DUI Lawyer Frankfort KY
Being charged with a DUI can feel like the ground has shifted beneath your feet. You may be worried about jail time, your job, your driver’s license, or all of the above. But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. At Mashni Law, PLLC, we provide strategic, compassionate defense to protect your rights and move forward. Whether this is your first arrest or you’re facing repeat charges, our DUI lawyer Frankfort KY law firm will fight for the best possible outcome.
When you’re up against the criminal justice system, your story matters. We don’t just look at the police report; we listen to you. Our DUI lawyer knows that good people sometimes make mistakes and that even the innocent can be accused. Our team is here to help you regain control of your life with smart, focused legal defense.
Why Choose Mashni Law, PLLC for DUI Defense in Frankfort, KY
DUI defense is a core aspect of our legal practice. At Mashni Law, PLLC, we’re committed to protecting the rights and futures of people facing some of the most stressful moments of their lives.
Our DUI attorney offers concierge-level support, honest legal guidance, and aggressive defense rooted in strategy and compassion. Our firm takes a limited number of cases to ensure every client gets the attention they deserve. Since we’re based right here in central Kentucky, we know how to manage the ins and outs of the local courts.
Whether you’re a young adult at Kentucky State, a working parent, or a commercial driver trying to protect your job, we’re here to listen, advocate, and defend. Your case is personal to us.
Understanding DUI Charges in Frankfort, KY
In Kentucky, driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense with far-reaching consequences. The legal limit for most drivers is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, but the rules are even stricter for specific groups. Commercial drivers can be charged with DUI at just 0.04%, and drivers under the age of 21 face a zero-tolerance threshold of 0.02%.
Importantly, you don’t have to blow over the limit to be charged. If a police officer believes you’re impaired by alcohol, prescription medication, marijuana, or any controlled substance, you can still be arrested and prosecuted.
DUI laws in Kentucky are governed by KRS Chapter 189A, and the statute outlines the elements of the offense and mandatory minimum penalties, aggravating circumstances, and administrative consequences. What many people don’t realize is that a DUI charge in Kentucky can come from more than just a failed breathalyzer.
You can be charged based on the officer’s subjective opinion that you were impaired, even without a BAC reading. Since DUI is treated as a strict liability offense, intent doesn’t matter. You don’t have to mean to drive drunk; you only need to be found operating a vehicle while impaired.
The law also distinguishes between different types of substances, such as alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even inhalants. Police are trained to observe specific behaviors like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or unsteady movements, but these symptoms can also result from fatigue, illness, or stress.
As such, it’s imperative to have a Frankfort DUI attorney who can challenge the assumptions and science behind the arrest. Our DUI attorney examines the officer’s training, the validity of chemical testing, and any constitutional issues involved in the stop or arrest.
Why You Need a DUI Lawyer in Frankfort, KY
The stakes in a DUI case are incredibly high. Even a first offense can carry up to 30 days in jail, hundreds of dollars in fines, a six-month license suspension, and mandatory substance abuse education. For repeat offenses, the penalties escalate dramatically, jail time increases, fines rise, and the possibility of ignition interlock or license revocation becomes very real.
Beyond the courtroom, a DUI conviction can affect your career, your car insurance rates, and your reputation. If you hold a professional license or work in healthcare, education, or law enforcement, the consequences can be even more severe.
Kentucky imposes strict penalties for DUI offenses, and even a single mistake can follow you for years. First-time DUI offenders in Kentucky face fines ranging from $200 to $500, mandatory DUI classes, and a license suspension of 30 to 120 days. If aggravating circumstances are present, such as a BAC of 0.15% or higher, driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit, or having a child under 12 in the vehicle, jail time can increase to a mandatory 4-day minimum, even for a first offense.
Second-time offenders within a 10-year lookback period face harsher consequences: 7 days to 6 months in jail, license suspension for up to 18 months, and enrollment in an alcohol or drug treatment program. A third offense carries 30 days to 12 months in jail and a 36-month license suspension. By the fourth offense, DUI becomes a felony, punishable by one to five years in prison and a five-year license revocation.
These penalties escalate quickly, and without strong legal representation, defendants often find themselves overwhelmed by the system. At Mashni Law, PLLC, our DUI lawyer guides clients through every step, from arraignment to resolution, ensuring that no right is waived and no opportunity is missed.
Our Approach to DUI Defense
No two DUI cases are the same. That’s why we never use a cookie-cutter approach. When you come to Mashni Law, PLLC, you can expect individualized attention and a strategy tailored to your situation. We take time to understand what happened, review the police report, examine the evidence, and determine the best legal path forward.
We don’t just look for the easiest resolution; we aim for the right one. If it’s possible to suppress flawed evidence, negotiate a reduced charge, or win your case at trial, we’ll pursue that path relentlessly. Throughout it all, we keep you informed and involved because this is your case, your future, and your right to defend yourself.
