Finding out that you are being detained or under arrest is the first event in what can seem like a never ending series of events. If you are detained or arrested, you should know that you have very specific rights that you can invoke. You have probably heard about...
Year: 2016
Drug court pretrial diversion is possible in some cases
When you are facing drug charges in West Virginia, there is a chance that you could enter into the drug court program if your case meets specific requirements. Generally, this program is open to defendants who are facing possession charges and who don't have a violent...
Jury finds man not guilty of sex crime charges
After a trial that included testimony from both the defendant and his accuser, a man has been found not guilty of sex crime charges. The allegations in the case involved the sexual abuse of a minor girl. The man was accused of abusing her in 2005 and 2006 and also in...
Can police officers legally search my vehicle?
You likely know that the United States Constitution gives you certain rights. One of the amendments in the Constitution is the Fourth Amendment, which gives you the right to not have to undergo unreasonable searches and seizures at the hands of law enforcement...
Newborn’s death won’t result in charges for mother
In June 2013, a woman who was nine months pregnant injected methamphetamines. A few hours afterwards, she went to the hospital because she was having trouble breathing. The doctor diagnosed her with acute respiratory distress. The cause? Her drug use.The doctor said...
Does a drug bust automatically lead to jail time?
In recent news, you may have read about a major bust in nearby Steubenville, Ohio, that led to the arrest of a man. Police allegedly discovered large amounts of suspected drugs including over 100 grams of heroin and 75 grams of crack cocaine, in addition to marijuana,...
Curveballs are common in criminal cases
Each time you stand before the court or have a meeting with law enforcement officers during a criminal case, there is a chance that you will be thrown a curveball in your case. The events can either be a great opportunity for your defense or they can be a challenge...
Murder and Manslaugher Charges in West Virginia
A person charged with crimes that resulted in the death of another person could face serious consequences. Depending upon the charges, penalties could range from a year's imprisonment up to a life sentence. It is imperative that those facing such charges in West...
West Virginia government official arrested for harassment
The recent arrest of a Lewis County assessor on harassment charges has surprised the community he serves. The 38-year-old man of Jane Lew, West Virginia, is accused of harassing a victim in several ways. News reports say he sent hundreds of texts to the victim during...
What does West Virginia law say about marijuana?
The penalties for marijuana possession in West Virginia remain very harsh. Unlike many other states that are legalizing marijuana for recreational use, medicinal use, or both uses, possession of marijuana is still a crime in the state. According to the law, marijuana...