When you face assault charges, you may wonder what your options are and how to defend yourself. Assault is a serious crime that can have severe consequences, such as jail time, fines and a criminal record. However, there are ways to fight assault charges and protect...
The People’s Lawyer
Criminal Defense
Understanding West Virginia’s implied consent law
Most West Virginia drivers are aware of laws that prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle if the driver is under the influence of alcohol or has Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in excess of 0.15%. These same drivers usually do not understand the legal power of a police...
Motions to suppress can be key to your defense
The Constitution guarantees the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. At its most basic, this right protects West Virginians against police searching your property or person without a warrant or other legal basis. If police conduct a search in...
3 ways the West Virginia drug courts help people facing charges
A drug offense can mean major hardship for those who are convicted of wrongdoing. Even simple possession offenses can result in a lifetime criminal record that will influence what jobs and educational opportunities someone can pursue. Despite a growing body of...
When is an assault and battery a felony?
People in West Virginia will get into various disputes and fights with others throughout their lives. People handle these disputes in different ways, but sometimes, people will be in a physical fight. The state takes assault and battery charges seriously and there can...
West Virginians caught up in Operation North Star
Whether you are in your home, at work or in your car, when the police show up, it is scary. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, recent events have shown us that this matters very little. A recent press release by the United States Marshals and the...
Proposed new law could worsen penalties for sex offenders
Being accused of sex-related crimes in West Virginia can not only lead to criminal penalties but also personal challenges. There is a stigma associated with these allegations. Along with losing their freedom, it will cast them in a negative light personally and...
Consequences beyond the criminal sentence
When most people consider the consequences of a criminal conviction, they focus on the sentence imposed by a judge—incarceration, fines or probation. But the consequences of a criminal conviction can go far beyond the sentence. Collateral consequences Collateral...
Standing one’s ground when facing sex offense charges
The stigma of being accused of a sex crime is horrendous. The accusation alone can permanently damage your reputation. But in our judicial system, in every state of the union, an individual is innocent until proven guilty. If accused, every single person is entitled...
Did your addiction contribute to your violent behavior?
Many West Virginia residents struggle every day with a drug or alcohol addiction. These addictions can negatively affect several areas of life. Addictions can cause people to lose jobs, relationships and their homes. Drugs and alcohol often affect our behavior and can...
