Most people are careful about avoiding driving when they’ve been drinking. Unfortunately, drinking can lead a person to make the unfortunate choice to drive even when they shouldn’t. When a person drives after they have been drinking if they are pulled over they will be arrested and charged with a DWI. When this happens, it’s important for them to choose one of the DWI Attorneys in Charles Town WV to get the help they need.
In West Virginia, a first time DWI offense can still result in up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and the person’s license being suspended for 15 to 45 days. The person may also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on their vehicle for a period of time. The more times a person is arrested for a DWI, the harsher the penalties. A second offense could result in 6 to 12 months in jail, $1,000 to $3,000 in fines, a suspension of their license for one year and an IID installed in their car for a period of time. These are the potential punishments for even being slightly over the legal limit, which is .02% for those under 21, .08% for those over 21 and .04% for commercial drivers.
The DWI Attorneys in Charles Town WV recommend taking the blood alcohol content test (BAC) when pulled over because there is an implied consent law in West Virginia. This means that a person who refuses to take the test automatically has a 1-year suspension of their driver’s license. However, the DWI Attorneys in Charles Town WV will recommend saying as little as possible to anyone once they are pulled over. By talking, a person can accidentally say something that may incriminate them. It’s recommended that they invoke their right for a lawyer to be present and contact their lawyer as soon as possible.
DWI Attorneys in Charles Town WV work hard to help their clients who have been arrested for a DWI. Sometimes mistakes are made and they are able to have the charges dropped. In other cases, they may be able to have the charges reduced to a reckless driving charge or help their client receive the minimum sentencing instead of the maximum. If you’ve been arrested for a DWI, make sure you contact a lawyer as quickly as possible to find out how they can help you.
