Manufacturing illicit drugs is dangerous in many ways. Apart from the fact that it’s illegal in West Virginia, most controlled substances are produced in crude and unsafe homemade “labs” which can be dangerous for both the drug makers and anyone else nearby. One of...
The People’s Lawyer
Criminal Defense
Does a stun gun count as a deadly weapon in a robbery case?
Stun guns, also known as tasers, are marketed as non-lethal weapons that allow owners to disable their would-be assailants. They deliver a controlled electrical current to the target’s body, causing involuntary muscle contractions. But while stun guns might be...
When moving to West Virginia, don’t forget your sex offender registration.
Sex offenses, particularly those involving minors, often involve distributing inappropriate material or possessing child pornography. These actions are serious and subject to legal consequences. Regardless of the nature of the offense, it is important to remember that...
Defending against sex crime charges
Learning you are accused of a sex crime in West Virginia can cause you many problems, on both a legal and personal level. West Virginia takes sex crimes seriously. Most sex crimes come with high penalties, including fines and imprisonment. If the crime victim is a...
Protecting yourself against false domestic violence claims
Domestic violence is when someone unlawfully harms or threatens physical harm to another person living in the same household. Because of their inherently scandalous nature, domestic violence accusations can ruin a person’s life and reputation even before a conviction....
When does sexting become a crime?
Sexting has become a mainstream activity for many people, but some don’t think much about the fine line that stands between legal sexting and illegal sexting. Understanding the legal boundaries of sexting is crucial in today's digital world. While sharing explicit...
Can I get probation for a federal drug charge?
Drug charges are serious business, especially when the charges are federal. You may find yourself facing federal drug charges and not knowing what to expect and if the potential penalties are different from the penalties for state charges. Most importantly, you might...
How can I fight assault charges in West Virginia?
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...
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...
