This bill aims to amend West Virginia's Code by adding specific offenses to the list of qualifying offenses that can lead to enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders. The new offenses included are aggregated vehicular homicide, driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and third offense driving under the influence. The bill modifies Section 61-11-18, which outlines the punishment for second or third offenses of felony, by inserting these new offenses as qualifying for enhanced penalties.

In addition to the insertions, the bill also removes the conjunction "and" from the list of qualifying offenses. The proposed changes stipulate that if a person is convicted of any of the newly added offenses and has prior convictions, the court is required to impose a longer sentence, including a potential five-year addition to a definite term or a doubled minimum term for indeterminate sentences. The bill emphasizes the seriousness of these offenses and aims to deter repeat offenders through stricter sentencing guidelines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-11-18