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....
Criminal Defense
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...
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...
What is traditional vs. synthetic identity theft?
Every year, thousands of people in West Virginia and throughout the country fall prey to identity theft. This type of fraud can come in multiple forms. In the context of criminal law, understanding the differences between these types of fraudulent acts is important...
West Virginia’s new law regarding criminal record expungement
Having a criminal record can dramatically change your life. In West Virginia, there is a new law that can impact the way you get your record expunged. If you have a criminal record, you should know the criteria for expungement and what to expect. Who is eligible for...

