DUI Cases with Injury in Clarksburg, West Virginia

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a severe offense that endangers not only your life but also the lives of other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else on the road. A DUI offense in West Virginia is treated as a grave legal matter. When it leads to injuries, the consequences become even more serious. At such an unfortunate time, seeking legal assistance from an experienced DUI attorney is essential to protect your rights and defend against penalties.

DUI-Related Injury Laws in West Virginia

West Virginia’s laws regarding DUI offenses were revised in June 2015 with an amendment to law 17C-5-2. This led to the categorization of DUI-related injuries into two distinct types:

Minor Bodily Injuries

This category involves injuries limited to:

• Physical pain
• Illness
• Injury to body parts

Severe Physical Injuries

These injuries are more significant and often life-altering. They may include:

• Lifelong disfigurement
• Injury posing serious risks to life
• Prolonged dysfunction or malfunction of an organ

If you have been charged with a DUI involving bodily injuries, it is critical to act quickly by contacting a Clarksburg criminal lawyer. At the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our legal team can help you mitigate or even dismiss the charges against you.

Understanding Bodily Injury in DUI Cases

When a DUI incident results in physical injuries, law enforcement and prosecutors prioritize gathering critical evidence, which often includes medical reports of all parties involved. These records are used to demonstrate how the impaired driver created risks for others on the road.

If the impaired driver is injured in the accident, authorities typically wait for the individual to recover before making an arrest or filing charges. Once released from the hospital, the driver may face charges of DUI with injury. If you or your loved one is involved in such an incident in Clarksburg, taking swift action is crucial. Engage with a Clarksburg DUI attorney immediately to manage the legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

Penalties for a DUI with Injury

The penalties for DUI-related injuries in West Virginia depend on the severity of the injuries caused. Below is an outline of potential consequences:

Penalties for Minor Injuries

• Mandatory Jail Time: Minimum 24 hours up to 1 year
• Fines: $200 to $1,000

Penalties for Severe Physical Injuries

• Classification: Felony with severe punishments
• Mandatory Jail Time: Minimum 2 years, up to 10 years
• Fines: $1,000 to $3,000

When Serious Injuries Result in Death

If an injured person succumbs to their injuries within one year of the accident, the driver may be charged with negligent homicide, leading to even graver consequences.

Why Contact a Clarksburg Criminal Lawyer Immediately?

When facing charges of DUI with injury, the legal and personal consequences can be overwhelming. Lengthy jail terms, hefty fines, and a criminal record are just some of the penalties you may face. To protect your future, it is imperative to seek guidance and representation from a knowledgeable Clarksburg DUI attorney.

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, our seasoned team of attorneys has extensive experience handling DUI cases. Clarksburg criminal lawyers are committed to representing your interests in court and guiding you through every legal step to minimize or eliminate penalties.

Take Action Today

Time is of the essence when dealing with DUI-related charges in Clarksburg. Ensuring that your case is handled professionally can mitigate charges and potentially protect your future. Call (304) 381-3656 Mountaineer Criminal Law Group today to schedule your consultation with experienced Clarksburg criminal lawyers. We are here to help you through this challenging time, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Protect your rights and take back control of your future with the Mountaineer Criminal Law Group.