Types of DUI Cases Our Frankfort DUI Lawyer Handles
First-Time DUI Offenses
If you’ve never been arrested before, a first DUI charge can be especially frightening. The good news? First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs that avoid jail time and allow them to keep their records clean. We’ll help you explore every opportunity for a favorable resolution.
Repeat DUI Offenses
Kentucky law gets tougher with each subsequent DUI. If you’re facing a second, third, or fourth DUI, the risk of long-term license loss and incarceration increases significantly. We’ll dig deep into the facts and fight hard to minimize or avoid those enhanced penalties.
Underage DUI (Zero Tolerance)
Kentucky’s zero-tolerance law means anyone under 21 with a BAC of 0.02% or more can be charged. These cases often involve students at Kentucky State University or nearby colleges. We understand how a conviction can derail your academic or professional future, and we work to prevent that.
Commercial Driver DUI
For CDL holders, a DUI isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a job killer. A DUI conviction can disqualify you from holding a commercial license, even for a first offense. We’ll fight to keep you driving and employed.
Drugged Driving (DUID)
Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and marijuana can all lead to DUI charges, even without alcohol in your system. We’ll review whether law enforcement had proper grounds for arrest and whether their conclusions are supported by credible science.
DUI and College Students in Frankfort
Frankfort is home to Kentucky State University and is a hub for young adults beginning their careers or completing their education. A DUI arrest at this stage in life can feel catastrophic, but it doesn’t have to define your future.
Our law firm helps students and their families handle the legal system while protecting academic standing, scholarship eligibility, and future career paths. If you’re a parent reading this on behalf of your child, know that Mashni Law, PLLC will provide the discreet, strategic defense your family needs during this stressful time.
What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Franklin County
If you’ve just been arrested for DUI, your next steps can make all the difference. Here’s what our DUI attorneys recommend:
- Stay calm and say as little as possible. You have the right to remain silent; use it. Statements you make at the time of arrest can be twisted and used against you later.
- Do not automatically consent to field sobriety tests. These tests are subjective, and your performance can be affected by factors like nerves, medical conditions, or uneven ground.
- Contact our Frankfort, KY DUI attorney immediately. The sooner you get legal representation, the sooner we can protect your rights and gather critical evidence. You only have a limited time to challenge a license suspension, so don’t delay.
After a DUI arrest in Franklin County, the decisions you make in the first 24 to 48 hours can significantly impact the outcome of your case. For instance, if you refused a chemical test or blew over the legal limit, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can suspend your license before you’ve even appeared in court. But you have a right to contest that suspension by requesting an administrative hearing if you act quickly.
We help clients file these requests and represent them in both the administrative and criminal phases of the DUI process. Many people don’t realize that DUI cases in Kentucky have two tracks: one involving the court system and another involving the state’s licensing authority. Without experienced legal help, you may lose your license even if you eventually beat the charges in court.
At Mashni Law, PLLC, we stay ahead of deadlines, ensure your rights are preserved, and advocate for alternatives like ignition interlock or hardship licenses so you can keep driving legally while your case unfolds.
Frankfort DUI FAQs
What happens if I refuse a breath or blood test?
Under Kentucky’s implied consent law, refusing a test can result in an automatic license suspension, even if you’re later found not guilty. However, these cases are still defensible. We’ll explore the legality of the test request and whether proper procedures were followed.
Can I lose my license after a DUI arrest?
Yes. You can face administrative suspension before your case even goes to court. But with a timely hearing request and skilled representation, we may be able to preserve your driving privileges.
Will a DUI stay on my record forever?
Not necessarily. First-offense DUIs in Kentucky may be eligible for expungement five years after completing your sentence. We help eligible clients clean their record and move forward.
Is jail time mandatory for a first DUI?
It can be, but jail is not always required. With proper legal advocacy, many first-time offenders can receive a suspended sentence, probation, or entry into a diversion program.
Can I fight a DUI charge?
Yes. There are numerous potential defenses. The officer may have lacked probable cause to stop you. The testing equipment may have been faulty. Your rights may have been violated. We look at every detail to build your defense.
Take Control of Your Case: Contact Our DUI Lawyer Frankfort KY Law Firm
A DUI arrest can feel like the end of the world, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right DUI lawyer by your side, you can challenge evidence, explore alternatives to conviction, and start rebuilding your life. Kentucky’s legal system is tough on DUI, but it also allows for second chances, especially for those willing to fight smart.
At Mashni Law, PLLC, we don’t treat you like a case number. Our team treats you like a person with something to protect. We’ll work to humanize your story in court, demonstrate your commitment to making things right, and negotiate from a position of strength. This isn’t just about avoiding penalties, it’s about protecting your name, your job, and your peace of mind.
Facing a DUI charge doesn’t define you, but how you respond does. Let us help protect your future. Call Mashni Law, PLLC at (859) 577-7827 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.