What are the laws governing DWI in my state?
In West Virginia, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It is classified as a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offense. The legal limit for a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%, but any amount of alcohol or drugs in your system will result in a conviction if it significantly impairs your ability to drive. Individuals who are found operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.15% or higher will face more severe penalties than if their BAC is below that amount. Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or other chemical test for intoxication can also lead to fines, suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, and potential jail time. In addition to DUI, West Virginia also has laws governing Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). These laws apply to individuals operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more. A DWI conviction results in a mandatory jail sentence. The length of this sentence depends on the degree of intoxication and whether or not the individual has any prior convictions. In West Virginia, an impaired driver may also face additional penalties such as a fine of up to $5,000, a possible jail sentence of up to six months, the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license for at least six months, and/or the installation of an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. A DWI conviction will remain on a driver’s record for a minimum of 10 years.
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