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DUI Defense Lawyers in Martinsburg, WV, Protecting the Legal Rights of Clients Accused of Driving Under the Influence

If you have been arrested and accused of driving under the influence, you are probably frightened and apprehensive about what the future holds. One of the first steps you must take to protect your future is to hire an experienced lawyer who can fight for your legal rights.

If you are convicted of DUI, you may lose your license, pay steep fines, and serve time in jail. If you are facing a DUI charge, contact the law offices of Hinkle Law, PLLC of Martinsburg, WV, and ask to schedule a free case review with a qualified legal team member.

What Constitutes a DUI in West Virginia?

Under West Virginia law, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. For individuals under the age of 21, the legal limit is decreased to .02 percent. DUI laws also prohibit inhalants, narcotics, or other mind-altering substances.

Nevertheless, you could be charged with an aggravated DUI if your BAC levels are above 0.15 percent. Additionally, other if certain legal factors are present, you may also face an aggravated DUI charge which includes:

  • Having a minor in the vehicle
  • Speeding
  • Being charged with DUI with a suspended or revoked license
  • Injury or death attributed to a DUI

What Are the Penalties For a DUI?

West Virginia has strict laws when it comes to DUI penalties. They include:

  • First Conviction: A fine ranging from $100 to $500, suspension of your driver’s license for 6 months, 24 hours to 6 months in jail, and the successful completion of a safety and treatment program to reinstate your license.
  • Second Conviction: A fine ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, suspension of your driver’s license from one to 10 years, 6 to 12 months in jail, completion of safety and treatment program, and mandatory interlock system.
  • Third conviction: A fine ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, a suspension of your driver’s license for one year or lifetime revocation, completion of safety and treatment program, and mandatory interlock system.

However, with the assistance of a skilled attorney, you may be able to plea bargain your DUI to that of reckless driving, also referred to as “wet reckless.” Additionally, an aggravated DUI charge is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Unless you have a history of prior DUI convictions or aggravating factors associated with your case, you most likely will face a fine of $200 to $1,000 and a minimum sentence of 48 hours, 24 of which must be served in jail or up to 6 months incarceration.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer For a First Offense DUI?

Many individuals charged with DUI initially believe they can handle their cases independently. However, they quickly realize they need an experienced lawyer to assist them. Therefore, it is in your best interests to hire a highly trained DUI lawyer to represent you in court.

Hinkle Law, PLLC has experienced attorneys who understand DUI law and will work with the prosecutor to try and have your charges reduced or negotiate a plea bargain on your behalf. Sadly, many individuals do not seek legal representation and end up with a sentence that could have been potentially plea bargained or even thrown out had they hired a skilled attorney.

Why Should I Choose Your Law Firm to Represent Me in a DUI Case?

Hinkle Law, PLLC is a law firm dedicated to helping the citizens of Martinsburg and surrounding areas who have been charged with DUI by providing comprehensive legal representation to have their charges potentially reduced, plea bargained, or even thrown out.

If we agree to take your case, our legal team will thoroughly investigate the evidence, such as whether the law enforcement officer who pulled you over had probable cause and the validity of your BAC and breathalyzer test. If there is bodycam footage, we can also analyze the traffic stop you had with the police to ensure your legal rights were not violated.

To protect your future, contact Hinkle Law, PLLC, by calling 304-885-1643 and asking to schedule a free no-obligation consultation immediately.