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DUI Penalties
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is treated with strict penalties in Weirton and across the nation. Understanding the consequences of a DUI and navigating the legal guidelines can seem overwhelming. That’s why our DUI attorneys are here to break things down for you. Below, we explain the impact of a DUI on your life, the state of West Virginia’s penalties, and what steps you can take if you’re facing charges.
The Basics of DUI
If you are found driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above the legal limit of 0.08%, you will face DUI charges. It’s critical to understand that the penalties for a DUI conviction aren’t just legal; they can extend into many aspects of your professional and personal life, including insurance and employment.
Consequences of a DUI Conviction
- Insurance Impact
A DUI conviction can lead to massive hikes in your auto, health, or life insurance premiums. Some insurers may cancel your policies altogether.
- Employment Challenges
For certain professions like truck drivers or those requiring a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a DUI conviction often results in suspension or permanent loss of the CDL, leaving you unemployed.
- License Suspension
Losing your driving privileges significantly disrupts daily life, whether it’s commuting to work or taking your children to school.
- Time and Penalties
A DUI conviction could involve attending mandatory driving classes, undergoing alcohol or drug evaluations, performing community service, and in severe cases, serving a prison sentence.
If you’re facing DUI charges, it’s vital to consult a Weirton DUI attorney who can effectively guide you through the legal process while protecting your rights.
DUI Penalties in West Virginia
The state maintains strict penalties based on BAC levels and prior convictions. These penalties aim to deter individuals from endangering lives through impaired driving.
Penalty Breakdown by BAC Level and Prior Offenses
| Prior DUIs | .08% – .099% BAC | .10% – .159% BAC | .16% BAC or higher |
| No Prior Offense | Probation (up to 6 months), $300 fine, mandatory alcohol highway safety school | 1-year license suspension, 2 days to 6 months jail time, $500-$5,000 fines | Same penalties as .10% BAC, with mandatory 3-day minimum jail time and $1,000-$5,000 fines. |
| 1 Prior Offense | 1-year license suspension, fines from $300-$2,500, ignition interlock for 1 year. | Jail time of 30 days to 6 months & fines up to $5,000. | First-degree misdemeanor, with license suspensions up to 18 months and jail time ranging between 3 months to 5 years. |
| 2+ Prior Offenses | 1-year suspension, 10 days to 2 years imprisonment, and fines starting from $500. | License suspended for 18 months along with harsher imprisonment and steep fines. | Same penalties as for one DUI, but minimum fines climb to $2,500-$10,000. |
Felony Changes (2018 Amendment)
- A third DUI with a BAC of 0.16 or higher is classified as a felony, which comes with additional jail time or longer suspensions.
- A fourth DUI, regardless of BAC levels, automatically qualifies as a felony.
Serious cases, such as DUIs involving fatalities, add five years of imprisonment to the original charges, especially when under a license suspension.
If you need help defending against these charges, a Weirton criminal lawyer can assist you in building a strong case.
Navigating the Legal System with an Experienced Attorney
DUI cases require a solid understanding of West Virginia’s legal processes. A reputable lawyer can work to mitigate the penalties you face—for instance, by exploring the validity of breathalyzer results, negotiating plea deals, or seeking alternative sentencing programs such as rehab.
Seeking an expert attorney isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting your future and minimizing further repercussions.
Why Choose Our Firm
At the Logue Law Group, Weirton DUI attorneys stand ready to defend and advocate for you. Whether you’ve been arrested for your first DUI or face multiple charges, our accomplished attorneys have handled hundreds of similar cases. Here’s what we bring to your defense:
- Meticulous Case Reviews
Weirton criminal lawyers analyze police reports, breathalyzer accuracy, and field sobriety test results to determine if your traffic stop adhered to legal protocols.
- Compassionate Advocacy
We understand the emotional and financial toll of a DUI charge and aim to ease the process for both you and your family.
- Broad Service Areas
From Weirton to Pittsburgh and beyond, our legal expertise spans multiple states, allowing us to handle a wide range of DUI scenarios.
For expert guidance, consult our Weirton DUI attorney team at Logue Criminal Defense. Call (844) PITT-DUI for a free consultation today.