There’s no question that West Virginia has a serious drug overdose problem. In fact, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, our state has by far the highest drug overdose death rate of any state in the U.S. – far higher than...
Year: 2023
3 instances when supervised visitation may be necessary
Supervised visitation is a legal arrangement where a non-custodial parent can only spend time with their child under the supervision of a neutral third party. This arrangement is typically put in place to help ensure the safety and well-being of the child involved....
The crucial role of evidence suppression in criminal cases
Just because you think the prosecution has substantial evidence against you does not automatically spell trouble. This is because not all of the evidence may be admissible in court. In other words, you can exclude specific pieces of evidence from being used against...
Things you should avoid doing during divorce
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging and emotionally draining experiences. It is a time when emotions run high, and decision-making becomes even more crucial. While it may be tempting to act on impulse or seek revenge, it is essential to approach your divorce...
Can I get full custody of the dog in a divorce?
In West Virginia and other states, some couples treat their treasured pets as children and, during a divorce, can dispute who keeps the dog and whether they should have visitation or custody rights. The law is still evolving to address this situation, and most courts...
Judges and plea bargain agreements
The courts and legal processing system in West Virginia are increasingly stretched thin, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Any legal process, whether civil or criminal, takes much time and specialized effort, from law enforcement officers to clerks to lawyers to...
Can child support arrears be discharged in a bankruptcy?
Fewer than half of the custodial parents in West Virginia and around the country receive the correct amount of child support each month. Noncustodial parents who fall behind on their child support payments can be denied driver’s licenses and have their wages...
Understanding West Virginia’s heroin laws
Heroin is a Schedule I substance in West Virginia, meaning it is illegal to possess, use, manufacture, or distribute. Possession of this drug carries harsh criminal penalties, including long prison sentences and large fines. You can face even harsher penalties if you...
Consequences of DUI charges for pilots
As professionals responsible for passenger and aircraft safety, pilots are held to high standards both in the air and on the ground. A DUI charge can have severe consequences for West Virginia pilots, potentially jeopardizing their careers and posing a significant...
What happens to your pension after divorce
West Virginia residents face many difficult financial decisions during the divorce process. One of those decisions is how to handle retirement plans, like a 401K or pension. This joint asset can be particularly difficult to divide between spouses. Joint asset In a...