Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses are among the most common charges prosecuted in Kentucky and across the United States. Drivers get arrested due to erratic behavior while driving or their involvement in a motor vehicle collision. Failing a breath test during a traffic stop or swerving all over the road are common issues that lead to DUI charges.
Despite how often people violate impaired driving rules, there is a lot of misinformation about such scenarios. Some people fail to understand that the rules for DUI cases are different in every state. Others may believe misinformation shared by friends, coworkers or popular media. Many people understand that the criminal courts can impose licensing penalties after an impaired driving conviction.
Does everyone who pleads guilty to a DUI offense lose their driver’s license in Kentucky?
Licensing penalties are standard in DUI cases. The judges who hear DUI cases in Kentucky can send someone to probation or incarceration. They can also suspend someone’s driver’s license. In most cases, the law requires a driver’s license suspension. After a first DUI conviction, a Kentucky driver faces a license suspension that could last six months.
Anyone convicted of a second offense within 10 years of their first DUI could lose their license for 18 months. A third offense within 10 years carries a 36-month suspension, while a fourth offense might lead to 60 months or five years without driving privileges. If someone has a commercial driver’s license (CDL), they could lose their CDL after a conviction while on the job or in their personal vehicle.
In some cases, drivers can apply for a hardship license after serving a portion of their license suspension. Typically, hardship licenses require the installation of an ignition interlock device. The driver must conduct alcohol tests before starting their vehicle and can’t drive if they have an elevated blood alcohol concentration. Hardship licenses don’t help those who lose their CDLs.
The risk of losing a driver’s license is one reason why many people decide to fight back against pending Kentucky DUI charges. Learning more about what to expect when accused of a crime by seeking legal guidance can help people plan an appropriate response to their circumstances, given their unique needs.