Are there any legal defenses to a DWI arrest?
Yes, there are certain legal defenses to a DWI arrest in West Virginia. As with most states, DWI law in West Virginia is based on the concept of not allowing drivers to operate a vehicle if they are found to be impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs. As such, a successful legal defense to a DWI arrest can be based on the fact that the defendant was not impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs at the time the offense was committed. Another defense to a DWI arrest may be based on a lack of evidence that the defendant was indeed driving or operating a motor vehicle at the time of the DWI arrest. This means that the arresting officer must have sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant was in control of the vehicle when the offense occurred. This could include eyewitness testimony, or video or audio recordings. A third legal defense to a DWI arrest in West Virginia is that the defendant may have been under the influence, but was not driving at the time of his or her arrest. This can be difficult to prove, but it can be effective if the defendant can demonstrate that he or she was not operating the vehicle when the DWI offense occurred. Finally, a defendant may also be able to raise a defense of entrapment. This defense may be used if the defendant can show that the arresting officer entrapped him or her into committing the DWI offense. Entrapment occurs when an officer uses fraud, coercion, or overbearing behavior to induce someone to commit an offense that they otherwise would not have committed. Overall, while DWI law in West Virginia is quite strict, there are certain legal defenses a defendant can use to defend against a DWI arrest. It is important to speak with an experienced attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and the potential defenses available.
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