what does kentucky lawyer charge in dui

by Katharina Mohr 9 min read

How much is a DUI lawyer in Kentucky?

The retainer for a first-offense DUI is between $500 and $2,500 depending on the seriousness of the underlying charges. Additional attorney costs will depend on the number of court appearances involved and whether discovery is filed, motions and hearings are held, or if the case is tried.

How much does a DUI cost in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky law, penalties for first offense DUI include: A fine between $200 and $500. Court costs and other fees will also be imposed, substantially increasing your financial obligation. Jail time of up to 30 days.Apr 7, 2016

How much does a lawyer cost in Kentucky?

between $171 and $348 per hourHow much do lawyers charge in Kentucky? The typical lawyer in Kentucky charges between $171 and $348 per hour. Costs vary depending on the type of lawyer, so review our lawyer rates table to find out the average cost to hire an attorney in Kentucky.

How do you get a DUI dismissed in Kentucky?

A driver can get out of a DUI charge by identifying arrest flaws or legal doubts with any key evidence required for conviction under the current 2022 Kentucky legal code.

How likely is jail time for first DUI in Kentucky?

Here is a definition: In Kentucky, if you are convicted under a first misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) offense, you could face misdemeanor penalties ranging from 48 hours to 30 days in jail and/or a monetary fine ranging from $200-$500.Jan 17, 2020

What makes a DUI aggravated in KY?

operating a vehicle with a BAC of . 15% or more. refusing to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test in violation of the state's implied consent laws (not applicable if first-offense DUI), or. transporting a passenger under 12 years old.

What is contingency fee basis?

Generally, when a lawyer takes a case on a contingency fee, a client has no obligation to pay his/her lawyer a fee unless the case is successfully resolved.7 days ago

How much does a lawyer cost per hour?

What are Typical Attorney Fees. Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.Aug 17, 2021

How much do lawyers make an hour?

According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for an attorney as of May 2016 was $118,160. This means that 50 percent of attorneys made more money than $118,160 and 50 percent made less. This breaks down to a median hourly wage of $56.81 per hour.

Is Kentucky strict on DUI?

In Kentucky, driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is considered a serious criminal offense. Although most first-time DUIs are charged as misdemeanor (less serious) crimes, if convicted, a person will still face serious penalties.

How long does a DUI stay on your record in KY?

A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in Kentucky will remain on an individual's criminal record forever unless it is expunged. Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 189A. 010 provides that a prior DUI conviction will have an effect on an individual's subsequent DUI charges for 10 years.Mar 10, 2021

Is your license suspended immediately after a DUI in Kentucky?

Drivers convicted of a first-offense DUI (driving under the influence) (also sometimes called "DWI") in Kentucky face a fine, driver's license suspension, and possible jail time.

I Was Charged with a DUI in Kentucky. Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

A seasoned DUI lawyer will investigate the facts of your case to determine if there are any factual or legal defenses to the charges against you, s...

Can I Be Charged with a DUI for Driving After Taking a Prescription or OTC Medicine?

Yes, if that prescription medication or over-the-counter drug impairs your ability to drive. Under Kentucky law, it is illegal to operate or be in...

Can I Be Charged with a DUI If I was Under the Legal Limit?

Yes. In Kentucky, it is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. This is often referred to as the “lega...

What is the legal alcohol level for a DUI in Kentucky?

Kentucky DUI law states that it is against the law for any person to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater.

How long do you go to jail for a third DUI?

The penalties for a third offense DUI conviction are as follows: Jail time: The minimum jail sentence for a third offense within 5-years of a previous conviction is 30 days to 1 year. The offense will be considered an aggravated offense if one of the following apply and you will face an additional 60 days in jail:

How long do you have to carry SR22 insurance in Kentucky?

You will be required to carry your SR22 insurance for a period of 3-years. At anytime during this 3-year period if there is a lapse in your Kentucky SR22 coverage, your insurance provider is obligated by law to immediately inform the Kentucky Transportation Department of the lapse.

How long is the jail time for a first offense?

Jail time: The jail sentence for a first offense conviction is 2 to 30 days. The offense will be considered an aggravated offense if one of the following apply and you will face a minimum 4 days in jail if: You were driving at least 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

How long is a second DUI in jail?

The penalties for a second offense DUI conviction are as follows: Jail time: The minimum jail sentence for a second offense within 5-years of a previous conviction is 7-days and the maximum jail sentence is 6-months. As long as the first 48 hours are served consecutively the remainder of the sentence can be served on the weekends.

How long does an ignition interlock last?

Ignition interlock: An IID may be required for up to 1 year for a second offense within 5 years of previous offense. License suspension: Your license will be suspended for 12 to 18-months for a second offense within 5-years of a previous offense.

What is The Penalty for a Felony DUI in Kentucky?

If you are charged with felony DUI, you could face up to five years in prison, with a minimum term of 120 days without probation. You also must attend one year of substance or alcohol abuse treatment, and your driver’s license is suspended for five years. In addition, the judge may impose a fine between $1,000 to $10,000.

Are There Defenses to a Felony DUI Charge?

Yes, there could be one or more defense strategies applicable in your case. A DUI defense attorney would need to investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest to determine what defense strategy would give you the best chance of avoiding a DUI conviction.

Seek Legal Advice as Soon as Possible After a DUI Arrest

Depending on the facts of your case, your DUI charges could be dismissed or reduced. However, working directly with the prosecutor may not be in your best interest. The prosecutor wants a conviction.

Why do police use portable breathalyzers?

Officers routinely use portable breathalyzer tests to determine the presence of alcohol in a driver. However, problems with the reliability of PBT results has led the Kentucky legislature to deem PBT results inadmissible in court.

