Serving the State of West Virginia
ACCOMPLISHED MORGANTOWN CRIMINAL & DUI DEFENSE FIRM.
CHOOSE A LAWYER LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
CHOOSE A LAWYER LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
DUI Cases with Injury in Kingwood, West Virginia
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Kingwood, West Virginia, is a serious offense with significant consequences. When this behavior leads to injury, the stakes are even higher. Such situations put not only the driver at risk but also everyone else on the road, including pedestrians and other motorists. If you’re charged with a DUI involving injury in West Virginia, seeking immediate legal assistance from a DUI lawyer is critical to protect your rights.
West Virginia’s DUI Law Amendment
In June 2015, the state of West Virginia amended law 17C-5-2, breaking DUI charges involving injuries into two categories:
1. DUI with Minor Injuries
Minor injury charges typically encompass:
- Bodily pain
- Illness
- Temporary physical harm or discomfort
2. DUI with Severe Physical Injuries
Severe injury charges involve:
- Life-altering disfigurement
- Putting a life at substantial risk
- Long-term dysfunction or malfunction of an organ or body part
If you’ve been charged with a DUI involving injuries, prompt action is essential. Mountaineer Criminal Law Group can help mitigate your charges or work toward a dismissal. A Kingwood DUI attorney from our team is well-equipped to handle your case with care and expertise.
How Bodily Injuries Are Determined
When an accident involves a driver suspected of DUI, the prosecution focuses heavily on the medical evaluation of all parties involved. The medical reports provide key evidence, helping to establish the severity of the injuries caused by the impaired driver.
Steps in the Investigation Process
- Medical Assessments: Medical reports of the injured parties are gathered to highlight the risks posed by the driver under the influence.
- Driver’s Medical Condition: If the driver is also injured, they are allowed to recover before any formal charges or arrests are made. Once cleared by medical professionals, the driver may face charges of DUI with injuries.
If you or a loved one is involved in such a situation, it is vital to act immediately. Contacting an experienced West Virginia Kingwood criminal lawyer ensures that your case is handled effectively while you focus on your recovery.
Penalties for DUI with Injury
The penalties for DUIs involving injuries in Kingwood vary based on the severity of the injuries sustained. Here’s a closer look:
For Minor Physical Injuries
- Jail time ranging from 24 hours to one year
- Fines between $200 and $1,000
For Severe Physical Injuries
- Minimum jail time of two years, with a maximum of 10 years
- Fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000
- Charges escalate to a felony with much stricter punishments
When Serious Injuries Result in Death
If an injured individual succumbs to their injuries within a year, the driver could face negligent homicide, which carries even graver consequences.
Having an experienced Kingwood DUI attorney by your side is essential to potentially reducing these life-altering penalties.
Why You Need Legal Representation
A DUI involving injury is a complex and high-stakes legal matter. The consequences can range from significant fines to long-term imprisonment. Without professional guidance, navigating such charges can feel overwhelming. The skilled Kingwood criminal lawyer at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group has decades of experience handling DUI cases and is here to fight for your defense.
How Our Team Can Help
- We’ll assess every detail of your case.
- Navigate the legal steps required in court.
- Employ strategies to help reduce or dismiss your charges.
- Represent you with dedication and care to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact a Kingwood Criminal Lawyer Today
Facing a DUI with injury charge in West Virginia? Don’t leave your future to chance. Get in touch with the dedicated legal team at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group today.
With a proven track record of defending clients in Kingwood and throughout West Virginia, our team of professionals knows how to handle complex DUI cases with efficacy and compassion. Call us (304) 381-3656 now to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding your rights.