When someone runs into trouble with the legal system, they benefit from due process after an arrest. A defendant will appear in a West Virginia court and have a right to a defense and jury trial. Even so, the chances of a conviction loom, and those chances could be...
Criminal Defense
Body camera footage raises questions about police K-9 impartiality
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...
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...
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...
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...
Facial recognition technology often makes mistakes
Many West Virginia residents carry smartphones that can be unlocked with a glance. Facial recognition technology is now extremely commonplace, but it is not always reliable. The facial recognition systems on phones and other devices work well because they perform a...
Cocaine Laws in West Virginia
West Virginia considers cocaine to be one of many controlled substances prohibited under state law. West Virginia classifies cocaine as a Schedule II controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse, the severe physical or psychic dependence resulting from...
Understanding your right to remain silent
One of the fundamental rights that we all have in West Virginia and across the United States is the right to remain silent. This right is guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and is an important protection against self-incrimination....
Understanding the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
If you are facing criminal charges in West Virginia for driving under the influence, it is crucial to understand the evidence that may be used against you. One such piece of evidence is the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. What is the HGN Test? Law enforcement...