Almost always, clients call our office after being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and have absolutely no idea what kind of penalties the charge can carry. Even worse – some have already researched the penalties on the Internet and stumbled upon very bad information. While the Internet can be a very useful tool, it is not especially useful in providing sound local legal advice. Below, I have outlined Kentucky’s penalties for DUI First Offense. Keep in mind that each county has a different “standard offer,” but those offers must fall within these ranges.
DUI (1st Offense) Penalties
This post focuses on the penalties for “First Offense” DUI charges – meaning a person’s first charge within a ten (10) year period. If you are looking for other Kentucky DUI penalty ranges, find your correct link below:
If this is your second charge, please see my post on DUI Second Offense Penalties here.
If this is your third charge, please see my post on DUI Third Offense Penalties here.
If this is your fourth charge, please see my post on DUI Fourth Offense Penalties here.
Jail Time
2 – 30 days
With “aggravator” : 4-30 days
License Suspension
30 – 120 days
With “aggravator” : 30-120 days
Driver not eligible to regain driver’s license until completion of ADE classes.
Look-back Period / Enhancement
Will be used to “enhance” any DUI charge brought against the driver in the ten (10) years following the conviction.
Fines, Fees, and Costs
$200 – $500
Drivers must keep in mind other costs and fees added to their total payment. The total amount due typically ends up being between $700 and $800.
Refusal
Driver’s license will be suspended at arraignment.
30 – 120 day license suspension.
It is important to note that a “refusal” (declining to take the test offered by the police) is not an “aggravator” on a DUI First Offense.
Exercise Your Rights
Keep in mind that the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for a DUI charge. It is always a good idea to have an experienced attorney review your case to advise you about your best options moving forward. To speak with a DUI attorney today about your case, call our office at 859-258-2697. We are ready to help!
