Bowling Green DUI Lawyer

Bowling Green DUI Attorney

It can be overwhelming to face the potential consequences that come with DUI charges. If convicted, you will end up with a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. A criminal record can impact your job opportunities, your social reputation, and even your personal relationships. Consequences could include hefty fines, probation, and even prison time. You want to make sure you have a Bowling Green DUI lawyer to help you through this situation.

The legal team behind Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, recognizes how difficult it can be to fight a DUI charge. You may not even know what you can do to defend yourself when charges are filed. That’s why it’s so vital to hire an experienced Bowling Green DUI attorney to help your case. You will want someone who has handled DUI cases before and who understands the nuances and complexities of DUI laws. Our firm can help you figure out a path forward.

Potential DUI Defenses in Kentucky

When you are arrested for a DUI, you may feel like you’ve already lost. It’s important to remember that an arrest is not the end of your case. It’s the beginning. Don’t forget to exercise your constitutional rights, particularly your right to legal counsel and your right to remain silent. Once you can contact your lawyer, you can start working on a strong defense strategy built on the facts of your case. Here are two of the possible defenses your attorney may use:

• Invalid traffic stop: In Kentucky, law enforcement cannot legally search you or your vehicle if they don’t have a valid search warrant or probable cause that a crime has been committed. They can’t just stop you on a hunch. If they can’t provide probable cause, any evidence that was collected during the stop may be rendered inadmissible, including the results of a breathalyzer or field sobriety tests.
• You weren’t driving: Arguably, the most basic defense you can claim is the simple fact that you weren’t driving the vehicle at the time of your arrest. If the police pulled up while you were already stopped and the vehicle wasn’t moving, you technically were not driving drunk. This can be enough to provide a solid defense.

These are certainly not the only defense strategies that may work in your case. Working through the details of your case with your attorney will help identify what defense most appropriately fits your needs.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

There are many reasons why you should hire a DUI lawyer. Above all, you want to make sure you have someone in your corner who understands the stakes you’re up against and can provide you with solid, reliable legal help. Michael J. Thompson has the education, experience, and resources to provide you with that help. He’s a proud member of the Kentucky Bar Association and has substantial litigation experience. He can bring a personalized and compassionate approach to your case.

According to recent statistical data collected by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Court of Justice and the Department of Information and Technology Services, there were a total of 19,241 district court cases throughout Kentucky that involved at least one DUI charge in 2024. Over 15,000 of these cases involved a first offense DUI. If you are facing DUI charges, you should contact a lawyer and start working on building a viable defense strategy for your case.

If you are facing DUI charges in Bowling Green, you may want to consider making some personal changes to avoid similar future situations. It’s okay to ask for help, and you may want to reach out to a local alcohol-related support group, such as Journey Pure or The Bridge to Recovery, for assistance. Talking to people who have been through similar legal situations to yours may be beneficial in more ways than one. Above all, you want to prioritize your own health during all this.

FAQs About Bowling Green, KY DUI Laws

Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Kentucky?

It is possible for a DUI to be dismissed in Kentucky. However, it might not be an effective legal strategy to depend solely on a dismissal. It’s far more likely that you’ll be convicted, but eligible for an expungement after a predetermined period, and only if you meet certain criteria. Still, a dismissal could occur due to a lack of evidence or a technical error that damages the prosecution’s case against you.

What Is the Most Common Sentence for a First Offense DUI in Kentucky?

There is no common sentence for a first offense DUI in Kentucky. Every first offense case is different, and the judge’s sentence depends entirely on the details of the case at hand. Many times, the sentence involves a substantial fine and a possible jail sentence that ranges anywhere from 48 hours to 30 days. Additional penalties may include a mandatory alcohol abuse program and some community service, as well as a suspension of your license.

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a DUI stays on your record forever, unless you are eligible for an expungement. An expungement can be done after 10 years for a first offense misdemeanor DUI, and only if you have no other convictions. A felony DUI conviction is not eligible for expungement. Even if the charges are dismissed, it will still be on your record permanently. Your lawyer can help you find out if your case is eligible for expungement after a certain amount of time has passed.

Should I Hire a DUI Lawyer?

You should hire a DUI lawyer. DUI cases are not always as straightforward as they may appear. You may have a chance of beating the charges, but not without the help of an experienced lawyer who knows what they’re doing. The last thing you want is to go up against a seasoned prosecutor on your own, especially when the stakes may be high. The help of an experienced DUI lawyer cannot be overstated.

Contact Our Bowling Green DUI Lawyer Today

When you are facing potential legal consequences for a DUI charge, you will want all the help available to you. You should reach out to an experienced DUI lawyer for assistance in building your defense strategy. The legal team at Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, can help you figure out a plan for your case. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about what we can do for you.