Reader’s Question:

My father was charged with DUI here in Kentucky. I think it was serious because my parents don’t want to talk about it with us. A friend of mine told me that maybe the charge was an aggravating DUI case. What does it mean by having an aggravated DUI case?

Laura

Owensboro, KY

The state of Kentucky considers DUI a criminal offense that is punishable with both criminal and administrative penalties. DUI can actually result penalties that are difficult to face when you’re trying to live a normal life.

Kentucky has a list of six aggravating factors that double the mandatory minimum jail time for people convicted of DUI. The circumstances that an aggravating case could be charged if the offender was operating a vehicle going the wrong direction on a limited access highway, driving 30 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, operating a motor vehicle that caused death or serious injuries, refused to submit to chemical testing, had a blood alcohol level of .18% or had a child under the age of 12 in the vehicle while driving under the influence. The minimum jail time with one aggravating factor is 4 days for a first offense. A second offense would have a mandatory minimum jail time of 14 days. The third offense has a mandatory minimum jail term of 60 days. A fourth offense with an aggravating factor increases the mandatory minimum jail term to 240 days.

If your father was charged with this, he will need a Kentucky DUI lawyer who can help him defend himself against DUI charges or minimize the penalties composed if you are convicted.