Criminal Defense

Almost everybody carries a mini computer in their pockets these days in the form of a cell phone – and those little digital devices carry an enormous amount of data and personal information, including photographs, messages, financial records, internet history and...

Many police interrogations begin informally. You may be asked to come into the station “just to talk,” or approached in a setting that feels less official. That can make it difficult to know whether you are free to leave. The answer depends on whether the interaction...

If you are facing a sex crime charge in Charles Town, a conviction carries consequences far beyond jail. Recent WV legislative updates have added stricter rules on employment and housing. Understanding these changes is the first step in defending your legal rights and...

A physical confrontation can escalate quickly, and what starts as a heated moment can lead to serious felony charges. West Virginia draws sharp lines between levels of assault, and the penalties jump once the conduct goes beyond a misdemeanor. How West Virginia...

Assault charges frequently follow violent interactions. When one person intentionally attacks another and causes them serious injuries, the state is likely to take legal action in response.  However, sometimes people end up facing assault charges over arguments that...

Sharing intimate pictures and recording private videos has become much more common in recent years. While people have always used photography as a means of capturing intimate moments, the prevalence of cellphones makes such practices more accessible to people. Many...

Some sex crimes are truly violent acts. Others are technical violations of state statutes. The term “statutory rape” refers to a scenario in which the law makes an otherwise consensual act of intimacy illegal.  Individual states can establish ages of consent. People...

A violent crime record can follow you for years. It can limit your ability to find work, rent an apartment, or rebuild your life. In West Virginia, many people want to know if they can clear their record through expungement. Understanding how the process works helps...

Getting arrested is a terrifying experience. Your heart races, your mind spins and you may not know what you should do next. During this time, understanding and exercising your rights can make a significant difference in legally protecting yourself. Whether it is in...

When an individual faces a violent crime charge in West Virginia, the person’s level of intoxication at the time can play a significant role. A person’s mental state, or intent, matters a great deal in criminal law, especially when the prosecution must prove a...