Doctors prescribe medication as a form of treatment for various ailments. However, there are some drugs prescribed that may also carry risks in the eyes of the law. The West Virginia Uniform Controlled Substances Act sets out the way the legal system views drugs by...
Year: 2020
What should you know about field sobriety tests?
West Virginia law enforcement may rely on field sobriety tests during a DUI check. These tests see how high a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) level is. Unlike breath tests or blood tests, they do not use scientific tools of measuring. There is some basic...
What are your rights after an arrest?
Facing arrest is scary and stressful, and many people do not know that they have rights. Upon arrest, the law enforcement officer reads the suspect the Miranda warning, which outlines certain privileges. During an arrest, it may be hard to remember exactly what...
Drunk driving charges might become criminal charges
When accused of a DUI in West Virginia, many people expect little more than a slap on the wrist. The state’s regulations regarding the first two or so offenses are not as strict as many other states across America. This might cause even people who know they are...
What is drug possession with intent to distribute?
Those who are familiar with the criminal justice system know that it can be difficult to understand the criminal charges one is facing or how the justice system works. At times, it might seem as if the whole system is rigged against the person accused of committing...
How should you behave in a courtroom?
The pressure of facing criminal charges in a courtroom in West Virginia may cause you to feel uneasy and fearful. While these are valid emotions to feel, your preparation for your trial may help you to feel more confident and less uncomfortable about the whole...
Why should I hire a defense attorney?
While you have the right to a court-appointed attorney if you are low income, it may be in your best interests to hire an attorney instead. Finding the money to hire an attorney can allow you to get representation that goes beyond the basic. The New York Times...
What is the difference between a felony and misdemeanor?
In the criminal justice system, the law distinguishes between different categories of crimes. The two you will hear the most about are felonies and misdemeanors. You may wonder what the difference is between the two. It is not always clear because crimes can often...
What are the DUI limits in West Virginia?
Drunk drivers risk their own safety and the safety of others on the road, which is why DUI laws can be so strict. A DUI can affect your future both in the short and long-term if serious enough. Not all DUI charges are equal. FindLaw takes all that legal tape and...
Neonatal abstinence syndrome sees dramatic increases
Also called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in newborn infants whose mothers used narcotics while pregnant. Exposure to opioids in the womb can cause the baby to undergo symptoms of withdrawal following birth. According to the...