This bill seeks to amend section 17C-5-2 of the Code of West Virginia to enhance the classification and penalties associated with DUI offenses, particularly for individuals who flee from law enforcement. It establishes that individuals who drive under the influence and evade police will face the same penalties as those who cause bodily injury or death while driving impaired. The legislation introduces definitions for terms such as "impaired state," "bodily injury," and "serious bodily injury," and outlines the penalties for various DUI offenses, including mandatory minimum sentences, fines, and conditions for license revocation.

Additionally, the bill reclassifies "Fleeing DUI" as a predicate offense for subsequent DUI charges, allowing for stricter penalties for repeat offenders. It grants the Division of Motor Vehicles the authority to create rules for implementing these changes and requires court clerks to promptly transmit conviction orders to the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles. The amendments aim to close existing gaps in the law regarding fleeing DUI incidents and ensure that impaired drivers are held accountable, regardless of their attempts to evade law enforcement.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-5-2