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...
The People’s Lawyer
Criminal Defense
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...
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...