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DUI charges jump in Franklin area

On Behalf of | Mar 5, 2019 | Criminal Defense |

Worried if you or a loved one might be in danger of being pulled over for DUI? According to recent statistics, that worry is warranted.

According to the administrative office of Kentucky District Courts, the number of people charged with DUI has jumped 34 percent from 2012 to 2017.

There were 3,006 charges for DUI filed in 2012. In 2017, there were 4,032. These were charges of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th DUI in the following counties:

  • Anderson, Shelby, Spenser – 811 in 2012, 1,105 in 2017
  • Bourbon, Scott, Woodford – 815 in 2012, 1,123 in 2017
  • Carroll, Grant, Owen – 335 in 2012, 440 in 2017
  • Henry, Oldham, Trimble – 571 in 2012, 632 in 2017
  • Franklin – 474 in 2012, 732 in 2017

DUI in Kentucky

For a first-time DUI offense, drivers 21 years old or older face up to $500 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, a suspended driver’s license and enrollment in an alcohol or substance abuse program.

The penalties are more severe if the driver is younger than 21, is speeding, driving in the wrong direction or causes an injury.

Penalties stiffen with the number of DUI charges:

  • A second offense includes license suspension and license plate forfeiture followed by the installation of an ignition interlock device; one year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment
  • A third offense includes a longer license and license plate suspension along with alcohol or substance abuse treatment and an ignition interlock device
  • A fourth offense includes a 60-month license suspension and license plate forfeiture followed by an ignition interlock device and one year of alcohol or substance abuse treatment

A person with a commercial driver’s license who is convicted of DUI will face license suspension and must complete written and vision tests to receive a new commercial driver’s license permit.