DUI Child Endangerment in West Virginia

DUI cases in West Virginia come with serious consequences and the punishments can be even harsher when child endangerment is involved. If convicted of DUI charges, individuals may face prolonged jail time and hefty fines. However, if the case includes charges of child endangerment, the penalties become more severe. Driving a car under the influence while transporting a child can lead to charges of child endangerment. According to the West Virginia Revised Code, child endangerment refers to exposing a child to situations that could cause psychological, emotional, or physical harm. This means that both the offender and the child in the vehicle are at risk of experiencing potential harm due to driving under the influence.

Even without evidence of physical harm, offenders can still be charged with child endangerment due to the potential risks involved. If you or your loved ones are facing such charges, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a Wheeling WV OVI Lawyer promptly.

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we have extensive experience in handling similar cases and have successfully obtained favorable outcomes for our clients. That’s why, if you or your loved one is charged with a similar offense, don’t waste any time—consult our Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer immediately.

Child Endangerment Cases

Child endangerment charges can vary from a first misdemeanor to a second-degree felony. A first-time incident is more likely to result in a first-degree misdemeanor charge. However, repeat offenses of the same nature can lead to felony charges. In such cases, seeking guidance from a reputable Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer is crucial to navigate both the DUI charges and the child endangerment charges effectively.

The Penalties

If you are charged with child endangerment in West Virginia, it’s important to understand the penalties involved. Here’s what you need to know:

• For a first-degree offense, you could face up to 180 days of imprisonment.
• A second-degree offense can result in a maximum of 8 years of imprisonment.

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the following charges may apply:

• DUI charges for driving under the influence.
• Charges for exceeding the legitimate blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit.
• Additional DUI charges based on any previous offenses.
• If you have a minor in your vehicle or are transporting one, you may also face child endangerment charges.

Is Child Endangerment a Sentence Enhancer?

In West Virginia, child endangerment can be considered a sentence enhancer during the sentencing phase. This means that it can have an impact on the penalties you receive for both child endangerment and DUI/OVI cases.

Our Wheeling WV OVI Lawyer can help build a strong defense for your case by:

• Challenging the legality of the arrest if there was no probable cause.
• Suppressing poorly handled evidence.
• Questioning the accuracy and reliability of breath or field sobriety tests.
• Providing alternative explanations for test results, such as mouthwash, low-carb diet, or diabetes.

Connect With Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer:

At the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we have extensive experience in handling cases like yours. Contact our Wheeling WV Criminal Lawyer today for a free consultation and let us help you achieve the best possible outcome.