Henderson DUI Lawyer

Henderson DUI Attorney

Driving under the influence in Kentucky (DUI) is a criminal offense. A conviction can leave you paying fines, driving with a suspended license, spending time in jail, or having a criminal record. You need an aggressive Henderson DUI lawyer on your side if you have been arrested for drunk or drugged driving.

At Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, we know how stressful these cases can be and how much is on the line for you. Our legal team stands ready to safeguard your rights while we evaluate the evidence and pinpoint weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

Michael J. Thompson is licensed to practice in Kentucky, Tennessee, the United States District Court for Western Kentucky, and the United States District Court for Middle Tennessee. He is also a veteran of four years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Thompson’s military experience, along with his courtroom savvy and tenacity, make him an experienced and reliable Henderson DUI attorney.

What Qualifies as DUI in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, a driver can be charged with driving under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Commercial drivers face a lower limit of 0.04%, and drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI if they have a BAC of 0.02% or more. In addition, Kentucky DUI laws apply if a driver is impaired by the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or illegal substances.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety reported that alcohol-impaired driving was a factor in more than 15% of all fatal crashes in the state in 2021. Because of these strict legal standards, one mistake can quickly lead to serious penalties, which is why it is critical to work with a Henderson DUI lawyer after an arrest.

How a Henderson DUI Lawyer Can Defend Your Case

Pleading guilty is not your only option if you are charged with a DUI in Henderson. A local DUI attorney may question the validity of the traffic stop itself, or the administration of field sobriety tests and breath testing devices. They can even look for errors in the calibration logs, officer training, or the chain of custody.

Your attorney may even work with the prosecutor to see if they can negotiate a lesser charge or alternative sentencing, such as diversion or plea bargains, when the circumstances warrant it.

Since DUIs are a very technical area of law that involves strict procedures and evidence issues, the right DUI lawyer can often make the difference between serious penalties and more moderate results.

Protecting Your Future After a DUI Arrest

In Henderson, the consequences of a DUI conviction don’t end when you leave the courtroom. Employment opportunities, insurance rates, and professional licensing can all be impacted. College students attending one of the nearby schools, such as Henderson Community College, can face school discipline up to and including loss of their opportunity to earn a degree.

Commercial drivers face severe consequences from a DUI conviction because they risk losing their professional standing. In Kentucky and federal law, a first DUI offense triggers a one-year CDL disqualification, and a second DUI offense is a lifetime ban.

Your Henderson DUI attorney can work to protect your future by working to lessen charges, seeking diversion or other options to avoid conviction, and limiting the long-term negative impact on your life, with a strong understanding of what works within the Henderson judicial system.

FAQs About Henderson, KY DUI Laws

What Is the Legal BAC Limit in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s legal BAC limit is .08 percent for most drivers. Commercial drivers are limited to .04 percent, and drivers under the age of 21 can be charged with DUI at a BAC of .02 percent or higher. This is the case even if a driver shows no outward signs of impairment. To fight a DUI in Henderson, be sure to have a DUI lawyer review your test results and procedures to see if your BAC reading is admissible in court.

Can Prescription or Over-the-Counter Drugs Lead to a DUI in Henderson?

Yes, Prescription and over-the-counter drugs that make you sleepy, dizzy, or slow to react can result in a DUI charge in Henderson. Kentucky has DUI laws that apply to alcohol as well as illegal drugs and legally prescribed and over-the-counter medications. A DUI attorney in Henderson can determine whether testing and officer observations were conducted properly, and they can explain whether other factors may have accounted for apparent impairment.

Can I Refuse a Chemical Test in Kentucky?

You cannot refuse a chemical test in Kentucky without consequences. Kentucky’s implied consent law means that by driving, you consent to chemical testing if you are properly arrested for DUI. Your license may be automatically suspended for refusing a breath, blood, or urine test, and this action may be used against you in court. A Henderson DUI attorney can determine if the request was lawful and may challenge an illegal request for testing, an improper way of administering a test, or a refusal.

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

A DUI stays on your record in Kentucky for 10 years and can be used to enhance charges if you receive another within that time. As a result, even a first conviction can have serious consequences for future charges, insurance rates, and employment. A Henderson DUI lawyer may be able to reduce charges, mitigate evidence, or seek diversion programs that may have less of a long-term impact on your record.

Contact a Henderson DUI Lawyer

Depending on the circumstances of your case, a DUI could impact your personal freedom, your finances, your driving privileges, and your future. At Michael J. Thompson, Attorney at Law, our criminal defense team takes DUI charges and the consequences they can carry very seriously.

We can review the evidence in your case, challenge any improper procedures, and aggressively pursue all available defenses. If a reduction of penalties is the right option, we are skilled negotiators. If you want to go before a judge, we can fight to protect your rights. Call our office and talk to a Henderson DUI lawyer who knows how to stand up for you and your future. Hire a DUI Lawyer today.