West Virginia DWI

A West Virginia DWI involves (2) separate actions against you; 1 criminal and 1 administrative. Most are familiar with the criminal proceedings where fines, jail, probation and other harsh punishments are at stake. But a lesser known charge against you is where the WV DMV will attempt to automatically suspend your driving privileges. It is important that you act quickly to prevent this DMV suspension by requesting a hearing within the specified amount of time. Contact a qualified West Virginia DWI lawyer to properly request this hearing and you'll keep your West Virginia drivers license pending the outcome of the hearing.

West Virginia also has what's known as the per se law which provides guilt for person based on BAC rather than actual intoxication. This means that with a blood alcohol content level of .08% or higher (the WV legal limit), it does not matter if you exhibit any signs of intoxication such as poor field sobriety tests, slurred speech, smell of alcohol, etc... All that is required to be found on the per se charge is a chemical test reading of .08% or greater. 

Should You Seek Legal Representation or Not?

If you are facing a West Virginia DWI case, a DUI or DWI lawyer can assist you with your court appearance in a few key ways. A West Virginia DUI/DWI lawyer will help you to get the least amount of punishments available by law. Your lawyer can also help shed reasonable doubt on any circumstantial evidence surrounding your case in an attempt to beat all the DUI/DWI charges.  If you have any objections to the arresting officer's actions or the events of the arrest in general a DUI DWI lawyer can help you ensure your rights are protected.

Remember, you need to request a DMV hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible after arrest, don't delay or you will lose your driving privileges. Your attorney can also help you with this. 

Possible West Virginia DWI Punishments

Your West Virginia DUI case presents you wish some serious consequences. Keep in mind that the look back period in West Virginia is ten years. This means that any DUI arrests in your history in the past ten years will be considered by the court as a prior offense. The amount of past arrests directly affects the amount of fines, jail time, and license suspension time you face. 

First Offense

• Jail time of 1 day to 6 months
• Fines between $100 and $500
• Drivers license suspension for 6 months
• Possible alcohol assessment, education and treatment
• Ignition interlock device also possible depending on case specifics and judge

Second Offense

• Jail time between 6 months and 1 year
• Fines between $1000 and $3000
• Drivers license suspension for 1 year
• Possible alcohol assessment, education and treatment
• Ignition interlock device required

Third Offense

• Jail time between 1 year and 3 years
• Fines between $3000 and $5000
• Drivers license suspension for 1 year
• Alcohol assessment, education and treatment
• Ignition interlock device required

West Virginia DWI Attorneys

DUI Arrest Help.com has compiled a list of skilled DUI defense attorneys in the state of West Virginia who have agreed to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case.  There is no obligation to use them, and you can get some great information about what you should do in this free consultation.  

Click here to speak with one of our West Virginia DWI lawyers.

Insurance Considerations for a West Virginia DWI

SR-22 insurance is required in the state of West Virginia after a DWI conviction.  This type of insurance is classified as 'high risk' meaning you are a higher risk to the insurance companies so consequently they will charge more for taking on more risk.  This can get very expensive if you sign up for one of these policies with the wrong company.

DUI Arrest Help.com has partnered with the largest and most trusted provider in the state of West Virginia to offer you a free no obligation SR-22 insurance quote.  Not only will you save money but our partner also leads the insurance industry in customer service. 

Take a minute and fill out a free no obligation quote.  It won't cost you a thing (and only takes a minute) to check and see what they can do for you.

Get a free no obligation West Virginia SR22 insurance quote here

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