When you find yourself behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you pose a significant risk to yourself and others on the road. In West Virginia, a DUI offense is considered severe, especially when it results in injuries. If you’re facing charges related to DUI and physical injuries, it’s crucial to seek immediate legal assistance from a Hancock County DUI lawyer.
In June 2015, an amendment to West Virginia law 17C-5-2 divided DUI charges into two categories: DUI with severe physical injuries and DUI with minor injuries.
Following an accident involving a DUI driver, the prosecution’s priority is collecting medical reports of all individuals injured in the incident. This evidence is crucial in establishing the risk created by the impaired driver. It’s important to note that if the impaired driver sustains injuries, the authorities must wait until their release from the hospital before making an arrest and filing charges for DUI with injury. If you or a loved one is involved in such an accident, it is crucial not to delay and hire a West Virginia DUI lawyer immediately. With our assistance, you can focus on your recovery while we handle your case diligently.
When a driver charged with DUI is involved in an accident, the prosecution’s top priority is to obtain medical reports of all individuals injured in the incident. These reports are vital in establishing how the impaired driver endangered the lives of others while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In cases where the driver also sustains injuries, law enforcement authorities must postpone the arrest and charges until the driver is medically cleared and discharged from the hospital. Afterward, the driver may face charges for DUI with injury.
If you or a loved one are involved in such an accident, it is crucial not to delay the proceedings and make prompt decisions. The first step is to hire an experienced West Virginia DUI lawyer. Our dedicated legal team will handle your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
The severity of the injuries determines the penalties associated with DUI cases involving injuries. The penalties for DUI with injury are as follows:
Mandatory jail time ranging from 24 hours to one year, along with a fine ranging from $200 to $1,000 for cases involving serious physical injuries.
A DUI with severe physical injuries is considered a felony and carries severe punishments. Minimum jail time starts at two years and can go up to 10 years, accompanied by a fine ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
If a person sustaining serious injuries dies within a year, the driver may be convicted of negligent homicide.
For further assistance with your case, contact our West Virginia DUI lawyer today to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
If you are facing charges related to DUI with injuries, the consequences can be severe. It is crucial to seek the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable Hancock County criminal lawyer from Mountaineer Criminal Law Group. Our team of experienced lawyers specializes in handling DUI cases and will provide you with effective representation in court. We are committed to bringing you a favorable outcome. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case.