Wheeling DUI Defense Lawyer

Wheeling DUI Defense Attorney

When you find yourself facing DUI charges in Wheeling, you deserve the legal care and representation of an experienced Wheeling, WV DUI defense lawyer. Whether you have been illegally stopped and arrested near Oglebay Park or have made a simple mistake after a night out in downtown Wheeling near the iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, you need a lawyer who is willing to do whatever it takes to fight for your freedoms and protect your rights.

At Meadows Law PLLC, our criminal defense lawyers have a proven track record of success in handling DUI cases. We are here to see you through every step of your case and do whatever we can to seek a dismissal, reduced penalties, or a favorable plea agreement. As a former United States Marine, our lead attorney knows a thing or two about defending folks, and we are ready to turn our time, attention, and defense strategizing to you and your case.

Defining DUI Charges in Wheeling, West Virginia

West Virginia is no stranger to DUI cases and the penalties that can be associated with them. In recent years, the rate of drunk driving-related fatalities has increased to around 3.1 cases for every 100,000 residents. In Wheeling, you can be arrested for a DUI if you are found to be operating your vehicle with a blood alcohol content level, or BAC, of 0.08% or higher. If you are a commercial driver, your BAC cannot be higher than 0.04%.

When faced with these charges, it is important to be aware of all the penalties that might be involved should you be convicted. Penalties can be severe, even for first-time offenders, and the better you understand these charges and penalties, the better we can help you understand the right avenue for your legal defense.

• First offense DUI. If you are pulled over and found to have a BAC between 0.08% and 0.14%, and this is the first time you have experienced an arrest for driving under the influence, you will likely face up to six months in jail and fines totaling between $100 and $500 if you are found guilty. You might also suffer the suspension of your driver’s license for up to 90 days.
• Second offense DUI. Within the last 10 years, if you’ve been previously convicted of a single DUI, then the penalties that can occur in a second conviction can be even more severe than those of the first. Jail sentences usually last anywhere from six months to a full year, and fines can reach up to $3,000.
• Third or subsequent offense DUI. In the last decade, if you’ve been convicted of more than DUI charges, and are convicted of a third or further, then you will likely face penalties of anywhere between one to three years in prison and a fine totaling somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000. Your driver’s license can be suspended for one year, and an ignition interlock device may be installed in your vehicle for three years.
• Aggravated DUI. In DUI cases where an individual’s blood alcohol content level was 0.15% or higher, the penalties that can come with a successful conviction can be challenging. You might find yourself in jail for up to six months and be dealt fines between $200 and $1,000, even for first-time offenders. You might also lose certain driving privileges and have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
• Underage DUI. If you are a minor or are under the legal drinking age of 21 in West Virginia, and you are found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol, you are actually in violation of two different laws and can find yourself dealing with several punishments. Along with a minor in possession charge, you can also face fines up to $100 and the suspension of your driver’s license.
• DUI with a minor present. If you are driving a vehicle in Wheeling while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and there is someone in your car who is under the age of 16, the penalties you can face if charged are tough. Jail sentences can last up to one year, and fines can total anywhere between $200 and $1,000. You will also lose your driving privileges for a year and have an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
• DUI resulting in injury. If you are allegedly driving under the influence and hurt an individual other than yourself, the penalties you can face are quite serious. You will likely face a jail sentence of up to one year, and the fines you may be required to pay can be anywhere from $200 to $1,000. You could also lose your driver’s license for up to two years and have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
• DUI resulting in death. In the United States, around 31% of crash-related deaths occurred due to the use of alcohol or intoxication while driving. If an act of drunk driving results in wrongful death, you could find yourself facing felony charges. This could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines totaling between $1,000 and $3,000. You can also lose your license for ten years and have an IID installed in your car.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on Your Record in West Virginia?

A: The reality is that a DUI conviction in West Virginia can stay on your record for the rest of your life. This is why it is vital that you seek the legal help of an attorney who can do everything in their power to ensure you do not receive a conviction.

Q: How Can a Defense Lawyer Help With a DUI?

A: A defense lawyer can help with a DUI in several ways. When you are arrested for a DUI in Wheeling, West Virginia, it is wise to remain calm and cooperative, but do not speak with police until your attorney is present. Your attorney will be able to offer you sound legal counsel and negotiate in your interest. They will also be able to fight for you in court if your case should progress to that point.

Q: How Do I Get Out of a DUI in West Virginia?

A: You may be able to get out of a DUI charge in West Virginia by using a defense strategy that correctly fits the circumstances of your case. The most common defense strategies can include that the law enforcement who arrested you did not have probable cause to pull you over in a traffic stop, that the results of your breathalyzer test are inaccurate, or that you suffer from a medical condition that has resulted in a false positive.

Q: Will a DUI Charge Affect My Personal Life?

A: Yes, a DUI charge and conviction can absolutely affect your personal life in Wheeling. If you hold a license to practice a certain profession, such as in the case of a doctor, a teacher, or a commercial driver, a DUI can impact your career and may even cause you to lose your job. It can also affect future employment opportunities and harm your academic standing if you’re a student.

Hire a DUI Defense Lawyer Today: Contact Meadows Law PLLC

If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Wheeling, you need to hire a DUI defense lawyer as soon as you are able. At Meadows Law PLLC, we are ready to fight for you. Don’t let a DUI charge get the better of you. Instead, call our offices today to schedule a free consultation and let us protect your rights to drive.

Wheeling DUI Defense Law Resources