DUI & DWI

DUI and DWI Lawyers explore your options in Mount Sterling

In Kentucky, there are some strict penalties for individuals accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including jail or prison time, large fines, probation, community service and suspension of your driver license. When your personal and professional life is at stake, our experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys at White Peck Carrington, LLP meet with you in person to discuss your case, answer your questions and provide the objective advice you need. Our legal team has experience handling cases in both state and federal courts.

Considerations and penalties related to drunk driving

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI) are two very serious crimes that come with some harsh penalties if you’re convicted. In Kentucky, drivers are considered to be legally intoxicated if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is at or above .08. However, the tests used to measure these levels are not always accurate, and law enforcement officers must have a good reason to pull you over in the first place. A skilled attorney can help you fight DUI or DWI charges if you believe they are a result of unfair circumstances.

If you’re convicted, you may be facing one of these consequences, depending on the number of previous DUI or DWI offenses on your record within the last five years:

• First offense — The first time you’re arrested for drunk driving, you may face up to a $500 fine, 30 days in jail, mandatory drug or alcohol treatment programs, and the possible suspension of your driver license.
• Second offense — A second offense typically comes with harsher penalties, including up to a $500 fine, six months in jail, a 12- to 18-month license suspension, and community service.
• Third offense — This comes with a fine of up to $1,000, one year in jail, one year of required drug or alcohol treatment, and a license suspension for as long as 36 months.
• Fourth and subsequent offenses — If you’re arrested for DUI for the fourth time in five years, it’s a Class D felony in the state of Kentucky. You then are likely facing at least four months of incarceration without parole, a 60-month license suspension, a large fine and other significant consequences.

It’s important to note that you may face steeper penalties if you caused an accident that resulted in the injury or death of another person. In such a situation, you may need to deal with both criminal charges and civil litigation related to the crash.

Why it's important to consult a DUI attorney

When you’re accused of DUI or DWI, your life is in the hands of law enforcement officers, who may interpret the laws in different ways or even engage in illegal acts to make an arrest. If the main piece of evidence against you is a field sobriety test, for example, a skilled lawyer can challenge the results of this test in court — as studies show field sobriety tests cannot accurately indicate intoxication. And if the officer did not have a sound reason for stopping you, there’s also a chance you could get your charges eliminated.

Work with our experienced DUI and DWI defense law firm in Mount Sterling

If you have been pulled over for a DUI or DWI in Montgomery County, meet with one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers at White Peck Carrington, LLP right away. Inquire about a consultation by calling 859.498.2872 or by contacting us online. We serve clients throughout northeastern Kentucky from our office in downtown Mount Sterling next to the courthouse.