexington criminal defense attorney who knows how DUI enforcement actually works from the inside. That’s exactly what our team brings to the table.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Lexington DUI Attorneys
A repeat DUI charge in Lexington, KY, is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. At Suhre & Associates, our attorneys have 100+ years of combined experience and know how the system works from every angle.
Contact our Lexington DUI lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you reach out to us for help, the better for your case.