DUI Defense Attorney Serving Louisville And Across Kentucky

One drink too many can turn an after-work happy hour or guys’ night out into a nightmare if you are charged with a DUI. Even a first DUI offense can result in hefty penalties if you are convicted. You could be facing license suspension, fines, a mandatory ignition interlock device (which you pay for) and even jail time. You may also be required to undergo alcohol treatment at your expense. The costs and consequences add up quickly. That is why you need an aggressive, knowledgeable DUI lawyer representing you.

I am attorney David von Wiegandt, and I have defended clients in Louisville against DUI charges for more than 10 years. I work diligently to minimize the repercussions of being charged with a DUI.

Understanding DUI Laws In Kentucky

Kentucky DUI law, under KRS 189A.010, sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at .08% for most drivers. Reaching or exceeding that threshold creates a legal presumption of impairment under Kentucky law.

Kentucky’s implied consent law means that driving on state roads counts as your agreement to submit to chemical testing. Refusing to submit triggers an automatic license suspension separate from any criminal penalties. The state also applies a 10-year lookback period. Any prior DUI conviction within the past decade can affect the severity of your current case.

Kentucky law organizes DUI penalties into four tiers. Here is what each offense level can mean for you:

• First offense: 48 hours to 30 days in jail, $200 to $500 in fines and a 30 to 120-day license suspension
• Second offense: Seven days to six months in jail, $350 to $500 in fines and a 12 to 18-month license suspension
• Third offense: 30 days to 12 months in jail, $500 to $1,000 in fines and a 24 to 36-month license suspension
• Fourth offense (felony): 120 days to five years in prison, $1,000 to $10,000 in fines and a 60-month license suspension

Certain factors can increase these penalties significantly. A BAC of .15% or higher, refusing a chemical test or having a minor passenger in the vehicle all qualify as aggravating circumstances. Courts take these factors seriously and can impose much harsher sentences because of them.

DUI Defense Strategies I Use To Protect Your Rights

I examine every detail of your case to find weaknesses in the evidence against you. Here are the key defense strategies I use to protect you:

• Unlawful traffic stops: If police lacked reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, I challenge the stop directly to protect your case
• Flawed field sobriety tests: Officers sometimes administer these tests incorrectly, which makes the results unreliable and open to challenge
• Breathalyzer calibration errors: A poorly maintained or improperly calibrated device can produce false BAC readings, and I know how to dispute them
• Ignition interlock alternatives: Where possible, I fight to protect your driving privileges and minimize the disruption to your daily life

I understand that the long-term effect of being convicted of a DUI can severely impact your future. I bring that level of preparation and attention to detail to every case, which can make a real difference in your outcome. If negotiating a lesser plea is appropriate, I will use the skills I have honed over the past decade. If negotiations fail, I am comfortable and effective in the courtroom.

While you may be tempted to plead guilty and move on with your life, consult with me to discuss your options. Hiring the right attorney can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Do Not Wait To Contact A Louisville DUI Attorney

If you are charged with a DUI, you should contact an attorney immediately. Do not try to fight DUI charges on your own. You need a lawyer who understands the system and treats your case with urgency. I am available to clients day or night and make it a priority to respond promptly. Call my office at 502-694-5948 today or reach out online.