Drunk driving results in thousands of car accidents on Kentucky’s roads each year. In one recent year, impaired driving led to 2,187 injuries and 194 deaths across the state. Drunk driving is a serious offense, and engaging in this behavior could land you in some serious legal trouble.
Keep reading below to learn more about the legal consequences for drunk driving in Kentucky.
What Is Drunk Driving in Kentucky?
Each state has its own unique DUI laws that pertain to drunk driving. Under Kentucky law, drivers may be charged with drunk driving if they operate a vehicle:
- With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more (for drivers aged 21 and up)
- With a BAC of 0.02% or more for drivers under 21
- With a BAC of 0.04% or more for those with a commercial driver’s license
Either a breath or blood test may be used to measure blood alcohol concentration. Drivers should also keep in mind that they could be arrested for DUI even if their BAC is below the legal limit. Even when below the legal limit, it is illegal to drive if your faculties are impaired such that it is unsafe for you to operate a vehicle.
Potential Criminal Penalties for Drunk Driving in Kentucky
Drunk driving is a serious offense, and the potential penalties in Kentucky reflect this fact. These penalties are intended to be severe in order to deter drunk driving and keep everyone on the roads safe. Potential penalties for drunk driving in Kentucky include the following.
If this is your first DUI conviction, you could face the following penalties:
- Fines of $200 to $500
- 2 to 30 days in jail
- 6-month license suspension
- 90-day substance abuse program
- 48 hours to 30 days of community service
A second DUI conviction within 10 years carries harsher consequences, including:
- Fines of $350 to $500
- 7 days to 6 months in jail
- 1-year alcohol abuse program
- 18-month license suspension
- Up to six months of community service
A third DUI conviction within 10 years may result in:
- Fines up to $1,000
- 30 days to 12 months in jail
- 36-month license suspension
- Up to 12 months of community service
- 1-year alcohol abuse program
A fourth DUI conviction within 10 years may result in:
- A Class D felony conviction
- A fine of $1,000 to $10,000
- 120 days to 5 years in prison
- Five-year license suspension
- 1 year alcohol or substance abuse treatment
Drunk driving in Kentucky can result in substantial fines, jail time, and long-term license suspension. You should never get behind the wheel of a vehicle after you have been drinking.
Collateral Consequences of Drunk Driving in Kentucky
Not only can drunk drivers face serious criminal penalties, but they may also face additional consequences. First, they could face civil liability for any accident they cause. If they hurt someone in a DUI crash, they could be financially responsible for all the victim’s damages. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Additionally, those who are convicted of drunk driving may also experience:
- Higher insurance premiums: After a DUI conviction, you might find that your auto insurance premiums will increase exponentially. You might even be dropped from coverage because your insurer views you as a much higher risk.
- Difficulty finding housing or employment: A DUI conviction can remain on your record for years, especially if you are convicted of a felony DUI. This can make it difficult to obtain housing or employment in some cases.
- Travel restrictions: Believe it or not, some countries may deny you entry due to your criminal history, and a DUI could be enough to prevent you from traveling to certain places.
Contact Hendy Johnson Vaughn To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Louisville Personal Injury Attorney
Drunk driving is not worth the legal consequences you may face and the damage you may cause by getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. If you have been hurt in an accident with a drunk driver in Kentucky, make sure you seek counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help protect your rights and fight for all the compensation you are owed.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Hendy Johnson Vaughn to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Louisville today. We have two convenient locations in Louisville and Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.
We proudly serve Jefferson County, Kenton County, and its surrounding areas:
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Louisville, KY Office
600 W Main St Ste 200
Louisville, KY, 40202
(859) 578-4444
Hendy Johnson Vaughn – Fort Mitchell, KY Office
2380 Grandview Dr
Fort Mitchell, KY, 41017
(859) 578-4444