When a West Virginia court grants probation instead of a jail or prison sentence, it creates an opportunity to stay in the community, keep a job, and remain with family. That opportunity comes with court-ordered conditions, and an allegation of non-compliance can put...
A new job or work schedule may make an existing parenting plan difficult to follow. Under West Virginia Code § 48-9-206, a court may change the plan when the schedule change creates a substantial change in circumstances and the proposed change serves the child’s best...
A friend drives you to a parking lot and meets someone there. A few days later, federal agents claim that you witnessed a drug sale and joined a larger operation. If you are facing federal drug charges, learning what separates innocent proximity from an unlawful...
If you inherited mineral, oil or gas rights before or during your marriage, you may wonder how a divorce might affect those interests. West Virginia generally treats inherited property as separate property. However, how the spouses handled the property during the...
A domestic violence conviction can affect a person's ability to possess a firearm in West Virginia. State law restricts firearm possession after certain domestic violence convictions. A person may also face restrictions while subject to a domestic violence protective...
When the stakes are high, you can never be more careful. A simple mistake can cost you a fortune or compromise your long-term financial security. To protect your fair share of property, avoid making these three mistakes. Don’t overlook hidden assets When multiple...
When a custody dispute reaches a West Virginia family court, the judge sometimes needs more than each parent's version of events. The court may then bring in a neutral person to study your family and report back. Knowing why a judge orders that review, and how the...
Police officers have an obligation to follow and uphold the law. In some cases, their eagerness to enforce the law may result in them violating the rights of people they suspect of criminal activity. Police officers sometimes conduct warrantless searches without...
A decision to divorce is one that affects everyone in a family home, including one’s children. While people who are going through a divorce often focus on property division, it’s also critical to include parenting time, decision making, child support and similar...
Meeting with a criminal defense attorney for the first time is your opportunity to explain your situation and begin building a legal strategy. To make the most out of that meeting, bringing the right information can help clarify the circumstances and identify the...
