Defending Against DUI First Offense Charges in KY
You may have a completely clean record, consider yourself an upstanding citizen, and even be a respected professional, but one DUI conviction can bring all of that crashing down. While police officers don’t take an individual’s personal record into consideration when making an arrest, the good news is that the court does. First-time offenders can often argue their charges down or negotiate with prosecutors.
However, securing such positive results is not as easy as it sounds. Due to strong public pressure, prosecutors and judges are often hesitant to provide leniency to alleged offenders without a strong advocate on their side. As a Lexington first offense DUI attorney, we can step in and work to clear your name in the face of drunk driving charges. John E. Cornett at Cornett Law Office has the experience and insight to handle the toughest DUI cases, pursuing favorable outcomes for clients time and time again.
“What penalties am I facing for my first offense?”
If you have been charged with DUI, you may be wondering what repercussions you could be facing. While every case is unique and the final sentence will depend on the prosecution’s strategy, the defense’s strength, and the judge’s final discretion, there are some common punishments that are used in DUI cases.
A first offense can result in the following penalties:
- Between 48 hours and 30 days in jail
- Up to 120-day license suspension
- Between $200 and $500 in fines
- Enrollment in a 90-day substance abuse program
- 30 Days of community service
In Kentucky, there is a lookback period of 10 years. This means that if you are arrested or accused of DUI again within 10 years, you could face increased penalties for a second offense. However, if you are charged outside of that window, it will be considered your first offense again.
Remember, if there are aggravating factors involved, such as an accident that resulted in injuries or fatalities, it is likely that you will face more severe consequences. That is why-regardless of your situation-it is so crucial for you to retain a trusted legal representative during this time. Cornett Law Office is here to provide the reliable support and guidance you need.