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...
Criminal Defense
How to avoid a holiday DUI
The holidays are here! This is the time of year when people gather to celebrate with friends, family and coworkers while enjoying festive foods and alcoholic beverages. Between all of the parties and celebrations, it’s easy to overindulge. While you plan to simply...
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...
Criminal records come with consequences
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...
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...