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DUI Defense Lawyer in Covington, KY- Sexton Law

Facing DUI charges? Shannon Sexton Law fights for your future with aggressive defense strategies. Protect your rights in Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati.

Protecting Your License, Your Freedom, and Your Future

Being arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Kentucky is a serious matter. It can lead to hefty fines, a suspended driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. At Shannon Sexton Law, we understand what’s at stake. Our goal is to work hard for you. We aim to reduce penalties, challenge the evidence, and protect your rights during the process.

Shannon Sexton, a former felony prosecutor, offers a unique insight into DUI defense cases. With years of experience handling DUI cases in Covington, Newport, and Florence, and a proven track record of jury acquittals in every Northern Kentucky jurisdiction, we have the skills and knowledge to defend you in court, every step of the way.

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Why Choose Sexton Law for Your DUI Defense?

When facing a DUI charge, experience and strategic defense matter. Here's why Shannon Sexton Law stands out:

Aggressive Trial Lawyer – We don’t settle for quick, compromising plea deals. Shannon Sexton Law is known for taking cases to trial and fighting for the best possible result.

Proven Success – We have achieved jury acquittals in Kenton, Campbell, and Boone Counties. Our experience allows us to deliver results in even the most complex cases.

Former Prosecutor Advantage – As a former felony prosecutor, Shannon Sexton knows exactly how the prosecution will build their case, which gives us a strategic edge in preparing your defense.

Personalized Defense – We take a personalized approach to each case, investigating every detail and using every legal tool at our disposal to challenge the evidence against you.

Successful Cases

WHAT WE DO

How We Defend DUI Cases

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Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are designed to evaluate a driver’s coordination and physical ability. However, these tests are subjective and can be influenced by factors like poor weather, physical injury, or even nervousness. If the officer did not follow the correct procedures during the test, we can question the results. If the test results are inaccurate, we can also challenge their validity in court.

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Breathalyzer tests can be inaccurate due to malfunctions, improper calibration, or contamination, leading to false positives from mouthwash, diabetes, or certain foods. Blood tests are also time-sensitive and can be challenged if chain-of-custody issues arise.

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In Kentucky, law enforcement must have probable cause or a valid reason for pulling you over. If the police lacked reasonable suspicion to make the stop, we might be able to dismiss the case entirely. We scrutinize all traffic stop details for potential violations of your constitutional rights.

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If you refused to submit to a breath or blood test, it’s important to note that while Kentucky law mandates penalties for refusal, we can argue that your refusal was not made under duress or coercion and that the police did not clearly inform you of the consequences.

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While we are aggressive trial lawyers, we also understand that some clients may prefer a plea deal. We can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce charges or minimize penalties, especially in cases where evidence is lacking.

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Breath tests can be challenged in court on the grounds of equipment malfunction, improper administration, or failure to follow protocol. We’ll scrutinize every detail to ensure that the test was conducted according to Kentucky law.

What Happens When You Get Arrested for DUI in Kentucky?

When you're arrested for DUI, several immediate consequences follow, especially in Kentucky. These include the possibility of an automatic driver's license suspension. There may also be a requirement for an Ignition Interlock Device for repeat offenders. Additionally, there is a risk of criminal penalties such as fines, probation, and jail time.

A DUI conviction can lead to a criminal record. This record may impact your job opportunities, travel plans, and other areas of your life.

DUI Penalties in Kentucky

Here’s an overview of what you can expect for a first-offense DUI and for subsequent offenses:

 

First DUI Offense:
 

  • Fines: Typically between $200-$500.

  • License Suspension: 30-120 days.

  • Jail Time: Up to 48 hours in jail.

  • Other Consequences: You may be required to attend an alcohol or drug education program.

 

Second DUI Offense (within 10 years):

  • Fines: Between $350-$500.

  • License Suspension: 12-18 months.

  • Jail Time: 7 days to 6 months.

  • Other Consequences: Possible Ignition Interlock Device installation.
     

Third DUI Offense (within 10 years):
 

  • Fines: Between $500-$1,000.

  • License Suspension: 2-3 years.

  • Jail Time: 30 days to 1 year.

  • Other Consequences: Ignition Interlock Device installation and possible mandatory community service.
     

