Disputes are just a part of doing business. But what sometimes begins as a disagreement over finances, authority or control can soon escalate into criminal accusations. If you’re a business owner, executive or employee who handles company funds, this shift can be...
Criminal Defense
Miranda rights provide protection in custodial interrogations
People who are placed into police custody are sometimes questioned by the officers, but there’s a critical step that has to be taken care of before those questions start. Anyone who’s being subjected to a custodial interrogation must be read their Miranda rights. The...
New West Virginia law increases penalties for drug dealers
Fentanyl is, as most everyone knows, a highly dangerous drug. Just a tiny amount can cause serious harm and often death. Sadly, West Virginia has the highest rate of fentanyl deaths in the country. In an effort to lessen the damage done by fentanyl in our state, Gov....
Holiday DUI checkpoints: What are your rights?
The holidays bring celebrations, travel and, unfortunately, an increase in impaired driving incidents. To keep roads safe, law enforcement agencies often set up DUI checkpoints during this time of year. These checkpoints are meant to deter drunk driving, but they can...
What are the possible penalties for a first DUI offense?
People often get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses because they drive poorly. Causing crashes, displaying impaired ability or failing a breath test could all lead to a DUI arrest. Many motorists accused of intoxication at the wheel feel...
Common defenses in West Virginia embezzlement cases
An accusation of embezzlement in West Virginia can upend your work, finances and reputation. You may suddenly face investigators, charges and difficult choices about your future. In this situation, you might benefit from direct information on what the state may try to...
3 potential benefits of negotiating a plea bargain
Most people accused of crimes insist that they are innocent. However, a sizable majority of criminal defendants eventually enter a guilty plea rather than take their case to trial. Frequently, their guilty plea is part of a broader plea bargain negotiated by their...
Clearing your record: Understanding expungement in West Virginia
For most, a criminal record feels like a permanent barrier to employment, housing, education and simple peace of mind. Expungement, a process that allows eligible individuals to erase certain offenses, offers a second chance and an opportunity to move forward without...
When can police officers search a person’s body?
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and property seizures. There are restrictions on the conduct of law enforcement professionals looking for evidence of criminal activity. Unique rules apply in different search scenarios. Bodily searches,...
Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?
Picture this. You’re sitting in an interrogation room, facing a detective asking questions about a crime. The officer says your friend has already confessed and pinned everything on you or that there is video footage implicating you. Could they be lying? Here is what...