Aggressive DUI defense for Frankfort residents—protecting your license, your career, and your future in Kentucky’s capital city.
A DUI arrest in Frankfort, Kentucky can upend your life in a matter of hours. Between license suspension, potential jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record, the consequences of a DUI conviction reach far beyond the courtroom. For state employees, government workers, and professionals in Kentucky’s capital city, a DUI charge can also threaten your career and professional standing. Attorney Ashley Larmour provides experienced, aggressive DUI defense for clients throughout Frankfort and Franklin County, challenging the evidence against you at every stage and fighting to protect what matters most.
From our Georgetown office—located approximately 25 minutes east of Frankfort on US-460—Larmour Law Offices represents clients facing DUI charges in Franklin County District Court and throughout the Franklin County court system. Whether this is your first DUI arrest or you are facing enhanced penalties for a repeat offense, you deserve an attorney who will scrutinize every detail of your case and pursue the strongest possible defense.
Under Kentucky Revised Statutes section 189A.010, it is unlawful to operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any other substance that impairs your driving ability. Kentucky enforces strict blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits that vary based on the type of driver:
It is important to understand that you can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below 0.08% if the officer believes your ability to drive was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances. Kentucky law also makes it illegal to be in “physical control” of a vehicle while impaired—meaning you can be charged even if the vehicle was parked and the engine was off, as long as you had the ability to operate it.
Kentucky’s implied consent law (KRS 189A.103) means that by driving on Kentucky roads, you have already agreed to submit to chemical testing if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are impaired. Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test triggers an automatic license suspension separate from any criminal penalties, and the refusal itself can be used as evidence against you in court and treated as an aggravating factor that increases potential penalties.
Understanding what happens after a DUI arrest in Frankfort helps you prepare for what lies ahead. The Franklin County DUI process typically follows these stages:
After a traffic stop or sobriety checkpoint, the arresting officer will conduct field sobriety tests and may request a breathalyzer test. If the officer determines there is probable cause, you will be arrested and transported to the Franklin County Regional Jail for booking. You will typically be held until you are sober enough to be released, or until you post bond.
Your first court appearance will be an arraignment at the Franklin County District Court, located at 222 St. Clair Street, Frankfort, KY 40601. At arraignment, the judge will read the charges against you, advise you of your rights, and set bail conditions. This is a critical stage where having an attorney present can make a significant difference in the conditions of your release.
During the pre-trial phase, your attorney reviews all evidence including police reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, breathalyzer calibration records, and field sobriety test administration. This is the stage where many cases are resolved through negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, potentially resulting in reduced charges or an amended plea. Your attorney may also file motions to suppress evidence that was obtained improperly.
If a favorable resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, your case proceeds to trial. In Franklin County District Court, DUI cases are heard by the judge unless the charge has been elevated to a felony (fourth or subsequent offense), in which case the matter is transferred to Franklin County Circuit Court where you have the right to a jury trial.
Kentucky imposes escalating penalties for each subsequent DUI conviction within a ten-year lookback period. Even a first-offense DUI carries mandatory minimum penalties:
These penalties increase further when aggravating factors are present, including a BAC of 0.15% or higher, excessive speed, refusing chemical testing, transporting a child under 12, traveling the wrong way on a highway, or causing an accident resulting in injury or death. For a comprehensive breakdown of all penalty levels and aggravating circumstances, see our DUI Offenses & Penalties page.
Beyond the criminal penalties, a DUI conviction results in additional costs including court fees, substance abuse assessment and treatment program fees, ignition interlock device installation and monitoring costs, and substantially increased auto insurance premiums that can last for years.
Every DUI case has unique facts, and an effective defense strategy depends on the specific circumstances of your arrest. Attorney Ashley Larmour examines every element of the prosecution’s case to identify weaknesses and build the strongest possible defense. Common defense approaches include:
Under the Fourth Amendment, a police officer must have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity to initiate a traffic stop. If the officer lacked a valid legal basis for pulling you over, any evidence obtained during the stop—including BAC test results—may be suppressed. Frankfort sees significant traffic enforcement on US-127, US-60, and I-64, and not every stop is conducted with proper legal justification.
