December is a month of parties, holidays and festive celebrations. It is important to be prepared for Louisville, County and Kentucky State Police DUI checkpoints as our officers work to protect the safety of area streets and highways.
It is important to note that Kentucky law carefully regulates Louisville and Kentucky State Police DUI checkpoints. Kentucky “Traffic Safety Checkpoints” may legally be established to look for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers and passengers (including children) that are not properly restrained as well as other traffic violations or safety issues.
Traffic safety checkpoints must be planned by law enforcement officials and not by “officers who are out in the field.” The date and location of any DUI (safety) checkpoint must be planned in advance and published in local news, law enforcement and county websites and other locations so that citizens may be aware of them in advance. However, Kentucky State Police and other law enforcement agencies may not disclose specific times of operation or other related details.
The officers may “perform a cursory examination of the vehicle to look for signs of intoxication or check for license and registration. If during the traffic safety stop the officer has “reasonable suspicion that the motorist has violated the law” the motorist should be “asked to pull to the side” to allow others in line to proceed.
The Law Offices of John Schmidt & Associates PLLC encourages everyone in Shepherdsville, Mount Washington, Shelbyville, Taylorsville, Radcliff, Elizabethtown, Jeffersontown or the Louisville area to make plans to enjoy the holiday season safely. If you are going to be celebrating away from home, we invite you to check law enforcement websites, local publications and the media for information about Louisville, County and Kentucky State Police DUI checkpoints.
Awareness and planning are the keys to a successful holiday season. If you are going to head out with friends, always identify a “designated driver” who will agree to abstain from drugs and alcohol so that you all have a safe ride home. It will help the whole group to enjoy the evening even more, while preventing a potentially life-altering car accident or DUI.
Consider ride-sharing and other alternatives if you have had anything which might alter your ability to safely drive.
The penalties for a DUI in Kentucky include fines, treatment programs and jail time. A DUI is not only a potentially heavy legal expense, it will substantially raise the cost of obtaining insurance for your vehicle. A DUI conviction can also affect many aspects of your life, including present and future employment.
This is why it is important to contact John Schmidt if you have been charged with a DUI. I have more than 25 years of experience in these cases and work with you to develop a strong defense to protect your rights and lessen the penalties you will face, or to seek an outright acquittal.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the answers you need and relief from financial challenges and creditors.
