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...
Criminal Defense
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...
Do EtG tests in West Virginia really work?
EtG (ethyl glucuronide) tests have seen wide use in a variety of settings in West Virginia. The test is used to monitor the presence of ethyl glucuronide, which is a byproduct of alcohol consumption, in a person's body, . What is ethyl glucuronide? EtG is ethanol in...
Is bitemark evidence scientific?
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), forensic bitemark analysis has no scientific validity. This recent report is not the first time so-called bitemark evidence has been refuted. Scientists balked at the idea when the court system in...
What is money laundering and what are the consequences?
Large scale money laundering is typically associated with drug cartels, organized crime and terrorism. But small-scale money laundering isn’t uncommon and the penalties can be severe. While money laundering investigations and trials are rare, many commonplace...
Troubles with credit card fraud
Some people struggle with making their credit card payments, and nothing might enrage such persons more than when they look at a balance and see several false charges. However, many West Virginia account holders find themselves dealing with the fallout from credit...
What type of restraining orders are there and how long do they last?
For one reason or another, there are times when couples no longer get along in West Virginia. Sometimes, this situation can cause things to escalate into allegations of domestic violence. One way that two parties attempt to avoid further encounters with each other is...
How to protect yourself during a DUI stop
An arrest for DUI can be frightening for any West Virginia resident. It’s important to know what to do during a traffic stop to protect your rights. Police need probable cause to stop you The first thing you should know when a police officer stops you on suspicion of...
State and federal charges for prescription drug offenses
Illegally obtained prescription drugs have been the center of a U.S. epidemic since the 2010s. The abuse of prescription medications is now common and widespread throughout the United States. The criminal penalties vary based on the type of prescription drug and are...