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Amanda Page Wills

 

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DUI and Drunk Driving Criminal Defense in Central Kentucky

DUI/OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

On a first offense DUI, Kentucky law requires the Judge to sentence an individual to a minimum of 48 hours in jail (maximum 30 days), a minimum fine of $728, and a minimum license suspension of 30 days (maximum 120). On a second, third, and fourth offense, the penalties get much, much worse. There are many secondary consequences to being convicted of Operating Under the Influence as well. Amanda defends DUI’s on a frequent basis and is well informed on issues related to testing procedures and evidence admissibility.

If you have been arrested, charged, or are being investigated for DUI by law enforcement, do not wait – call for a free phone consultation today!

OUR PHILOSOPHY:

Whether charged with a major criminal offense or a minor traffic violation, your choice of legal counsel is crucial. Your attorney is your voice and your defender inside the court room. However, much of an attorney’s work is actually performed behind the scenes. He or she must guide you through the criminal justice process, answer questions and ease concerns, and prepare your case for presentation to the court.

Attorney Amanda Page Wills is committed to providing premium legal representation to her clients. She provides them with personal and individualized attention and around the clock availability. No aspect of your case will be handled by a paralegal or legal assistant.

PRINCIPLES OF A PREMIUM LEGAL DEFENSE:

FREQUENT COMMUNICATION

Amanda believes that frequent communication is key to providing premium service. Stress is often intensified by the lack of information. Amanda’s clients are informed about every step of the process, and always kept up to date on the status of their case.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Amanda believes that effective communication is key to providing premium service. She will advise you of your options in a clear and easy to understand manner. The courtroom is a world of its own. Many frequently used words and phrases in the English language have significantly different “legal meanings.” Many criminal defendants have never been to court before, so it is essential they have a good criminal defense attorney to shed some light on the proceedings and court jargon.

AVAILABILITY

Amanda believes that availability is key to providing premium service. Legal issues don’t always arise between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Amanda understands that her clients require assistance at all hours. She is on call 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. She returns calls the same day and responds promptly to text messages and client emails.

KNOWLEDGE

Amanda believes that knowledge of the court is key to providing premium service. The court climate is heavily influenced by county officials and local judges. The standard disposition to a particular case in one county may not even be an option in another. It is essential that your attorney be familiar with and understand the local court system in which your case is pending. Amanda only accepts cases in geographical areas where she has intimate knowledge of the local climate. This ensures that her clients get the very best and accurate legal advice possible.

EXPERIENCE

Amanda believes that experience in the field is key to providing premium service. Amanda has personally handled thousands of felony and misdemeanor cases. She has been on both sides of the courtroom…the attorney charging and the attorney defending. Her approach to defending cases is to anticipate the prosecutor’s moves using her extensive prosecutorial experience. This enables her to be one step ahead in planning the most effective defense.

Disclaimer: This website was designed to provide information about Wills Law Office, PLLC, and Amanda Page Wills, Attorney at Law. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal advice, nor should it be considered an offer of legal advice. Wills Law Office, PLLC and/or Amanda Page Wills cannot make any guarantee as to the accuracy or currency of any information contained herein. You should always personally consult an attorney for advice regarding your specific case.

DRUG POSSESSION AND TRAFFICKING

The penalties for these crimes vary significantly based on factors including substance, amount, criminal history, and intent of use (for sale or personal use). However, please be assured that if you are charged with a drug offense in the state of Kentucky,
you could go to jail. The prevalence of drugs in popular culture today has done nothing to curb Kentucky Judges from enforcing the law which can result in sentences of up to twenty (20) years in prison. Amanda has devoted much of her career to narcotics work, both prosecuting and defending it. She has vast knowledge of suppression law and the techniques used by law enforcement in investigating these crimes.

TRAFFIC OFFENSES

In Kentucky, fine amounts for speeding tickets and other traffic violations are set depending on the offense committed, but the fines for each offense are the same throughout the state.  Kentucky court costs for most traffic offenses are $143, which are added to the fine for a total owed to the court.

KENTUCKY POINT SYSTEM:

Kentucky drivers are permitted to accumulate up to 12 points in any 2 year period.  However, should you reach twelve (12), the Department of Transportation will summons you for a hearing on whether to suspend your license for up to 6 months.  You can find more information about point values here.

CONSEQUENCES OF POINTS:

As noted above, the accumulation of 12 points within a 2 year period can lead to suspension of your license for up to 6 month.  Another consequence of having points lodged against your license is an increase in car insurance rates.  Generally, once your insurance rates are increased in response to points from a ticket, they stay there for a couple years.  This can potentially lead to thousands of dollars in increased rates.

OPTIONS FOR YOUR SPEEDING TICKET:

I.     Mail in Fines and Costs

Most minor traffic offenses are pre-payable offenses, meaning you may simply mail in the fines and costs listed on your citation.  However, be aware that in doing so you are pleading “guilty” to the offenses as charged and will suffer any consequences to your license (including points and increased insurance rates).

II.    Traffic School

In Kentucky, you sometimes have the option of enrolling in a traffic school course.  Please note that you are STILL PLEADING GUILTY TO THE UNDERLYING OFFENSE, however the successful completion of traffic school will prevent any points from being assessed against your license.  In addition, any fines will be waived (as opposed to court costs) to offset the costs for taking driving school.  The cost of traffic school can range from $20-$50, depending on what kind you take.

Traffic school will not necessarily be an option in every situation.  Furthermore, traffic school should be a last option since once used, it will not be available again for a certain period of time.  If there is a way to prevent points from being assessed without using up your traffic school option, it is usually prudent to save it for a rainy day.

III.   HIRE AN ATTORNEY to Fight the Ticket and/or Negotiate a Settlement

Many times, an attorney can negotiate a settlement which will prevent points from being assessed against your license without using up your one (1) chance at traffic school.  When compared with the increase to your insurance rates, the legal fee assessed for a speeding ticket is a very sensible option with often-times fantastic results.  Call us today for a free phone consultation.

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