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DUI Cases with Injury in Martinsburg, West Virginia
When you’re behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you pose a significant risk not only to yourself but also to others on the road, such as pedestrians and fellow drivers. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in West Virginia. When a DUI results in an injury, the consequences intensify, and this is when you need legal assistance from a reputable Martinsburg criminal lawyer.
Understanding DUI Charges with Injury in West Virginia
An amendment in June 2015 refined West Virginia’s DUI laws under 17C-5-2 to categorize charges into two distinct sections:
- DUI with Severe Physical Injuries
- DUI with Minor Injuries
What Constitutes Minor and Severe Injuries?
- Minor bodily injuries include physical pain, temporary illness, or non-life-threatening injuries to certain body parts.
- Severe physical injuries involve conditions such as permanent disfigurement, injuries that pose significant life-threatening risks, or prolonged dysfunction of an organ.
If you’re charged with a DUI involving physical injuries, securing an experienced West Virginia DUI lawyer should be your first step. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we can effectively manage your case to potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.
Detecting Bodily Injuries in DUI Incidents
When injuries are involved in a DUI-related accident, prosecutors focus on collecting medical reports of all injured individuals. These reports help establish how the impaired driver endangered lives by operating a vehicle under the influence.
If the driver sustains injuries, authorities must wait for the individual to recover before pressing DUI-related charges. Once the driver is deemed fit and released from medical care, they may face charges for DUI with injury.
If you or a loved one is involved in such an accident, it’s essential to act immediately. Don’t delay in hiring a Martinsburg criminal lawyer. At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we’ll handle your case while you prioritize recovery, ensuring your legal matters are in capable hands.
Penalties for DUI with Injury
Penalties for DUI-related injuries in Martinsburg depend on the severity of the injury.
- For Minor Physical Injuries:
- Jail term ranging from 24 hours to one year.
- Fines between $200 and $1,000.
- For Severe Physical Injuries:
- Classified as a felony.
- Jail time between two to ten years.
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
- If a Death Occurs within a Year:
The charge may escalate to negligent homicide, further intensifying penalties.
Why You Need a Martinsburg Criminal Lawyer
The consequences of a DUI with injury can be severe, including extended jail time and substantial fines. If you’re facing such charges, the best course of action is to reach out to an experienced Martinsburg DUI lawyer from Mountaineer Criminal Law Group.
Our team of seasoned Martinsburg criminal attorneys specializes in DUI cases, offering reliable legal representation in court. With our expertise, we aim to minimize penalties and help you move forward.
Call Mountaineer Criminal Law Group today (304) 381-3656 for a consultation and ensure you get the strong legal defense your case requires.