Morgantown Underage DUI Lawyer

Morgantown Underage DUI Attorney

Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, has a large student population and bustling nightlife. When events happen near High Street or football games taking place at Milan Puskar Stadium, it comes as no surprise that local law enforcement personnel keep a close watch on underage drinking and driving. Underage DUI charges are taken very seriously in West Virginia, and it can be essential to retain a Morgantown underage DUI lawyer.

At Crowe Law, LLC, our team of qualified law professionals has been assisting clients in the fight against several kinds of criminal charges, including those for underage DUIs. For individuals under the age of 21 who are arrested for drinking and driving, understanding your legal options is crucial. West Virginia is tough on drunk drivers under the legal drinking age, so it is essential that you reach out to an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.

Understanding Underage DUI Charges in Morgantown, West Virginia

In West Virginia, an individual can be charged with an underage DUI if they are below the legal drinking age of 21 and are operating their vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration, or a BAC, of 0.02% or higher. The state of West Virginia operates under a zero-tolerance law when it comes to these charges, meaning that anyone who fits this description will be considered intoxicated and have to face harsh legal penalties.

When an individual is arrested for an underage DUI, they may face a whole set of serious penalties. It is vital that they understand the full scope of the convictions that could be possible and the consequences that could be associated with them. In Morgantown, if you are arrested and charged with an underage DUI, you may also face the following charges:

• Minor in possession. If you are below the legal drinking age of 21 and are caught in possession of alcohol, you could be charged with a minor in possession (MIP) offense.
• Driving under the influence. On an annual average, West Virginia sees about 235.8 DUI arrests per 100,000 residents. For individuals over the legal drinking age, they can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.
• Underage DUI. When you are still underage, however, that BAC measurement is 0.02%, and you can suffer severe penalties.

If you or a loved one, such as a child, has been arrested and charged with an underage DUI in Morgantown, it is vital that you reach out to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Though these charges might seem small, they can actually have lasting damage to both your personal and professional lives for years to come.

Penalties for a Morgantown DUI

When you are facing DUI charges in Morgantown, West Virginia, it can be helpful to become aware of the penalties you might face if you are successfully convicted. At Crowe Law, LLC, we are familiar with the local court systems, such as the Morgantown Municipal Court on Spruce Street or the Monongalia County Justice Center, where these cases are often held.

We are familiar with both systems and those working in them, including the judges and prosecutors, and can use this knowledge to gain the upper hand in your case.

When you work with our team, we can help you better understand the consequences you might face if you or a loved one is convicted of an underage DUI. The possible penalties can include the following:

• Jail time. Depending on the circumstances of your DUI arrest, such as the amount of alcohol in your system and if anyone else was harmed because of your alleged drinking and driving, you could face jail time.
• Fines. For DUI charges in Morgantown, fines are often included in the penalties a convicted individual might face. In some cases, based on the circumstances of the alleged DUI, these fines can be substantial and place a hefty financial burden on your shoulders.
• Criminal record. If an individual is successfully charged with an underage DUI in Morgantown, they could have a permanent mark added to their criminal record, which could affect future employment or housing opportunities.
• Suspended license. Depending on the nature and circumstances surrounding an underage DUI offense, an individual might have their license suspended for a certain period of time, which can cause a large hindrance to their daily life and mobility.

FAQs

Why Do I Need an Underage DUI Lawyer in West Virginia?

In West Virginia, though an attorney is not necessarily required by law when facing underage DUI charges, they can make all the difference when it comes to receiving a favorable outcome in your case. Your attorney can review the details of your arrest and charges, gather evidence in support of your defense, and work to achieve the most favorable outcome available.

How Do I Get Out of a DUI in WV?

In West Virginia, your attorney can review the details of your underage DUI arrest and charge and help determine the most suitable legal defense strategies to use in your case. Common defense strategies might include challenging the legality of the traffic stop that resulted in your arrest and subsequent charge or calling into question the validity of any field sobriety tests or chemical tests.

Is an Underage DUI a Felony in West Virginia?

The chances of an underage DUI charge being upgraded from a misdemeanor to a felony will ultimately depend on the nature of the DUI and the circumstances involved. If this is your first underage DUI conviction, it will most likely be charged as a misdemeanor. However, if you begin racking up multiple DUI charges or your alleged action of driving under the influence results in the death of another human being, you could face felony charges.

Speak to a Compassionate and Understanding Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been charged with an underage DUI offense in Morgantown, the need for a criminal defense lawyer is great. Contact the office of Crowe Law, LLC, today to schedule your free consultation with our team and learn more about how we can protect your rights.