Breathalyzer machines require regular calibration and maintenance to produce accurate results. Your attorney can request calibration logs, maintenance records, and the operator’s certification to determine whether the device was functioning properly at the time of your test. Blood tests must follow strict chain-of-custody procedures, and errors in collection, storage, or analysis can compromise the reliability of the results.
Standardized field sobriety tests—the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, the walk-and-turn test, and the one-leg stand test—must be administered according to specific protocols established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even when administered correctly, these tests are not infallible. Medical conditions, physical disabilities, uneven road surfaces, poor lighting, and weather conditions can all affect performance and lead to false indicators of impairment.
Law enforcement officers must follow specific procedures during a DUI investigation, including properly advising you of your rights under Miranda and Kentucky’s implied consent statute. Failure to follow required procedures can provide grounds for suppressing evidence or dismissing charges entirely. Your attorney will review bodycam footage, dashcam recordings, and police reports to identify any procedural errors.
Frankfort is the seat of Kentucky state government, and a DUI arrest in the capital city carries considerations that go beyond the standard criminal penalties. Many Frankfort residents work for state government agencies, the legislature, regulatory bodies, or state-funded institutions. A DUI conviction can have serious consequences for government employment, professional licensing, and career advancement that extend well beyond the courtroom.
State employees may face disciplinary action, suspension, or termination following a DUI conviction, depending on their agency’s policies and the nature of their position. Employees in positions that require driving as part of their duties face particular risk, as a license suspension can make it impossible to perform essential job functions. Those who hold security clearances or positions of public trust may face additional scrutiny and consequences.
Many professionals working in Frankfort hold licenses issued by state boards—including attorneys, accountants, nurses, social workers, and others. A DUI conviction can trigger disciplinary proceedings before the relevant licensing board, potentially resulting in license suspension, probation, or additional conditions. An attorney who understands both the criminal defense side and the professional licensing implications can help you navigate both processes strategically.
Frankfort sits along the I-64 corridor, and commercial truck drivers passing through the area face the lower 0.04% BAC threshold. A DUI conviction can result in disqualification of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for one year on a first offense and a lifetime disqualification for a second offense—effectively ending a career in commercial transportation. Even an arrest without a conviction can create complications with employers and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
As the state capital, Frankfort is home to legislators, lobbyists, political staff, and other public figures for whom a DUI arrest carries reputational consequences in addition to criminal penalties. Attorney Ashley Larmour handles every case with discretion and works to protect your privacy to the fullest extent permitted by law while pursuing the best possible legal outcome.
Attorney Ashley Larmour brings a thorough, detail-oriented approach to every DUI case. From our Georgetown office at 102 East Main Street, Suite 7, Georgetown, KY 40324—approximately 25 minutes east of Frankfort on US-460—we represent clients in Franklin County District Court and throughout the Franklin County court system.
When you hire Larmour Law Offices for your Frankfort DUI defense, you can expect:
Initial consultations for criminal defense matters, including DUI charges, are $175. During your consultation, Attorney Larmour will review the facts of your case, explain the charges and potential penalties you face, discuss possible defense strategies, and answer your questions.
Larmour Law Offices provides DUI defense representation throughout Frankfort and all of Franklin County. Whether your arrest occurred on US-127, along the US-60 corridor, at a checkpoint on I-64, or anywhere else in Franklin County, we are prepared to defend your case in Franklin County District Court at 222 St. Clair Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.
We represent clients from all areas of Franklin County, including downtown Frankfort, South Frankfort, the Bellepoint and Peaks Mill communities, and surrounding areas. No matter where in Franklin County your DUI arrest took place, you deserve experienced legal representation that will fight for the best possible outcome.
If you have been charged with DUI in Frankfort or anywhere in Franklin County, do not wait to seek legal counsel. The decisions you make in the days following your arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Contact Larmour Law Offices today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights, your license, and your future.
Contact Larmour Law Offices today for an experienced DUI defense attorney who knows Franklin County courts.
Schedule a Consultation Call: 859-813-5614