Bowling Green DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested charged with a DUI in Kentucky, the consequences can be severe. If you are convicted, in addition to the cost of fines and increased insurance payments you may face jail time and wind up with a permanent criminal record that will forever affect your prospects for education, job opportunities, government benefits, and social relationships.

This is not something you want to fight on your own. The Bowling Green DUI attorneys at Dan Carman, PLLC have helped many clients accused of DUI over the years, and we are fully prepared to do the same for you.  We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the circumstances of your DUI and determine the best way to handle it, so call us today to get started.

Why Choose Our Bowling Green DUI Defense Lawyer

There are many attorneys in Kentucky, and you should seek one that you feel comfortable with who also has the necessary knowledge and experience to help you get the best results possible. Here are some reasons why we think you should choose Carman Fullerton:

• We are experienced and bilingual. Attorney Dan Carman speaks Spanish and has many years of experience representing clients accused of DUI, as well as rape, possession and distribution of drugs, and many other crimes. Mr. Carman also worked as a prosecutor and as a legal assistance attorney, so he knows the system from both sides.
• We are recognized in our field. Dan Carman is a member of various local and national Bar Associations has previously been named in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.
• We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
• We have many satisfied clients and have won an award for the 10 Best attorneys in client satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.

At Dan Carman, PLLC, we know how to gather and examine evidence such as police reports, recordings, and testing logs. We know your rights and the rules and regulations police officers must follow for a DUI, as well as how to use mistakes they make to build your case. We are prepared to find weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case, negotiate to get you the best deal possible, and take your case to trial if necessary.

Bowling Green Lawyer Explains DUI Charges and Punishments

In Kentucky, the abbreviations DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) refer to an individual’s driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance(s) which impair driving ability, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. The law prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of or above 0.08 (above 0.02 if you are under 21).

Penalties for a DWI/DUI

Penalties for a DUI in Kentucky depend on whether or not this is your first offense, the number of prior convictions, and the circumstances involved:

First offense 

A Class B misdemeanor with a fine of $200-$500, 4-30 days in jail, and license suspension for 30-120 days.

Second offense 

A Class B misdemeanor with a fine of $350-$500, 7 days to 6 months in jail, and license suspension for 12-18 months.

Third offense 

A Class A misdemeanor with a fine of $500-$1,000, 30 days to 12 months in jail, and license suspension for 24-36 months.

Four or more offenses 

A Class D felony with a fine of $1,000-$10,000, 1-5 years in jail, and a 60-month license suspension.

There are additional penalties for a DUI in Kentucky that can include:

• Community service
• Participation in an alcohol or substance abuse program
• Installation of an ignition interlock in your vehicle
• Mandatory alcohol education and assessment
• Driver’s license suspension if you refused to submit to a test.

A DUI with aggravated circumstances brings harsher penalties. These circumstances include transporting a child under the age of 12, driving 30 mph or more over the speed limit, driving in the wrong direction, causing an accident while impaired, and committing other traffic infractions.

If you have a commercial driver’s license and are convicted of a DUI, it will be suspended for one (1) year, and you will have to pay a $50 reinstatement fee. You will have to pass the written and vision tests before starting over with a permit and having to pass all applicable skills tests before obtaining a commercial license.

How Our DUI Lawyer in Kentucky Works for You

At Carman Fullerton, everyone shares our commitment to our clients. When you have our team on your side, we will:

• Meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your DUI and determine the best way to build a solid defense
• Prepare you for all hearings and court appearances, to make sure you don’t hurt your case
• Scrutinize the actions of the law enforcement officials to determine if your rights were violated and laws pertaining to DUI arrests were fully met, as mistakes greatly enhance the possibility that you will be found not guilty
• Negotiate with prosecutors and look for ways to have your charges dismissed or lessened
• Take your case to court to defend you if necessary.

How Our DUI Attorney May Build Your Defense

Depending on the circumstances of what happened during and after your arrest for a DUI, there are several potential defenses to a Kentucky DUI. Police officers and prosecutors are required to follow rules and regulations, and evidence must be handled properly or be inadmissible. Possible defense include:

• Lack of probable cause or illegal stop. Police must have specific reasons to stop and arrest you, or evidence against you may not be used.
• Improper testing. Questioning the validity, calibration, administration, or reliability of field sobriety tests, blood tests, or breath tests and how they were administered or processed. Lab samples must be properly maintained and processed and any errors such as improper calibration of equipment or contamination of samples could result in successful challenges.
• Constitutional violations, such as unlawful search and seizure, insufficient evidence and lack of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Requesting an independent blood test, which is your right under Kentucky law if you submit to all required tests.
• Challenging the two-hour testing window, as Kentucky requires that tests must be taken within two hours of last driving.
• Claiming that you had no choice but to drive to avoid a greater harm, that you unknowingly consumed an intoxicating substance, or that certain medical conditions mimicked signs of intoxication.

Dan Carman will evaluate the specific circumstances of your case to determine the most appropriate defense strategy.

Get Help From Our Bowling Green DUI Attorney

If you have been charged with a DUI in Kentucky, Bowling Green criminal defense lawyer Dan Carman can help. Dan was a Judge Advocate “JAG” (defense lawyer and prosecuting attorney) for Marine Corps and Navy personnel charged with felonies. This experience gives him distinctive insight into both sides of the legal process, which can be very advantageous to those charged with criminal offenses. He knows how the Kentucky criminal justice system operates and will work closely with you every step of the way.

For a free initial consultation and a conversation about your situation, call the Carman Law Office today. Acting quickly is the best way to protect your rights.

FREE CONSULT (859) 685-1055