Police departments in West Virginia and around the country use dogs that are trained to signal an alert when their keen senses of smell detect illegal drugs, explosives or firearms. The courts usually take it for granted that drug-sniffing dogs are impartial as long...
Year: 2023
Why marriages come to an end
You may have heard that the divorce rate in the United States is roughly 50%. However, the truth is that there are a lot of factors that determine your likelihood of getting a divorce such as your age or whether you are getting married for the first or second time....
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...
Social Security retirement benefits for divorced spouses
Divorced spouses in West Virginia and around the country who did not work while they were married or earned modest incomes are eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits based on their former husband or wives’ contributions as long as their marriages...
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...
Why roadside drug tests are unreliable
Many people who live in West Virginia are aware of roadside drug tests. The state has strict laws about driving while under the influence of alcohol, and the strictness extends to driving under the influence of drugs. However, some significant issues associated with...
How women can prepare for divorce
Going through a divorce can be devastating, emotionally and financially. The stakes go up even more when high-ticket assets are involved. Here are a few steps women in West Virginia can take to protect themselves and minimize unpleasant outcomes. Navigating a divorce...