Kingwood Underage DUI Lawyer

Trusted Underage DUI Attorney in Kingwood

Unfortunately, a DUI can come with lifelong consequences. Being accused of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or improperly used prescription medications can greatly impact anyone’s future, and underage individuals are no exception. Hiring a Kingwood underage DUI lawyer may be exactly what your case needs to succeed, protecting both you and your future.

Why Should I Choose Crowe Law, LLC, to Represent Me in My Underage DUI Case?

Patrick Crowe is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the complex world of legal jargon, protocol, and proceedings. He offers client-tailored insight, guidance, and resources to help you pursue your desired outcomes. Patrick holds a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from the West Virginia University College of Law.

An Overview of Underage DUIs in West Virginia

Before you hire just any Kingwood underage DUI lawyer, you may benefit from learning more about how West Virginia handles underage DUI cases, the potential penalties you could face if you are convicted, and why hiring the right attorney can help you achieve your desired outcomes.

It is estimated that approximately eight teenagers die in traffic-related accidents daily across the United States. Additionally, studies have shown that roughly one drunk driving-related death occurs every 45 minutes.

Alcohol is not the only substance that may lead you to be charged with driving under the influence, or a “DUI.” Operating a vehicle while drunk, high, or mishandling prescription drugs are all examples of illegal behaviors.

In West Virginia, the normal legal blood alcohol content level is 0.08%. Underage individuals, however, have a legal BAC limit of 0.02%. The legal drinking limit is currently 21 years old, which means those 20 and under can be charged with a DUI if they are proven to have alcohol in their blood.

Potential Consequences for a First-Time Underage DUI Offense in West Virginia

If you have been charged with an underage DUI, you could find yourself facing any of the following consequences if you are found guilty:

• Fines. Depending on the severity of your charges, you may be required to pay fines of up to $500 if convicted. These fines may increase if the circumstances surrounding the DUI are more severe.
• License suspension. The amount of time your license may be suspended can vary based on the severity of the charges. However, not having a license can have a long-term impact on your career and your future, making it difficult to get to work, school, and more.
• Jail time. In West Virginia, DUI convictions may result in a sentence of up to six months in jail. While this can still be the case in special underage DUI cases, it is less common for prison time to be on the table for a first-time offender.
• Additional penalties. Mandatory highway safety classes, probation, alcohol education, increased insurance premiums, and rehab are all examples of additional penalties you may have to navigate if you are convicted of an underage DUI.

Influential Factors That Could Lead to Steeper Penalties in West Virginia

It is important to note that standard penalties may increase should your DUI meet certain criteria. Here are some examples of when this may happen:

• Higher BAC. Since individuals under 21 years old are not legally permitted to consume alcohol, those below the legal limit can be charged with a DUI for a BAC of 0.02%-0.079%. If your BAC is higher than that, you may be facing jail time and higher fines. Being caught with a BAC of 0.15% or greater is considered an aggravated DUI, which typically comes with high-level penalties if you are found guilty.
• Refusing a test. In accordance with 17C-5-4, state law considers everyone who drives in West Virginia to have offered their implied consent. This means that, if you are pulled over for a DUI and the officer tries to issue a drug or breathalyzer test, you have already offered your consent by driving in the state. While you are legally allowed to refuse, you could end up facing more severe charges and/or penalties for doing so.
• Accidental injury or death. DUI charges may increase in severity if a DUI is linked to an accident, especially if that accident resulted in injuries and/or fatalities. This could even result in you facing additional charges of vehicular manslaughter, regardless of your age.
• Past convictions. If you have any previous DUI convictions, you may end up facing steeper penalties, as the West Virginia court system may determine driving under the influence to be an unsafe pattern in your life.
• A child was present. The safety of children is of paramount importance to the court, which means that the severity of potential penalties will most likely increase if a child was in either vehicle during the DUI-related crash.
• A suspended license. If it is discovered that your underage DUI occurred while you were driving on a suspended license, you could be charged with additional crimes, resulting in more potential consequences.

Less Well-Known Consequences of an Underage DUI

Jail time, fines, and marks on your permanent record may sit at the forefront of your mind while facing DUI charges in Kingwood. However, there are other, less overt consequences for those found guilty of this crime. Here are some examples of said consequences:

• Background checks making it difficult to get hired
• Difficulty getting housing due to marks on your permanent record
• Damage to your reputation
• Trauma from any accidents, injuries, and/or fatalities connected to the DUI
• The loss of your job and/or wages due to a license suspension
• Difficulties applying to universities or other educational programs
• Undergoing rehab

Why Should I Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer in West Virginia?

Since there is so much at risk should you be found guilty, choosing to hire an underage DUI lawyer could be the very thing that protects you from the negative, life-long consequences of a conviction. Your lawyer can help you build your case and present it on your behalf in the Preston County Courthouse.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Underage DUI Lawyer in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, the cost of hiring an underage DUI lawyer tends to vary due to the unique way that several different variables may influence the case and the final price. Some examples of these variables include the severity of your charges, the complexity of your case, who you hire to represent you, and how long your case takes to resolve.

Will a DUI Conviction Stay on My West Virginia Permanent Record Regardless of My Age?

Yes, it is possible for a DUI conviction to remain on your permanent record in West Virginia, regardless of the age you were at the time of the event or the age you are now. You are within your legal right, however, to seek expungement, but this kind of pursuit typically only succeeds in certain circumstances.

Can I Represent Myself in an Underage DUI Case in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, it is perfectly legal for you to represent yourself in an underage DUI case, but many individuals, especially younger ones, have found that the guidance and knowledge of a skilled DUI lawyer can prove invaluable. Not only can they offer you invaluable insight, but they can also help you avoid unwanted confusion and stress.

How Long Will My DUI Case Take in West Virginia?

Similar to the cost of hiring a DUI lawyer, the amount of time an underage DUI case takes can vary. Your case’s duration can be influenced by things like the availability of all parties involved, the schedule of your local courthouse, the complexity of your case, and whether or not you have legal representation.

Contact a Skilled Underage DUI Lawyer

Contact Crowe Law, LLC, today to schedule a consultation.