West Virginia Criminal Lawyers
Criminal Matters
Today’s criminal defense legal environment is a highly complex web of laws. If you are arrested, charged with a crime, are under investigation, or are faced with possible indictment, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to represent you. An experienced criminal defense specialist will familiarize you with the intricacies of how the criminal justice process works.
A criminal charge is a serious matter and requires vigorous and effective representation. Penalties can include incarceration, forfeiture of property, office or license, fines, probation, and parole supervision. A conviction can have other potentially adverse consequences, including loss of reputation, employment, or education and other opportunities.
We appear at all courts where criminal matters are heard, including local municipal court and state courts in matters involving state crimes. We also appear in federal district court in matters involving federal crimes. We handle pre-indictment negotiations, bail applications, motion practice, trial practice, and appellate litigation. Whether it is DWI, a drug arrest, or securities fraud, we can advise you.
For those who have not yet been charged, we will typically speak with state or federal prosecutors to avoid indictment and will attempt to negotiate a favorable resolution to your matter. If this is not possible, we provide full and vigorous representation at trial.
Municipal Court offenses may include minor drug offenses, disorderly conduct, harassment, DUI, shoplifting, violations of town ordinances, and other related offenses. We will work to ensure that any disposition of a matter in municipal court is limited to payment of court costs and fines, and does not entail probation or jail time.
State and Federal Criminal offenses are more serious in nature than municipal court offenses. Such matters often include potential exposure to county, state, or federal prison. We will advocate vigorously to avoid incarceration.
