When a Kentucky police officer pulls you over because they suspect that you were driving under the influence (DUI), they may arrest you. Just spending a night in state custody can seem like an incredible hardship, and you may worry about what the charges could mean for your future.
Depending on your record and the circumstances at the time of the traffic stop, the penalties that you face could include fines, jail time, probation and the suspension of your driver’s license. Some people plead guilty because they want to avoid a criminal trial or hope to reduce the penalties they face.
However, a guilty plea will almost certainly lead to typical criminal penalties and several secondary financial consequences. How might a DUI conviction in Kentucky affect your financial situation?
Losing your license can affect your work
The license suspension so common with DUI charges can be a significant hardship for the person arrested. If you can’t make it to work on time reliably, your employer might write you up or fire you. You might also incur substantial expenses to avoid such penalties.
You may need to pay for rideshare services or similar professional support, which could add up to hundreds of dollars in transportation costs every month. Without those special precautions, you could be at risk of losing your job or stalling your professional growth because your employer no longer views you as a dedicated and reliable employee.
Driving costs will increase when you do get your license back
You have to pay for insurance to legally drive in Kentucky, and the cost for your coverage will go up after a DUI conviction. Your insurance provider decides what to charge based on the amount of risk you represent.
Everything from your age and the price of your vehicle to your driving history determines how much you pay for coverage. After a single drunk driving infraction in Kentucky, your insurance premium will likely increase by 58% at least. You will pay hundreds of dollars more each year for coverage.
Pleading guilty to DUI charges will not necessarily protect you from the worst consequences. If anything, it leaves you at the mercy of the judge presiding over your case. Defending against DUI charges may be the only way to eliminate the lasting financial implications of a DUI conviction.