Policy, rule changes expected at Mall St. Matthews
Louisville DUI Attorney
Driving under the influence (DUI) charges yield serious fines in Louisville. Lawyers have to carefully investigate the evidence to determine the best way to help clients. The consequences can go well beyond a simple fine.
DUI cases can include alcohol, illegal or synthetic drugs and prescription drugs. If you’ve used any of these substances before operating a car, truck or motorcycle, you may be at risk of arrest for DUI.
The police have strict procedures for stopping suspected drunk drivers. There must be a justifiable reason for the stop. The field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests also require specific steps and precautions. A skilled DUI lawyer will attempt to identify missteps and other mistakes. These errors may enable your attorney to argue for reduced charges, or even to have your entire case dismissed.
It’s never just about the fines. Pleading guilty to DUI charges will most likely impact your automobile insurance rates. You could even be forced to surrender your license. More importantly, this type of charge on your record may make it impossible for you to keep a job or find a new one.
The Kentucky Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit is 0.08 percent.
Drunk driving charges can be increase by “aggravated circumstances.” These include factors such as: excessive speed, driving the wrong direction, causing an injury resulting in death, having passengers younger than 12 years old, refusing to take a DUI test and having a BAC level of 0.18 or higher.
CDL drivers receive a heightened level of scrutiny. The DUI BAC percentage is lower for a commercial driver when operating vehicles such as large trucks, tractor trailers and others.
The penalties are based on your previous driving record. If this is your 1st offense, your penalties will be lower than someone arrested on a 2nd or 3rd offense.
DUI charges are eligible for expungement. Recently, Kentucky changed the expungement law to permit a 10 year look back provision for DUIs. This means a drunk driving charge must stay on your record for 10 years, instead of the former 5-year period.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving report that there were more than 24,000 arrests for Kentucky DUIs in 2015.
If you need an effective DUI lawyer in Louisville or the surrounding area, I’m ready to help. Please call my office, or contact me to set up an appointment. My office is located downtown on Main Street, near the Science Center. My office phone number is (502) 454-5019.
