With football season now underway, Louisville Cardinals fans are excited to cheer on their favorite college team. If you’re a supporter, you might sport some red and make the drive to the University of Louisville to see the Cardinals play.
A large part of football involves tailgating and drinking alcoholic beverages, but that can lead to an increased risk of drinking and driving. After the game, you might have a long drive ahead of you, but driving drunk could lead to legal ramifications.
What are the penalties for driving under the influence in Kentucky?
If a police officer stops you for driving drunk on the way home from Louisville, you could face a driving under the influence (DUI) offense. DUI penalties differ depending on if you’ve had a prior offense within a 10-year period.
If you’re charged with your first offense, your penalties could be:
· 90 days spent attending an alcohol abuse program
· 30 to 120 days of license suspension
· A fine of $200-$500
A second DUI offense could entail penalties like:
· One year of alcohol abuse treatment
· 12 to 18 months of having your license suspended
· A fine of $350-$500
Meanwhile, a third offense carries repercussions of:
· One year in an alcohol abuse treatment program
· 24 to 36 months of license suspension
· A fine of $500-$1,500
If accused of at least a third offense, you’re prohibited from driving for a minimum of two years. A DUI offense not only impacts your pocketbook and ability to transport yourself from place to place, but it could also result in jail time. Nobody wants their fun memories at a sporting event to quickly turn into a legal battle, but in those instances, understanding your options could help you identify your next steps.