What are the penalties for DUI in Kentucky?

This may include between 48 and 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. In addition, Kentucky imposes a license suspension of between 30 and 120 days, mandatory drug or alcohol abuse treatment for 90 days and a community labor requirement ranging from 2 to 30 days.

How long does a Kentucky driver's license last?

In addition, Kentucky imposes a license suspension of between 30 and 120 days, mandatory drug or alcohol abuse treatment for 90 days and a community labor requirement ranging from 2 to 30 days. With so much on the line, it is critical to have an experienced Lexington DUI defense lawyer to represent you.

When is a breath test required in Kentucky?

The test must be taken within two hours from when you were last driving and the arresting officer gets to choose which test you take.

Can a prosecutor charge you with a DUI?

In fact, a prosecutor could charge you with a DUI in 6 different ways! You may be charged with a DUI for operating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle anywhere in Kentucky while:

What happens if you lose your license in Kentucky?

A hardship license grants an individual the ability to drive under certain circumstances. If you are approved for a Kentucky hardship license, you will only be permitted to drive to work, school, medical appointments and substance abuse education programs. You can only obtain a hardship license after the 30-day mandatory license suspension period (for a first offense DUI). Even if you can’t obtain a hardship license, you may be able to obtain an ignition interlock device license. Consult with our Lexington DUI Defense lawyers to determine your eligibility.

How long do you have to wait to get a lawyer before you get tested in Kentucky?

Kentucky law states that you should be given 10 to 15 minutes to attempt contacting an attorney before you are tested. If you are not afforded this opportunity, the test results could be thrown out.

What are the DUI Charges in Kentucky?

DUI charges range from Class B misdemeanors to felonies. Drunk driving offenses are classified in Kentucky as:

What Penalties Could I Face if I Am Convicted for Felony DUI in Kentucky?

A felony DUI conviction carries a prison term of up to five years. The minimum prison sentence for a felony DUI conviction is 120 days. You must serve your entire sentence in prison (there is no chance of parole).

Aggravating Circumstances Increase Your Punishment for a Felony DUI

If one or more aggravating circumstances are present in a felony DUI case, the mandatory prison sentence automatically doubles. The judge may sentence you to a longer prison term and impose harsher penalties.

Other Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction in Kentucky

When you are convicted of a felony DUI charge, you receive criminal penalties from the court. However, there are other consequences that you might encounter when you are released from prison.

Defending Yourself Against DUI Felony Charges

Being arrested for felony drunk driving is not a guilty verdict. However, you have the right to defend yourself against the charges. Hiring a DUI defense lawyer to mount a vigorous defense may be the best chance you have of beating DUI charges.

Get Help with Your DUI Defense in Kentucky

A Lexington DUI defense lawyer can review your arrest to determine if there may be one or more defenses that could potentially result in a dismissal or acquittal. If the evidence proves that you were driving under the influence, an experienced criminal defense lawyer could help you avoid the harshest sentence for your DUI charge.

What happens if you get charged with DUI in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, if you are charged with a DUI, you will be offered an opportunity to contact a lawyer. Let’s take a look at what exactly happens on a first DUI offense in Kentucky.

What is the BAC limit in Kentucky?

It’s also useful to note the BAC limit in Kentucky to make sure you are not driving under the influence. For adults , the BAC limit is 0.08, for drivers under 21 years of age the BAC is 0.02, and for commercial drivers, it’s 0.04. It’s a good idea to always watch your drinking to avoid a DUI in Kentucky.

What is a temporary license?

This is a temporary license that restricts you to go to and from school/work/or for treatment purposes. The penalties for your first DUI offense could increase if any of the following has also occurred: You were driving at least 30 miles above the speed limit. Driving the wrong way on the highway.

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Can you get your license reinstated after a DUI?

You are then possibly required to attend an alcohol education program that needs to be completed before you have your license reinstated. In other states, there may be other options available in redeeming your license after a DUI charge. You could apply for a hardship license if your circumstances allow.

Can you get out of jail for a DUI?

You will not be able to get out of jail time if you are convicted of an aggravated first DUI offense. There are legal ways you can do though to get out or escape a DUI offense. 2. The Effects on Commercial Licensed Drivers. You can be in a lot of trouble. You could get your CDL suspended for a year.

Can a DUI be changed?

Prosecutors can change and revoke DUI charges at any time. Unless you refused them a test sample, plea bargaining could even result in the reduction of penalties in your case.

What happens if you get a DUI in Kentucky?

Drivers convicted of a first- offense DUI (driving under the influence) (also sometimes called "DWI") in Kentucky face a fine, driver's license suspension, and possible jail time.

How long is a DUI in Kentucky?

A first DUI conviction carries the following potential penalties. Jail time. The judge can order 48 hours to 30 days in jail for a first offense.

How much is a first DUI fine?

A person who's convicted of a first DUI may be required to pay a fine of $200 to $500. (Read about the additional costs associated with a first DUI .) Treatment. All first offenders must complete a 90-day substance abuse program.

Can a DUI be amended?

Unless the driver refused a breath or blood test, prosecutors are permitted to amend DUI charges. So, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate some penalties through plea bargaining.

How long does it take to get a driver's license revoked?

In addition to the penalties listed above, the judge will revoke the driver's license for 30 to 120 days for a first DUI conviction. The driver must show satisfaction of the substance abuse treatment program before license reinstatement. After reinstatement, the driver will also have to install an ignition interlock device (IID) for six months.

Is a DUI a first offense in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a DUI is considered a first offense if the driver has no prior DUI convictions within the last ten years. A first DUI conviction carries the following potential penalties.

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