Fourth DUI Offense (or more):
 

Felony charge with heavy penalties including license revocation, substantial fines, and prison time.

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If you need a criminal defense attorney in Covington, you’ve come to the right place. We confront each challenge directly and with determination, ensuring that we consistently achieve and deliver outstanding results for our clients.

Recent Case Victory:

We achieved a positive result for our client. They were stopped by police with 28 grams of marijuana, $2,000 in cash, and a loaded firearm.

We filed a motion to suppress the evidence. Our client rejected a plea deal, and the judge ruled that the stop was illegal. As a result, the court dismissed all charges. At Sexton Law, we do not accept settlements when your future is on the line. Let us fight for you with a defense strategy designed to protect your rights and preserve your freedom.

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If you need a DUI defense attorney in Covington, you’ve come to the right place. We face each challenge head-on and with determination. This approach ensures we consistently achieve and deliver excellent results for our clients.

Recent Case Victory:

  • Charge: DUI Assault

  • Result: Felony conviction avoided; no jail time

My client was charged with a DUI Assault. He faced a life-long felony conviction and potentially ten to twenty years in prison. The prosecution’s theory was that my client struck a pedestrian with his vehicle causing substantial injury. When authorities arrived, it was determined that my client was under the influence of alcohol. My investigation and preparation revealed through corroborating witness testimony that my client had no opportunity to stop his vehicle. The pedestrian crossed in front of my client’s vehicle illegally. This left my client no time to react, despite his intoxication levels. This investigation and resulting evidence resulted in my client avoiding any felony conviction and receiving no jail time.

If you’re looking for the best accident lawyer in Covington, our record speaks for itself.

Real Client Testimonial:

“I was injured in a serious crash and didn't know where to turn. Shannon and his team handled everything while I recovered. They negotiated hard and got me a settlement that covered every dollar of medical expenses—and more.”

– J.B., Covington

Leg Injury
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A Trial Attorney with a Family Law Background

As a law student at the University of Kentucky College of Law, Shannon focused on Family Law. He had the privilege of learning from Professor Louise E. Graham, a co-author of "Kentucky Practice: Domestic Relations Law," which is regarded as one of the most authoritative texts on Family Law in Kentucky. In essence, Shannon studied under the expert who literally wrote the book on this subject. Additionally, he has contributed to the Kentucky Law Journal as a published author in Family and Domestic Law.

HOW IT WORKS

At Sexton Law Firm

STEP 1

Free, No-Obligation Case Evaluation

We start with a confidential consultation to understand your situation, answer your questions, and determine the best course of action—whether it’s a criminal charge, injury claim, or family matter.

STEP 2

Aggressive, Strategic Representation

Once retained, we build a tailored legal strategy, gathering evidence, filing motions, and preparing every case as if it’s going to trial—because strong preparation delivers strong results.

STEP 3

Results-Driven Resolution

We fight relentlessly for the best possible outcome—whether that means negotiating a fair settlement, protecting your rights in court, or guiding you through life-changing legal decisions with confidence.

WHERE WE ARE

Serving Covington, Newport, and the Tri‑County Region

We understand that legal challenges feel overwhelming. That’s why we provide personalized attention and strategic advocacy at every stage. Sexton Law excels at navigating the complexities of the legal system—no matter your issue, we protect your rights.


We proudly serve Kenton County, Campbell County, and Boone County, including Covington, Newport, Florence, Fort Thomas, Erlanger, and Independence. We also accept select cases in Cincinnati, Ohio, especially in medical malpractice, personal injury, and criminal defense.

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Protect Your Driving Privileges — Act Now

If you've been arrested for DUI in Northern Kentucky, it’s critical to act fast. Kentucky has strict time limits for filing DUI appeals and challenging license suspensions. Our team can request an administrative hearing on your behalf to prevent your license from being automatically suspended.

With Shannon Sexton Law by your side, you’ll have an experienced team fighting for you every step of the way. Whether you are dealing with your first DUI offense or a repeat charge, we can create a defense strategy that fits your case. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge in Covington, Newport, or Florence, Shannon Sexton Law offers free consultations. Let us evaluate your case, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process.

Call (859) 431-9999 now for a free consultation

Visit us at our Covington, KY office

Or fill out the form and someone from our expert legal team will reach out soon

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